Imagine a dish that transports you straight to the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean with just one bite - our Lamb Meatballs with Tomato Sauce, Feta, and Mint are exactly that culinary adventure! These succulent, herb-infused meatballs combine the rich, robust flavor of ground lamb with the bright, refreshing notes of mint and the tangy punch of feta cheese. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or treat yourself to a gourmet meal that's surprisingly easy to prepare, this recipe promises a flavor explosion that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground lamb
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 egg
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground lamb, breadcrumbs, chopped fresh mint, salt, black pepper, and egg. Mix thoroughly using your hands until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Gently form the meat mixture into uniform meatballs, approximately
- 5 inches in diameter. Aim to create about 12-16 meatballs depending on your preferred size.
- Heat a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Do not add oil, as the lamb will release its own fat during cooking.
- Place meatballs into the hot skillet, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, rotating carefully to brown evenly and develop a rich, golden exterior.
- Once meatballs are browned, carefully drain excess fat from the skillet if needed.
- Pour tomato sauce over the meatballs, reducing heat to medium-low. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, ensuring meatballs are cooked through to an internal temperature of 160°F.
- In the final 2-3 minutes of cooking, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the meatballs and sauce.
- Remove from heat and garnish with additional fresh mint leaves. Serve hot, accompanied by rice, couscous, or crusty bread.
Tips
- Choose high-quality ground lamb with a bit of fat for maximum flavor and juiciness.
- When mixing meatball ingredients, use a light touch to prevent dense, tough meatballs.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure meatballs reach the safe internal temperature of 160°F.
- For extra flavor, toast your breadcrumbs lightly before mixing into the meat.
- Let meatballs rest for a few minutes after cooking to help retain their juices.
- Fresh mint is key - avoid dried herbs for the most vibrant flavor profile.
- If you prefer less fat, you can bake the meatballs on a rack in the oven at 400°F for 15-20 minutes.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 130mg
