Lamb Meatballs with Tzatziki Recipe (AIP, Paleo, SCD, GAPS)

Last Updated on May 5, 2023

This Greek lamb meatballs recipe is quick and easy and sure to please the whole family. Lamb meatballs are juicy and flavorful, and work great as a side or main dish. They are suitable for folks on the AIP, Paleo, SCD, and GAPS diets.

Lamb Meatballs

I got a serious hankerin’ for some lamb today. Though my family is full-blooded Italian, we all LOVE Greek food.  I can’t say this dinner was authentic, but it satisfied my craving.  I used good-quality ground lamb and sort of improvised.

My whole family enjoyed it.  After one bite, my son yells “Mom!  This is sooooo good!”  I don’t know where he gets his passion for food.  Must be my cracker husband.

Please, fellow foodies, do not judge me for the tzatziki recipe below.  I’m-a love me some tzatziki but simply cannot do the cow’s milk yogurt that makes it so delicious.  Desperation makes you do crazy things.  The base of my tzatziki is Aroy-D’s coconut cream.  I told you not to judge me!

I will simply say this:  it wasn’t authentic, but my husband who DESPISES coconut in any form loved the tzatziki.

Lamb Meatballs Recipe

Lamb meatballs aren’t the type of meatballs you’d eat with spaghetti. My lamb meatballs recipe has a hearty Greek vibe to it, and they pair amazingly well with my dairy-free tzatziki sauce.

This easy everyday recipe for lamb meatballs uses simple ingredients and imparts delicious mediterranean flavors.

I think you will love it!

They are cooked on the stove in a pan, so they get nice and carmelized on the outside.

Lamb Meatballs Ingredients

This great recipe uses simple ingredients, but boasts the best flavor!

• high-quality ground lamb (or half lamb and half ground beef)
• chopped cilantro – cilantro complements the flavor of lamb exceptionally well.
• garlic powder (or minced garlic if you love garlic!)
• dried oregano
• onion powder
• kosher salt or sea salt (don’t use table salt!)
• cinnamon (optional)
• prepared tzatziki (recipe below) – The tzatziki  helps the meatballs remain nice and moist and prevents them from drying out. You could also use sour cream, albeit not dairy-free.

Feel free to add some black pepper if you are not AIP.

How to Make Lamb Meatballs

Making this lamb meatball recipe is so easy! You can find the printable recipe card below for detailed instructions.

1.) First, you’ll place all the meatball ingredients in a large mixing bowl and combine the ground meat with a large fork.

Whatever you do, don’t use hands to combine ground lamb or it will compress the meat and make it tough.

2.) Next, heat a large skillet to medium-low. Once hot, add plenty of oil, coming up about 1/2 inch in the pan.

3.) Then form meatballs (I used round cookie scoop). Roll the meat mixture and shape with hands. Flatten the tops a bit.

4.) Finally, pan fry in batches in pan until nice and brown, flip and brown the other side and cook through.

You may keep them warm by placing cooked meatballs on a cooling rack fit inside a large baking sheet with sides and keeping in an oven set on 250F.

Serve with extra tzatziki on the side for a true greek-style lamb meatball!

Recipe Note

As mentioned above, you want to be careful how you mix the meat. To make tender meatballs that are light and fluffy, handle them minimally when mixing the spices and shaping them. This will keep them from getting tough and dense.

Baking Lamb Meatballs Instead of Frying

If you prefer, you can bake the meatballs for about 15 minutes at 400°f. Simply line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. In a single layer, place the meatballs about 1/2 inch a part.

A great option is to use a broiler pan that can catch the greese.

You may want to turn the broiler on for a couple mintes at the end to get them to caramelize up a bit.

How to Keep Lamb Meatballs Tender

Since lamb has a lower fat content than some other meats, it’s important to add moisture to your meatball mixture. I have found the best way to keep the meatballs moist is to use tzatziki in the mixture.

I also make sure I handle them minimally and don’t overcook them.

Storing Leftover Meatballs

If you have any lamb meatballs leftover (we never do!) you can store them in an airtight container for  up to 4 days. You can reheat them in the microwave or a skillet on the stove. Be sure not to over cook them when heating them up though!

These easy lamb meatballs also can be frozen in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.

Can I make smaller meatballs?

If you want to make your lamb meatballs smaller to serve as an appetizer, be sure to cook them for less time as they won’t take as long to cook. You don’t want dry meatballs!

Just watch the color of them as they cook, you want them to be a nice golden brown.

What to Serve With Lamb Meatballs

Of course, you’ll love eating lamb meatballs with tzatziki sauce, but they also pair nicely with hummus. You can eat them in a gyro or as a main dish. Lamb also pairs well with feta, tomato, and olives, or stuffed in pita bread (if you are not gluten-free).

I love eating lamb meatballs with a cucumber salad and roasted vegetables. You can make a lamb meatball bowl with some leafy greens, picked red onion, crumbled feta, olives, cherry tomatoes, and sliced avocado.

Ways to Garnish Delicious Lamb Meatballs

• • fresh parsley
  • fresh herbs
  • fresh mint
  • feta cheese
  • red pepper flakes (not AIP)
  • lemon zest
  • fresh dill

Dairy-Free Tzatziki

One of my favorite ways to eat greek meatballs with homemade tzatzki sauce.

I make the tzatziki dairy-free using coconut yogurt which I make in the Instant Pot using the Natural Value Coconut Cream below.

I’ve also made the meatballs with beef when I didn’t have lamb on hand and, though it lacked the distinct lamb flavor, it was still delicious. I think mixing half lamb and half beef would also taste great. But, if you enjoy beef meatballs, who am I to stop you?

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