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These Greek Turkey Meatballs are tender, juicy, and packed with garlic, herbs, lemon, and feta cheese. They’re an easy Mediterranean-inspired dinner that pairs perfectly with creamy tzatziki, warm pita bread, rice, or a fresh Greek salad.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 18–22 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Yield: About 20 meatballs
Course: Main Course, Appetizer
Cuisine: Greek-Inspired, Mediterranean
Cooking Method: Oven-Baked
Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
For the Turkey Meatballs
- 1½ pounds ground turkey
- ½ cup plain breadcrumbs
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup finely diced red onion
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For Serving
- Tzatziki sauce
- Warm pita bread
- Cucumber
- Cherry tomatoes
- Red onion
- Crumbled feta
- Lemon wedges
Directions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C).
Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Make the Meatball Mixture
Add the ground turkey to a large mixing bowl.
Add the breadcrumbs, feta, egg, garlic, red onion, parsley, dill, oregano, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
3. Mix
Using clean hands or a large spoon, gently combine the ingredients.
Avoid overmixing the meat because this can make the meatballs dense.
4. Shape the Meatballs
Scoop approximately 1½ tablespoons of the turkey mixture at a time.
Gently roll into balls.
You should have approximately 18–20 meatballs, depending on their size.
5. Prepare for Baking
Arrange the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.
Lightly brush or drizzle the tops with olive oil.
6. Bake
Bake at 400°F for approximately 18–22 minutes, or until lightly browned and fully cooked.
Ground turkey should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
7. Optional Browning
For additional color, broil the meatballs for 1–2 minutes after baking.
Watch them closely to prevent burning.
8. Serve
Serve the warm Greek turkey meatballs with tzatziki sauce, pita bread, cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, feta, and fresh lemon wedges.
For extra flavor, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the meatballs just before serving.
🥙 Make a Greek Turkey Meatball Bowl
Add cooked rice or couscous to a bowl and top with:
- Greek turkey meatballs
- Chopped cucumber
- Cherry tomatoes
- Red onion
- Crumbled feta
- Tzatziki
- Warm pita
- Fresh lemon
This makes an easy meal-prep lunch or weeknight dinner.
Recipe Tips
Don't overmix: Gently mixing the turkey helps keep the meatballs tender.
Use feta: Small pieces of feta add moisture and salty Mediterranean flavor.
Fresh lemon makes a difference: Using both zest and juice gives the meatballs a brighter flavor.
Keep the meatballs similar in size: This helps them cook evenly.
Use a thermometer: Ground turkey should reach 165°F internally.
Easy Variations
Greek Chicken Meatballs
Replace the ground turkey with ground chicken.
Spicy Greek Meatballs
Add ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes.
Spinach & Feta Turkey Meatballs
Add approximately ½ cup finely chopped spinach to the meatball mixture.
Air Fryer Greek Turkey Meatballs
Arrange the meatballs in a single layer and air fry at 375°F for approximately 10–14 minutes, depending on size and air fryer, until they reach 165°F internally.
Storage
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Freezing
Allow the cooked meatballs to cool completely.
Place them in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2–3 months.
Reheating
Reheat in a 350°F oven for approximately 8–10 minutes, or until thoroughly heated.
Individual portions can also be reheated in the microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions
What keeps turkey meatballs from becoming dry?
Egg, feta, breadcrumbs, onion, and olive oil help add moisture, while avoiding overmixing and overcooking helps keep the meatballs tender.
Can I make these without feta?
Yes. You can leave out the feta, although the flavor and texture will be slightly different.
What sauce goes with Greek turkey meatballs?
Tzatziki is the classic choice for this recipe. Hummus or a lemon-garlic yogurt sauce also works well.
Can I prepare the meatballs ahead of time?
Yes. Shape the uncooked meatballs, cover, and refrigerate them for up to one day before baking.
Nutrition Information
Approximate nutrition per serving, meatballs only:
- Calories: 360
- Protein: 38g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 650mg
Nutrition information is an estimate and will vary depending on the ground turkey, feta, and other ingredients used.
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