If you're a fan of Greek and Mediterranean flavors, you're in for a treat! This keto Greek meatballs recipe is not only easy to make, but it's also packed with flavor. These meatballs are perfect for a weeknight dinner and can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you're following a paleo, Whole30, or keto diet, this recipe is a delicious and versatile option.
Why You'll Love These Keto Greek Meatballs
- Flavorful: The spice combination in these meatballs is irresistible, especially when paired with tzatziki sauce.
- Quick and Easy: With only 15 minutes of cook time in the oven, this recipe comes together super quickly.
- Versatile: Enjoy these meatballs on their own, in a salad, over rice or cauliflower rice, or even in a pita bread (if you're okay with gluten).
- Freezable: These meatballs can be prepped ahead of time and frozen, either raw or cooked.
- Keto-Friendly: With just 3 net carbs per serving, these meatballs are perfect for a keto or low-carb diet.
- Nut-Free: These meatballs are made without any crumbs, crackers, pork rinds, or ground nuts, making them a great option for those with nut allergies.
Ingredients You'll Need
For the Meatballs:
- Ground meat (chicken, lamb, beef, or pork)
- Frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
- Feta cheese, crumbled
- Greek yogurt, plain flavor
- Red bell pepper, diced
- Dried thyme
- Dried oregano
- Garlic powder
- Shallot, diced (or a bit of yellow or sweet onion)
- Lemon zest
- Egg
- Salt and pepper
For Serving:
- Tzatziki sauce (dairy-free or traditional)
- Optional: Greek salad, rice, cauliflower rice, pita bread
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce: It's highly recommended to make the tzatziki sauce first, as it allows the flavors to meld together. You can even make it a day ahead.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375-450 degrees F (depending on the recipe source).
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine all the meatball ingredients. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in dry and tough meatballs. Stir until just combined.
- Shape the Meatballs: Form the meatballs using about 2 tablespoons of the meatball mixture for each. Aim for about 24 meatballs, around 1 1/2 inches wide.
- Bake the Meatballs: Line the meatballs up on a baking sheet with raised sides, leaving some space between them. Bake for 15-40 minutes, depending on the recipe and oven temperature, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. Check for doneness around the 16-minute mark to avoid overcooking.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the meatballs from the oven and let them cool for about 10 minutes. Serve with tzatziki sauce and your favorite sides.
Tips and Variations
- Meat Options: While lamb provides a more authentic Greek flavor, you can use ground chicken, pork, beef, or a combination of lamb and beef.
- Spinach: Make sure to squeeze out all the excess water from the thawed spinach to prevent the meatballs from becoming soggy.
- Feta Cheese: For the best flavor, use a block of feta packed in liquid and crumble it yourself.
- Tzatziki Sauce: Don't skip the tzatziki sauce! It adds a creamy and tangy element that complements the meatballs perfectly.
- Make Ahead: The meatballs can be mixed and prepped ahead of time. Store them covered on a parchment-lined baking sheet for up to one day.
- Freezing: To freeze, place the meatballs in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag or freezer-safe container. You can cook them from frozen, too.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve these meatballs in a salad, over rice or cauliflower rice, with roasted vegetables, or in a pita bread.
The Importance of Tzatziki Sauce
Tzatziki sauce is a MUST with these keto Greek meatballs! This creamy sauce adds so much to this dish. The tanginess and creaminess of the dairy-free sauce complements the meatballs so well and makes them taste really authentic.
Nutritional Information
Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and is calculated based on available online ingredient information. It is only an approximate value. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site cannot be guaranteed. Erythritol carbs (sugar substitutes) are not included in the carbohydrate counts as they have been shown not to impact blood sugar, and they have zero calories and zero carbs.
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