The Softest and Juiciest Greek Meatballs in Lemon Sauce

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Meet your new favorite comfort food: Greek meatballs simmered in a tangy lemon sauce that’s bright, silky, and irresistibly savory. These juicy bites are packed with flavor, tender from the inside, and lightly seared on the outside for a golden finish. It’s a traditional Greek dish, also known as “keftedes me lemoni,” that will instantly transport your tastebuds to a sunny Mediterranean kitchen.

Whether served as a main with rice or roasted potatoes, or tucked into pita with a dollop of tzatziki, these meatballs are the ultimate cozy dinner. And the lemon sauce? It’s rich with olive oil, broth, and just the right amount of citrus to make you want to sop it up with warm bread.

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What Kind of Ground Meat Should I Use?

While many Greek keftedes are made with a combination of beef and pork, this recipe works beautifully with just ground beef. Look for something with a little fat (80/20 is ideal) to keep the meatballs moist and flavorful. If you’d like a leaner version, ground turkey or chicken can be substituted, but expect a slightly different texture.

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Ingredients for the Softest and Juiciest Greek Meatballs in Lemon Sauce

Ground beef: The base of our meatballs. Go for 80/20 to keep them rich and juicy.

Onion: Finely grated or minced for extra moisture and subtle sweetness.

Garlic: Essential for that warm depth of flavor in both meatballs and sauce.

Egg: Acts as a binder to hold the meatballs together without making them dense.

Breadcrumbs: Use soft breadcrumbs or panko to soak up moisture and keep things tender.

Milk: Helps soften the breadcrumbs and adds richness.

Parsley: A fresh herb that brings color and brightness to the meatballs.

Olive oil: Used for pan-searing the meatballs and also enhances the lemon sauce.

Flour: A dusting before frying helps get that golden crust and slightly thickens the sauce.

Chicken broth: The savory backbone of the lemon sauce.

Lemon juice: The star ingredient in the sauce, adding tang and freshness.

Salt and pepper: For seasoning and balance throughout the dish.

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How To Make the Softest and Juiciest Greek Meatballs in Lemon Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Breadcrumb Mixture

In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk. Let them soak for about 5 minutes until the crumbs are fully softened. This helps keep the meatballs extra moist and tender.

Step 2: Mix the Meatball Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, the soaked breadcrumb mixture, grated onion, minced garlic, egg, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together with clean hands until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the texture light.

Step 3: Shape and Dust the Meatballs

Using a scoop or spoon, form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1.5 inches wide. Lightly dust each meatball with flour to help them brown nicely and add some body to the sauce.

Step 4: Sear the Meatballs

Heat a few tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches and sear them on all sides until golden brown. You don’t need to cook them through—they’ll finish in the sauce. Set aside once browned.

Step 5: Make the Lemon Sauce

In the same skillet, lower the heat and add a bit more olive oil if needed. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in lemon juice and a pinch of salt. Add the meatballs back into the skillet.

Step 6: Simmer to Perfection

Cover the skillet and let the meatballs simmer gently in the lemon broth for 15-20 minutes. The flour from earlier will slightly thicken the sauce, making it glossy and perfect for spooning.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Before serving, sprinkle with chopped parsley and a few lemon slices for a fresh touch. Serve hot over rice, mashed potatoes, or alongside crusty bread.

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How to Serve and Store These Greek Meatballs

Greek meatballs in lemon sauce are incredibly versatile. Serve them hot over a bed of rice, orzo, or mashed potatoes to soak up every drop of that luscious lemony sauce. They also pair beautifully with crusty bread, a Greek salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete Mediterranean feast.

Leftovers? Even better the next day. Store the meatballs and sauce together in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm them gently on the stove over low heat or microwave in short bursts, stirring in between.

For longer storage, freeze the fully cooked meatballs with the sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep meatballs from falling apart?

Make sure to soak the breadcrumbs in milk and use an egg to bind the mixture. Don’t skip the flour dusting—it helps create a light crust and holds everything together.

Can I bake the meatballs instead of frying?

Yes! You can bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-18 minutes until browned. Then transfer to the skillet with the lemon sauce to finish cooking.

Is this dish gluten-free?

You can easily make it gluten-free by using GF breadcrumbs and omitting the flour or substituting with a GF flour blend or cornstarch.

Can I use other herbs besides parsley?

Absolutely. Dill or mint would be delicious alternatives for a more traditional Greek twist.

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can form and refrigerate the uncooked meatballs a day ahead. Or cook and refrigerate them fully, then reheat in the lemon sauce when you’re ready to serve.

What should I do if the sauce is too thin?

Simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce, or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water) to thicken it up.

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Want More Savory Mediterranean Ideas?

If you loved these lemony Greek meatballs, here are more flavorful dishes to keep your meal rotation exciting:

• Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Sausage and Broccoli – Rich, creamy, and perfect for pasta lovers.
• Easy Thai Red Curry Dumpling Soup – A fusion soup with warming spices and juicy dumplings.
• Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet – A bold, buttery twist on a Southern classic.
• Louisiana Remoulade Sauce – Perfect for drizzling over roasted meats and seafood.
• One Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta – Weeknight comfort food done right.

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can find it whenever you’re craving Greek comfort food.

And I’d love to know how it turned out for you. Did you go all beef or mix it up with turkey or pork? Did you serve it with rice, pita, or something else?

Tag me or comment with your twist! For more daily dinner inspiration, follow along on Pinterest at Life with Jam.

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