Description
This Sheet Pan Greek Meatballs and Tzatziki recipe offers a deliciously simple way to enjoy flavorful meatballs paired with crispy sweet potatoes and a vibrant herbed dressing. Featuring ground lamb and fresh herbs, these meatballs bake to perfection on a single sheet pan, making this meal both easy to prepare and packed with classic Mediterranean flavors. The cool, creamy tzatziki and zesty dressing with olives and feta perfectly complement the savory meat and crispy sweet potatoes, creating a well-balanced and satisfying dish ideal for a family dinner or casual entertaining.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 1/2 pounds ground lamb (or beef or chicken)
- 2 shallots, chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh oregano, chopped
- 2 teaspoons sweet or regular paprika
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
- Chili flakes, to taste
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (for coating hands and baking)
Sweet Potatoes
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, cut into matchsticks
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Pinch of salt and black pepper
Dressing
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 2 cups mixed fresh herbs (parsley, dill, and/or mint), chopped
- 3/4 cup pitted Greek olives, torn
- 2 tablespoons chopped pepperoncini
- 3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 lemon, halved
- 4 garlic cloves, smashed and chopped
To Serve
- 1-2 cups tzatziki sauce
- Lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, and pitas
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for the meatballs.
- Mix and Shape Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground lamb, chopped shallots, parsley, oregano, paprika, Dijon mustard, kosher salt, black pepper, and chili flakes. Coat your hands lightly with olive oil and roll the mixture into meatballs about 3 tablespoons in size. Place the meatballs evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
- Add Lemon and Garlic: Place the lemon wedges and smashed garlic cloves onto the baking sheet alongside the meatballs to roast alongside them, imparting flavor for the dressing.
- Bake Meatballs: Bake the meatballs and lemon-garlic mix in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, until the meatballs are crisp on the outside and cooked through inside.
- Prepare and Bake Sweet Potatoes: While the meatballs bake, toss the sweet potato matchsticks in 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them evenly on a separate baking sheet and bake for about 25 minutes, or until they become crispy and tender.
- Make the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, chopped herbs, torn olives, and chopped pepperoncini. Once the meatballs are cooked, remove the lemons and garlic from the pan, squeeze the lemon juice into the dressing, finely chop the roasted garlic, and mix it in. Stir in the crumbled feta cheese to finish the dressing.
- Assemble the Dish: In serving bowls, add a generous dollop of tzatziki and a layer of fresh lettuce. Top with the baked meatballs and spoon the herbed feta dressing over the meatballs. Add the crispy sweet potato fries alongside and top with additional desired toppings such as tomatoes, avocado, and pitas.
Notes
- You can substitute ground lamb with ground beef or chicken if preferred.
- Adjust the chili flakes based on your preferred spice level.
- If you like a milder dressing, reduce the amount of pepperoncini or olives.
- For extra crisp sweet potatoes, soak the cut matchsticks in cold water for 30 minutes before baking and dry thoroughly.
- Tzatziki sauce can be homemade or store-bought for convenience.
- Make sure to coat your hands with olive oil before shaping the meatballs to prevent sticking.
- The meatballs can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated before baking.
