Greek Meatballs
Greek meatballs feature flavorful herbs and tender beef simmered in a rich tomato sauce, perfect for comforting family dinners or entertaining guests with authentic Mediterranean flair.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix hamburger with rice, chopped yellow onion, parsley, dried dill, and egg. Form into small meatballs.
- Roll each meatball in flour.
- In a large frying pan, combine tomato juice and water and bring to a heavy simmer.
- Add butter to the simmering sauce.
- Gently drop the meatballs into the sauce, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding minced garlic or grated lemon zest to the meatball mixture. If you're short on time, you can substitute the rice with cooked quinoa or couscous. To ensure even cooking, make meatballs of uniform size and avoid overcrowding the pan. If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a cornstarch slurry towards the end of simmering.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Greek meatballs over a bed of fluffy rice or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. They pair well with a refreshing Marinated Artichoke Salad for a balanced meal. For a heartier option, consider serving alongside Greek Style Macaroni Bake, which complements the flavors beautifully.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the meatballs and sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave them in short intervals, covered, to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Greek Meatballs contains roughly 975 calories, with 31g protein, 140g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (79% of the Daily Value), protein (62% of the Daily Value), and iron (59% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1180mg per serving (51% of the Daily Value).
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 turkey instead of hamburger?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for the hamburger to make a lighter version of these meatballs. Just keep in mind that turkey can be drier, so you may want to add an extra egg or a bit more moisture to the mixture.
Can I bake the meatballs instead of simmering?
Absolutely! If you prefer baking, place the meatballs on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until cooked through. Then, you can add them to the sauce for a few minutes to absorb some flavors.
What is the best way to freeze these meatballs?
To freeze, allow the cooked meatballs to cool completely, then arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to 3 months.
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).