Boeuf Abdullah(Lebanese Meat Balls)

Prep: 20 min Cook: 20 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Boeuf Abdullah features tender meatballs infused with aromatic spices, served with creamy yogurt sauce, perfect for those who enjoy flavorful, Middle Eastern-inspired dishes.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • 3 tablespoons butter or oleo
  • 1 pound ground beef or turkey
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 2 slices bread, soaked in 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 cup dry bread crumbs
  • 2 cups plain yogurt

Instructions

  1. Saute chopped onion in 1 tablespoon butter until transparent.
  2. Cool slightly.
  3. Mix the sautéed onion with ground beef, beaten egg, soaked bread, salt, and pepper.
  4. Shape the mixture into 1 1/4-inch balls and roll in dry bread crumbs.
  5. Brown the meatballs slowly in remaining 2 tablespoons butter.
  6. Drain off all but 2 tablespoons of fat from the skillet.
  7. Gently spoon plain yogurt over and around the meatballs.
  8. Simmer for 20 minutes and serve hot with rice or wheat pilaf.

Tips & Substitutions

For extra flavor, consider adding minced garlic or fresh herbs like parsley or mint to the meat mixture. If you prefer a lighter dish, substitute ground turkey for ground beef. Using stale bread for soaking will enhance the texture, and ensure the meatballs stay moist. If you're short on time, try using store-bought breadcrumbs instead of making your own.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these meatballs hot over a bed of rice or wheat pilaf for a satisfying meal. A side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad can balance the richness of the dish. For an authentic touch, drizzle extra yogurt on top before serving. They pair beautifully with Beef Goulash With Noodles for a hearty dinner spread.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in short intervals, ensuring they heat through without drying out. You can also freeze the meatballs for up to 3 months; just thaw before reheating.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Boeuf Abdullah(Lebanese Meat Balls) contains roughly 762 calories, with 5g protein, 37g carbohydrates, and 67g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (105% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1942mg per serving (84% of the Daily Value).

762 kcal 38% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 5.1g 10% DV
Total Fat 66.7g 85% DV
Carbs 37.5g 14% DV
Fiber 4.5g 16% DV
Sugar 3.5g 7% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1942.3mg 84% DV
Potassium 429.2mg 9% DV
Cholesterol 223.7mg 75% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 61.6mcg 7% DV
Vitamin C 94.6mg 100% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 70.2mg 5% DV
Iron 1.4mg 8% DV
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground lamb instead of beef or turkey?

Yes, ground lamb can be a fantastic alternative, adding a distinct flavor to the meatballs. Just be mindful that lamb has a richer taste, so you might want to adjust the seasoning slightly to balance the flavors.

How can I make these meatballs gluten-free?

To make gluten-free meatballs, substitute regular bread with gluten-free bread soaked in milk. Ensure the breadcrumbs used for rolling are also gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy the same great taste while accommodating dietary needs.

What can I serve with these meatballs besides rice?

These meatballs can be served with various sides such as couscous, quinoa, or even pita bread for a Mediterranean twist. A refreshing cucumber salad or a warm pita with tzatziki can also enhance the meal's flavors.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

Beef recipes → Dairy recipes → All recipes →