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These Spiced Lamb Meatballs Are a Flavorful, Middle Eastern Inspired Dinner

Seasoned ground lamb with Greek yogurt crisps up in a skillet in 15 minutes.

We love meatballs, but sometimes, the usual ground pork or beef can get a bit old. So why not elevate your dinner with this easy lamb meatballs recipe? Also known as koftas, this classic Middle Eastern dish uses a mixture of ground meat, usually lamb, seasoned with a healthy dose of spices and fresh herbs. We took our recipe a step further by adding in some fat-free Greek yogurt, bread crumbs and grated lemon zest. The yogurt adds a nice tanginess and moisture, while the lemon helps brighten the flavors. But the best part about this dish? It takes only 15 minutes! Just be sure to make your meatballs while your skillet heats up to save time.

Many spices can be used in this lamb meatballs recipe. If you want that traditional flavor, consider adding cumin, coriander, cinnamon, paprika and cayenne into the mixture. You can also use leftover Greek yogurt and lemon to make a dipping sauce. Want more meatballs? Try our recipes for Asian Turkey Meatballs and Air Fryer Meatballs!

Yields

6 servings

Total Time

Prep Time

Cook Time

Ingredients

  • 1 egg
  • 1/3 cup plain fat-free Greek yogurt
  • 1/3 cup seasoned dry breadcrumbs
  • 1 lb. ground lamb
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 Tbs. chopped fresh oregano
  • 1 tsp. grated lemon zest

Instructions

Print

In a bowl, mix egg, yogurt and breadcrumbs. Add ground lamb, garlic, oregano, lemon zest, ¼ tsp. salt and ¼ tsp. pepper. Shape into 18 meatballs. 

Coat a nonstick skillet with cooking spray; heat over medium heat. Add meatballs; cook, turning occasionally, until browned, about 5 min. Cover; reduce heat to medium-low. Cook until no longer pink in centers, 5–7 min.

Nutrition

  • Calories: 194 kcal
  • Fat: 11 gram
  • Saturated Fat: 5 gram
  • Protein: 16 gram
  • Carbohydrate: 6 gram
  • Fiber: 0 gram
  • Cholesterol: 82 mg
  • Sugar: 1 gram
  • Sodium: 243 mg

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