Sponsored: Never eat dry, boring meatballs again. Check out this fun recipe for Mediterranean meatballs.
PrintMediterranean Meatballs
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
These Mediterranean meatballs are juicy and flavorful, combining ground meat with roasted bell peppers, capers, and mushrooms for a delicious twist.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. Ground turkey/beef/pork (or any combination of the three)
- 1 med. Onion (any variety, chopped)
- 5 cloves chopped Garlic
- 1 tblsp chopped Capers
- 8 oz chopped Roasted bell peppers
- 8 oz chopped Mushrooms
- 1 cup Panko
- 1 Egg
- 1 tsp Cumin
- 1 tsp Oregano
- 1 tsp Herbes de Provence
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 3- tbsp Dijon Originale mustard
- 1 tsp large grain salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 2 tbsp ev olive oil
- ½ cup dry white wine
- Quinoa or fresh pasta of your choice
- Cornichons for serving
Instructions
- In a heavy cast iron skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Add the chopped garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in the chopped capers, roasted bell peppers, and mushrooms. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are browned and the mixture is well combined.
- In a large bowl, combine the sautéed vegetable mixture with the ground meat. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
- Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and browned on the outside.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat mixture. These meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Serve with a side of tzatziki sauce or over a bed of couscous for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 480
- Fat: 20
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 25
- Cholesterol: 85
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of meat works best for Mediterranean Meatballs?
Ground lamb or a mix of ground beef and pork are ideal for authentic Mediterranean flavor, but you can also use ground turkey for a lighter option.
Can I substitute fresh herbs for dried ones in this recipe?
Yes, you can use dried herbs, but remember that you’ll need less—typically, one-third the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh.
How do I ensure my Mediterranean Meatballs stay moist?
Incorporating breadcrumbs soaked in milk and adding grated cheese will help keep the meatballs moist during cooking.
