Mediterranean Baked Beef Meatballs
The following recipe and photography were provided courtesy of Julia of A Cedar Spoon.
These Mediterranean Baked Beef Meatballs are a delicious protein-packed entrée that can easily be enjoyed on their own or with a medley of veggies.
Formed from all beef and mixed with warm, rich spices like cumin, cinnamon, allspice and cayenne pepper, these meatballs are lean and baked, making them a healthy meal option.
For the most flavor, I recommend pairing these meaty bites with fresh Mediterranean ingredients to create rice or hummus bowls with a side of homemade tzatziki.
Mediterranean Baked Beef Meatballs
- Cook time:
- 20min
- Prep time:
- 15min
- Total time:
- 35min
- Servings:
- 25-30
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- 1 lb. Heinen's CARE Certified ground beef
- ¼ cup Heinen's bread crumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup shallots, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, minced
- 1/2 tsp. cumin
- 1/2 tsp. allspice
- 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp. cayenne red pepper (optional)
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1/8 tsp. black pepper
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil
For the Tzatziki Sauce
- 3/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil
- 2 tsp. red wine vinegar
- 1 Tbsp. fresh dill, chopped
- 1 cups cucumber, grated
- 2 Tbsp. lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp. salt
- 1/8 tsp. black pepper
Instructions
To Prepare the Beef Meatballs
- Preheat the oven to 400˚F. Spray a baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, shallots, parsley, cumin, allspice, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, salt, pepper and olive oil.
- Add the ground beef and use your hands to gently mix everything together. Be careful not to overmix. Form the beef mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place on the baking sheet.
- Bake in the oven for 20 minutes, until the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165ºF.
To Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce
- To prepare the tzatziki sauce, combine the Greek yogurt, garlic, extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, dill, cucumber, lemon juice, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Stir well to combine.
- Put in a covered container and refrigerate until ready to serve.
