Easy Lamb Meatballs with Garlic and Herbs
These lamb meatballs are packed with flavor from garlic, fresh herbs, and warm spices, then broiled until perfectly browned on the outside and tender inside. They come together quickly and cook in minutes, making them a great option for both weeknight meals and easy entertaining. Serve them on their own, with a simple sauce, or as part of a larger spread.
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More About Lamb Meatballs with Garlic and Herbs
Why Do I Need to Grate the Onion and Garlic?
Grating the onion and garlic allows them to fully incorporate into the meat mixture, rather than sitting in larger chunks. This not only distributes the flavor more evenly, but also adds moisture to the meatballs, helping keep them tender as they cook. Larger pieces can create an uneven texture and won’t break down the same way during cooking.
Can I fry these Instead?
These meatballs can be cooked in a skillet instead of the oven. Heat a little olive oil over medium heat and cook the meatballs, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through. This method gives them a slightly crisp exterior and works especially well if you prefer a more traditional sear.
What’s the Best Way to Reheat Them?
The best way to reheat lamb meatballs is in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, which helps them stay tender without drying out. Another great option for reheating is in the air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes for a slightly crisp exterior. You can also reheat them in a skillet over medium heat with a small splash of water to keep them moist, Avoid microwaving, as it can make them tougher and less evenly heated.
Make It A Spread
Lamb meatballs pair well with a variety of simple sides, making them easy to turn into a full meal or part of a larger spread. Serve them with warm pita, rice, or roasted potatoes to round things out. Or keep it lighter with a fresh salad. They’re especially good with a creamy sauce like tzatziki, which balances the richness of the lamb and adds a cool, refreshing contrast.
If you’re building a spread, pair them with a few small plates for an easy, shareable meal that works well for both weeknights and entertaining.
Easy Lamb Meatballs with Garlic and Herbs
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground lamb
- 1 small red onion grated
- 1 large egg lightly beaten
- 4 cloves of garlic finely minced or grated
- 1½ tsp sea salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp cumin
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley packed
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh mint packed
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- extra virgin olive oil for spraying or brushing
- 1 lemon cut in half or wedges
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to broil and line a baking sheet with foil.
- In a large bowl, combine all ingredients except the olive oil and lemon.1 lb ground lamb, 1 small red onion, 1 large egg, 4 cloves of garlic, 1½ tsp sea salt, ¼ tsp black pepper, 1 tsp cumin, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, 1 tbsp chopped fresh mint, 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Mix gently until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
- Form the mixture into golf ball–sized meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Lightly spray or brush the meatballs with olive oil to help them brown.extra virgin olive oil
- Broil for 15-18 minutes, turning once halfway through, until browned on the outside and cooked through.
- Transfer to a plate and let rest for a few minutes.
- Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving.1 lemon
