When I posted this meal on my Instagram page last month, I received many requests for the recipe.  There are several different components on the plate in my Instagram photo, but this post includes the meatballs and tzatziki.  Using a little olive oil and panko breadcrumbs binds the meatballs.  Fresh and dried herbs along with the shallot and garlic gives them so much flavor.  I like to brush the uncooked meatballs with olive oil as well as coating the bottom of the baking sheet.  This browns them nicely and adds more to flavor overall to the baked meatballs.

Greek Meatballs:

• ½ pound ground beef (85% lean) 
• ½ pound ground pork
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (more to coat bottom of your baking sheet)
• ¼ cup (27 grams) panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• ½ tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped 
• 1 large shallot, finely diced (¼ cup) 
• 2 garlic cloves, minced or grated on a microplane
• 1¼ teaspoons kosher salt 
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• ½ teaspoon aleppo pepper flakes
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon za’atar (optional)
• 1 teaspoon cumin 
• ½ teaspoon oregano 

Tzatziki:

• ½ large English cucumber, diced
• ¼ cup fresh dill, chopped
• 1 cup (230 grams) Greek yogurt
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• juice of ½ lemon
• ½-¾ teaspoon kosher salt

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 425 ° F.

Brush baking sheet with olive oil (you can line the pan with parchment for easier clean up if you’d like).  Measure all the dried herbs in a small bowl and whisk them until they are combined.  I like to do this because I think it helps to distribute the spices evenly without overmixing the meatball mixture.

Add the ground pork, ground beef, olive oil, breadcrumbs, fresh herbs, salt, pepper and spices to a large mixing bowl. Use your hands to mix everything until well combined.  Do not overwork the mixture or the meatballs will be tough.

Scoop the meat mixture using a 2 tablespoon dough scoop to form golf ball sized meatballs.  Roll them in between the palm of your hands, and place them on a sheet pan that has been drizzled with olive oil.

After all of the meatballs have been rolled and placed on the sheet pan, bake them at 425 degrees for 15-20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit.

While the meatballs are cooking, make the tzatziki sauce.

Add the cucumber, garlic, and dill to the Greek yogurt and stir until well combined. Stir in the lemon juice and salt and store covered in the fridge until ready to serve.

When the meatballs are done, let them cool slightly, and serve with tzatziki sauce.

I hope you make these yummy meatballs.  If you do, please tag me on Instagram @goodeatsbymimi.  I would love to hear from you and see your photos!