Name: Savory Meatballs in Lemon Sauce for a Zesty Dinner Delight
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 110 min
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (For frying); 250 grams Ground Pork (Can substitute with 100% beef); 250 grams Lean Ground Beef (A classic choice); 1 large Egg (Acts as a binder); 2 slices Crustless Bread (Soaked in white wine); 1/4 cup White Wine (Optional for non-alcoholic version); 1/2 cup Minced Onion (For sweetness); 3 cloves Minced Garlic (Adds aromatic flavor); 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin (Earthy notes); 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano (Essential in Greek cooking); 1 teaspoon Dried Parsley (Fresh, earthy taste); 1 teaspoon Fine Sea Salt (Adjust to taste); 1/2 teaspoon Ground Pepper (To taste); 3 tablespoons Butter (Creates a creamy base); 2 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour (For thickening); 1 cup Hot Water or Stock (Vegetable, beef, or chicken stock); 1/4 cup Lemon Juice (Adjust for preferred tanginess)

“Can you believe a simple twist can change everything about a dish?” That’s exactly what happens with these Juicy Greek Keftedes in Creamy Lemon Sauce. By soaking the bread in white wine instead of water, these delectable meatballs transform into a flavor powerhouse, ensuring each bite is moist and bursting with freshness. Best of all, you can whip up this impressive meal in just 30 minutes, making it a perfect quick dinner option for those busy weeknights. With a delightful tang from the lemon and the richness of a buttery sauce, these meatballs are sure to impress your family and friends. Are you ready to dive into the flavors of Greece without leaving your kitchen? Let’s get cooking!

Why Are These Meatballs So Delicious?

Flavor Explosion: Each meatball is packed with aromatic herbs and spices, delivering a delightful burst of Greek flavors that will have your taste buds dancing!
Unique Technique: Soaking the bread in white wine provides an added depth of flavor and moisture, setting these keftedes apart from traditional recipes.
Quick and Easy: In just 30 minutes, you can serve a dish that looks and tastes gourmet, ideal for busy weeknights or unexpected guests.
Versatile Pairings: Serve with roasted Greek potato wedges or a fresh Greek salad for a complete meal that’s sure to wow both family and friends.
Meal Prep Friendly: Make the meatball mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge, or freeze for up to 2 months for a convenient homemade option that you can enjoy anytime!

Meatballs in Lemon Sauce Ingredients

For the Meatballs
• Olive Oil – Essential for frying, it enhances flavor while preventing sticking.
• Ground Pork – Adds moisture and a rich flavor; you can use 100% beef if preferred.
• Lean Ground Beef – A classic choice for meatballs, delivering a hearty texture.
• Large Egg – Serves as a binder to help maintain shape during cooking.
• Crustless Bread – Key for moisture and fluffiness; can use bread soaked in milk for a non-alcoholic option.
• White Wine – Soaking the bread in this adds a unique flavor; feel free to omit it for a non-alcoholic version.
• Minced Onion – Provides sweetness and depth to the meat mixture.
• Minced Garlic – Infuses aromatic goodness and enhances the overall flavor.
• Ground Cumin – Adds warm, earthy notes that perfectly complement the dish.
• Dried Oregano – A must-have herb in Greek cooking, elevating the flavor profile.
• Dried Parsley – Imparts a touch of color and a fresh, earthy taste.
• Fine Sea Salt – Necessary for enhancing flavors; adjust to your liking for the sauce later.
• Ground Pepper – Adds a bit of heat; tailor to your taste preference.

For the Sauce
• Butter – Creates a rich and creamy base for the sauce.
• All-Purpose Flour – Important for thickening the sauce to a velvety consistency.
• Hot Water or Stock – Forms the liquid base; vegetable, beef, or chicken stock works beautifully.
• Lemon Juice – The star of the sauce; adjust according to your preferred tanginess.

By combining these fresh ingredients, your meatballs in lemon sauce will come alive with flavor, giving you a dish that’s not just quick and easy, but absolutely delightful to savor!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Meatballs In Lemon Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Bread
Soak the crustless bread in white wine for about 5 minutes, allowing it to absorb the liquid fully. Once softened, tear the bread into smaller pieces, making sure it’s moist and mushy. This unique technique will provide extra flavor and moisture to your meatballs in lemon sauce.

