How to Make the Perfect Greek Lemon Herb Meatballs with Pita
Greek · Medium · 35 min · 4 servings
These juicy baked Greek meatballs seasoned with mild herbs and a hint of lemon are a wonderful introduction to Mediterranean flavors for kids. Served tucked into warm soft pita with cucumber yogurt sauce, they make a fun hands-on meal the whole family enjoys.
Why this recipe works
This Greek Lemon Herb Meatballs with Pita recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 35 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 450 calories with 28g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 0.5 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 0.5 cup finely diced cucumber
- 4 pieces soft pita bread
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Mix and Shape the Meatballs
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. In a large bowl combine the ground beef, dried oregano, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Mix until just combined and roll into 16 equal balls about the size of a golf ball. Place on a lined baking sheet.
Step 2: Bake the Meatballs
Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes until cooked through and golden on the outside. The internal temperature should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 3: Make the Yogurt Sauce
While the meatballs bake, stir together the Greek yogurt and finely diced cucumber in a small bowl. Season with a small pinch of salt and stir well. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Step 4: Warm Pita and Assemble
Warm the pita bread in a dry skillet or microwave for 20 seconds each. Place 4 meatballs into each pita and spoon the cucumber yogurt sauce generously over the top. Serve immediately.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- ground beef → ground turkey for a lighter lower-fat version
- Greek yogurt → sour cream if Greek yogurt is not available
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Overmixing the meatball mixture which results in tough dense meatballs
- Making the meatballs uneven in size so some cook faster than others
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 450 calories, 28g protein, 38g carbs, 19g fat, 2g fiber.
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