Go Back
+ servings
The Softest and Juiciest Greek Meatballs in Lemon Sauce

The Softest and Juiciest Greek Meatballs in Lemon Sauce Recipe

No ratings yet
These Soft and Juicy Greek Meatballs in Lemon Sauce are a comforting family meal, featuring tender meatballs coated in a vibrant lemon avgolemono sauce.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Chilling Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Greek
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 1 lb Ground beef You can swap it for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
  • 1 small Onion (finely grated) Shallots may be used for a sweeter taste.
  • 1/2 cup Arborio rice (uncooked) Avoid using cooked rice.
  • 1/4 cup Fresh parsley (chopped) Cilantro can be used for a different flavor experience.
  • 2 tbsp Fresh dill (chopped) Feel free to omit.
  • 1 large Egg Consider a flax egg for vegan alternative.
  • 1 tsp Salt Opt for sea salt.
  • 1 tsp Black pepper
  • 1 tsp Dried oregano Fresh oregano can be a delightful substitute.
For the Lemon Sauce
  • 4 cups Chicken broth You can use vegetable broth for vegetarian option.
  • 2 tbsp Olive oil Sunflower oil is a suitable alternative.
  • 2 large Eggs (for sauce) Yogurt can be an alternative.
  • 1/4 cup Lemon juice In a pinch, reduce vinegar as a substitute.

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Heavy-bottomed pot
  • Parchment Paper
  • ladle

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, finely grated onion, uncooked Arborio rice, chopped parsley, dill, egg, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until all ingredients are just combined.
  2. Using your hands, form the meat mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs, placing them on a parchment-lined tray. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 15–20 minutes.
  3. In a wide, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat, pour in chicken broth and add olive oil. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer for about 5 minutes.
  4. Carefully add the chilled meatballs to the simmering broth, cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Let the meatballs simmer for 30 minutes.
  5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and lemon juice until the mixture is smooth. Gradually add hot broth from the pot while whisking continuously.
  6. Return the tempered egg-lemon mixture to the pot with the meatballs, stirring gently. Heat on very low for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  7. Serve the meatballs warm in shallow bowls, drizzling them with the lemon sauce and garnish with additional chopped dill or lemon wedges as desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 25gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 150mgSodium: 850mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 3mg

Notes

These meatballs are freezer-friendly. Prepare a batch ahead for those busy nights.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!