Step 2: Mix Meat
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground pork and lean ground beef. Crack in the large egg and add minced onion, minced garlic, parsley, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Using your hands, mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated, creating a fragrant meat mixture ready for shaping.

Step 3: Combine Bread
Now, add the soaked and crumbled bread to the meat mixture. Gently knead the combination until it is uniform and well blended, ensuring that the bread is thoroughly distributed throughout the meat. This step is crucial to achieving the juicy texture of your meatballs in lemon sauce.

Step 4: Shape Meatballs
With wet hands, form the meat mixture into approximately 15 oval-shaped meatballs, each weighing around 65-70 grams. Place the meatballs on a parchment-lined tray, then refrigerate for about 1 hour. Chilling helps them firm up and retain their shape during cooking.

Step 5: Sear
In a large skillet, heat a generous drizzle of olive oil over medium-high heat. Carefully add the meatballs in batches, searing them on both sides until they turn a deep golden brown, about 4 minutes per side. This creates a delicious crust that complements the tender interior of the meatballs in lemon sauce.

Step 6: Prepare the Sauce
In a separate pan, melt the butter over medium heat, then add the all-purpose flour. Cook this mixture until it turns a sandy color, about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in hot water or stock along with the lemon juice to create a velvety sauce base for the meatballs.

Step 7: Simmer
Once the sauce is combined, gently add the seared meatballs to the pan. Cover and let them simmer over low heat for about 20 minutes, turning once to prevent sticking. This allows the meatballs to absorb the flavors of the creamy lemon sauce, resulting in an irresistible dish.

Step 8: Serve
Finally, remove the meatballs in lemon sauce from the heat and garnish with freshly cracked pepper and a sprinkle of oregano. Serve hot with your favorite sides, such as roasted potato wedges or a fresh Greek salad, to complete this delightful meal that brings the taste of Greece right to your table.

How to Store and Freeze Meatballs in Lemon Sauce

Fridge: Keep cooked meatballs in lemon sauce stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days, ensuring they stay moist and flavorful.

Freezer: Shape the uncooked meatballs and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen solid, transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to 2 months.

Reheating: To reheat, thaw frozen meatballs in the fridge overnight. Warm them gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or stock until heated through.

Make-Ahead: Prepare the meatball mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before cooking, making dinner planning a breeze!

Meatballs in Lemon Sauce Variations

Feel free to personalize your meatballs in lemon sauce with these delightful twists!

Ground Lamb: Swap ground pork or beef for ground lamb to enhance the traditional Greek flavor profile. It adds a rich, gamey taste that pairs beautifully with lemon.
Non-Alcoholic Option: Replace the white wine with milk or chicken stock if you’re avoiding alcohol. This will still lend moisture while keeping the meatballs flavorful.
Herb-Infused Sauce: Add fresh herbs like dill or thyme to your creamy sauce for an aromatic twist. It will elevate the dish, creating an even fresher profile to complement your meatballs.
Spicy Kick: Spice things up by mixing in some crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper with the meat mixture. This simple addition will give your meatballs a delightful heat!
Veggie Boost: Incorporate finely chopped spinach or grated zucchini into the meat mixture for a nutritious twist. This adds color and moisture while sneaking in some extra veggies!
Cheese Stuffed: For an indulgent surprise, stuff each meatball with a small cube of feta cheese. As they cook, the cheese will melt, adding a deliciously creamy center.
Flavored Sauces: Try switching up the lemon sauce with a tahini or yogurt sauce for a lighter, tangy alternative. This adds a different layer of flavor that complements the meatballs beautifully.
Serve Differently: Instead of traditional sides, pair with a refreshing couscous salad or roasted vegetable medley. These bright sides will enhance the overall dining experience, bringing gourmet flair to your plate!

By exploring these variations, you can make your meatballs in lemon sauce a new adventure every time! For more recipe ideas, check out Sheet Pan Meatballs and Asian Chicken Meatballs for additional flavor inspirations!

Expert Tips for Meatballs In Lemon Sauce

Soaking Secrets: Soak the bread sufficiently in white wine, ensuring it’s mushy to keep meatballs moist and flavorful. Avoid under-soaking to prevent dryness.
Chill Time: Refrigerate the shaped meatballs for at least an hour before cooking. This helps them retain their shape and prevents crumbling during frying.
Mind the Heat: Sear meatballs over medium-high heat, but don’t rush the process. Flipping too early can result in a broken crust; let them develop a golden exterior first.
Sauce Adjustments: Taste the sauce before finalizing; feel free to adjust lemon juice for acidity. Too much can overpower the flavors of the meatballs in lemon sauce.
Flavor Boost: Enhance the sauce by adding fresh herbs like dill or thyme for an extra layer of flavor. Experiment with spices to suit your taste preferences.

Make Ahead Options

These Juicy Greek Keftedes in Creamy Lemon Sauce are perfect for meal prep aficionados! You can prepare the meatball mixture up to 3 days in advance by mixing the ground meats, soaked bread, and spices together, then refrigerate it in an airtight container. For those looking to save even more time, shape the meatballs and freeze them for up to 2 months; just thaw them overnight in the fridge before cooking. When ready to enjoy, sear the frozen or chilled meatballs, prepare the sauce, and let them simmer for that restaurant-quality, homemade dish that’s just as delicious as when freshly made. Enjoy hassle-free weeknight dinners with this time-saving strategy!

What to Serve with Juicy Greek Keftedes in Creamy Lemon Sauce

Imagine a dinner table filled with vibrant flavors and comforting aromas that whisk you away to a sunlit Greek taverna.

Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Their velvety texture soaks up the lemon sauce, creating a delightful contrast with the meatballs.
Greek Salad: Crisp greens, tomatoes, and feta bring a refreshing crunch, balancing the rich flavors of the keftedes perfectly. It’s a classic pairing that never disappoints.
Roasted Greek Potato Wedges: Golden and crispy, these wedges seasoned with oregano add a hearty element to your meal, making every bite a celebration of flavor.
Herbed Rice Pilaf: This light and fluffy side dish complements the meatballs while absorbing the zesty sauce, enhancing your dining experience with every mouthful.
Tzatziki Sauce: Cool and tangy, this cucumber yogurt dip adds a refreshing note that pairs beautifully with the savory meatballs.
Grilled Vegetable Skewers: Seasonal vegetables grilled to perfection bring a smoky flavor that contrasts well with the citrusy sauce, elevating your plate.
Wine Pairing: A crisp, chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc enhances the brightness of the lemon sauce, making it a sophisticated choice for your meal.
Baklava for Dessert: End with a sweet note—layers of flaky pastry, nuts, and honey will celebrate the delightful meal you’ve created, echoing the spirit of Greek cuisine.

Meatballs in Lemon Sauce Recipe FAQs

What type of bread works best for soaking?
For the best results, I recommend using crustless white bread, as it absorbs the flavors beautifully. If you’re avoiding alcohol, you can substitute white wine with milk or vegetable broth to achieve a similar texture.

How long can I store cooked meatballs in lemon sauce?
Absolutely! You can keep your cooked meatballs in lemon sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure to reheat them gently to maintain their moistness.

Can I freeze the meatballs in lemon sauce?
Yes, you can! Shape the uncooked meatballs and arrange them on a baking sheet in a single layer to freeze. Once they’re solid, transfer them to a freezer bag where they can stay good for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to cook, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before frying.

What should I do if my meatballs are falling apart while cooking?
Oh no! This can happen if they are not chilled long enough or if the mixture is too wet. Ensure you shape your meatballs firmly and refrigerate them for at least an hour before cooking. If you notice they’re still falling apart, try adding a little more bread or an extra egg to help them bind together better.

Are meatballs in lemon sauce suitable for pets?
While the meatballs are delicious for humans, they’re not suitable for pets, especially due to the spices and onion. It’s best to keep these delightful bites all for yourself and perhaps prepare a pet-friendly alternative if needed.

How can I adjust the sauce for different dietary needs?
Very importantly, you can customize the sauce easily! For a non-dairy option, substitute butter with olive oil and use a non-dairy milk in place of the stock. You can also reduce the lemon juice if you’re sensitive to acidity, and feel free to omit any spices that you may be allergic to or dislike.