Name: Lemon Sauce Greek Meatballs Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 200 grams ground pork; 400 grams lean ground beef; 1 large egg; 100 grams crustless bread; 125 ml white wine; 100 grams onion, minced; 4 garlic cloves, minced; ½ teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon dried oregano plus extra for serving; 2 teaspoons dried parsley or fresh minced; 1 teaspoon fine sea salt plus extra for the sauce; ½ teaspoon ground pepper plus extra for the sauce; 4 tablespoons butter; 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 500 ml hot water or vegetable, beef, or chicken stock; 8-10 tablespoons lemon juice

Jump to Recipe· 4.6 from 3 reviews

If you love hearty, cozy meals with a bright, zesty twist, you’re going to adore this Lemon Sauce Greek Meatballs Recipe. There’s something just magical about those juicy meatballs simmered gently in a tangy lemon sauce that makes it an all-time favorite in my kitchen. Whether you’re looking for a comforting dinner or a dish that’s bursting with Mediterranean flavors, stick around—I’ll walk you through everything you need to nail this recipe perfectly!

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Why This Recipe Works

Perfect Meatball Texture: Combining pork and beef with soaked bread keeps the meatballs tender and moist every time.
Bright Lemon Flavor: The lemon sauce balances richness with a fresh, tangy punch that wakes up your taste buds.
Simple Yet Bold Seasoning: Classic Greek herbs like oregano and parsley bring authentic warmth without overpowering the dish.
Easy One-Pan Sauce: The lemon sauce doubles as a flavorful cooking liquid, keeping meatballs juicy and making clean-up a breeze.

Lemon Sauce Greek Meatballs, Greek meatballs with lemon sauce, Mediterranean meatball recipe, juicy meatballs with lemon, easy Greek meatball dishes - The image shows a close-up of several browned meatballs in a light tan creamy sauce inside a white bowl, with the meatballs having a textured, slightly crispy and browned surface. The sauce around them is smooth, speckled with small herbs and spices, filling the gaps between the meatballs. There is a silver spoon placed among the meatballs, partially submerged in the sauce. The scene is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients in this Lemon Sauce Greek Meatballs Recipe come together like a well-practiced orchestra, each playing an important role. I always recommend choosing fresh herbs and quality meat to get the best flavor and texture—you’ll notice the difference right away.

Ground Pork: Adds juiciness and a subtle sweetness, balancing the beef’s leaner texture.
Ground Beef: Provides a hearty, robust base to your meatballs.
Egg: Acts as a binder, keeping your meatballs from falling apart.
Crustless Bread: When soaked in white wine, it softens perfectly to keep the meatballs tender.
White Wine: Imparts a mild acidity and depth of flavor, soaking the bread beautifully.
Onion & Garlic: Classic aromatics that add savory richness.
Ground Cumin: Brings earthiness with a subtle smoky note that’s traditional in Greek cooking.
Dried Oregano: Essential Greek herb, lending that unmistakable Mediterranean taste.
Dried Parsley or Fresh Minced: Adds freshness and color.
Sea Salt & Ground Pepper: Seasonings that balance the flavors perfectly.
Butter: Creates a silky base for the luscious lemon sauce.
All-purpose Flour: Thickens the sauce to the perfect consistency.
Hot Water or Stock: Used to create a rich, flavorful sauce; I sometimes prefer chicken stock for a bit more depth.
Lemon Juice: The star of the sauce — bright, fresh, and tangy. Add gradually to suit your taste.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love to make this Lemon Sauce Greek Meatballs Recipe my own by adjusting the lemon juice depending on my mood—sometimes I go for zesty and bright, other times, a gentler lemon touch. You absolutely should feel free to play around, especially with the herbs and spice levels.

Spice it up: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes gives the sauce a subtle heat, which I particularly enjoy on chillier evenings.
Herb switch-up: Fresh dill or mint in place of parsley offers a fresh summer vibe when it’s peak season.
Make it gluten-free: Substitute gluten-free bread crumbs and flour, or use cornstarch for thickening the sauce—it still turns out spectacular.
Meat alternatives: If you want a leaner version, ground turkey can work, but be gentle cooking them so they don’t dry out.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Lemon Sauce Greek Meatballs Recipe

Step 1: Soak the Bread in Wine

This first step is crucial. Tear your crustless bread into smaller pieces and soak it briefly in white wine. I like doing this first so the bread absorbs enough moisture to keep the meatballs soft, but not soggy. It might seem simple, yet this small step elevates the texture remarkably.

Step 2: Mix the Meatball Ingredients

Put both ground pork and beef in a large bowl, add the egg, herbs, garlic, onions, spices, and your soaked bread. Knead everything with your hands until it’s uniform but don’t overwork it—overmixing can make meatballs tough. I usually mix about 2-3 minutes, then stop and shape right away.

Step 3: Shape and Chill

Form about fifteen oval-shaped meatballs, roughly the size of a golf ball, weighing around 65-70 grams each. Placing them on a plate and refrigerating for an hour helps them hold their shape during cooking. I swear by this chilling step—it makes the whole process less messy and the meatballs cook evenly.

Step 4: Sear the Meatballs

Generously heat olive oil in a large skillet. Now, patience is key here—don’t touch or flip your meatballs for the first 4 minutes. This develops a nice crust and prevents sticking. After flipping gently with forks, cook the other side until browned. Remove them to paper towels to drain, then get ready for the sauce.

Step 5: Make the Lemony Sauce

In a sauté pan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour, cooking for 2 to 3 minutes until it turns a sandy color and smells toasted—this builds flavor. Gradually whisk in hot water or your stock of choice, followed by 6-8 tablespoons of lemon juice. You’ll want to taste and adjust—adding more lemon juice bit by bit brings the sauce to that perfect zingy brightness.

Step 6: Simmer Meatballs in Sauce

Carefully add your browned meatballs to the sauce, cover with a lid, and simmer gently for about 20 minutes. Turn once halfway through and scrape the bottom so your sauce doesn’t stick or burn. This slow simmer allows the flavors to marry and the meatballs to absorb the lemony goodness. Taste the sauce at the end and add salt or pepper if needed.

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Pro Tips for Making Lemon Sauce Greek Meatballs Recipe

Control the Lemon Brightness: Always start with less lemon juice—you can add more at the end to avoid overpowering the dish.
Don’t Crowd the Pan: When searing, cook meatballs in batches if needed to ensure each one gets that beautiful golden crust.
Use Two Forks to Turn: This keeps meatballs intact and prevents breaking their delicate shape.
Skim Excess Oil: After searing, blot meatballs on paper towels to remove extra oil so your sauce stays light and silky.

How to Serve Lemon Sauce Greek Meatballs Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping these meatballs with a sprinkle of extra dried oregano and freshly cracked black pepper. Sometimes I add chopped fresh parsley or a few thin lemon slices for a pretty presentation and an extra pop of freshness that amps up the citrus vibe.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice pilaf, or classic Greek lemon potatoes. I’ve also served it alongside a crisp cucumber and tomato salad drizzled with olive oil and feta cheese—an all-time favorite combo!

Creative Ways to Present

For special dinners, I’ve served these meatballs family-style in a rustic clay pot with lemon sauce spooned over, garnished with fresh herbs and edible flowers—a real crowd-pleaser that looks effortless but impresses every time.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always transfer leftover meatballs and sauce into an airtight container and refrigerate. They keep well for about 3 to 4 days, making for easy lunches or quick dinners later in the week.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these meatballs before, both before and after cooking. For the best texture, I prefer to freeze them cooked in the sauce—just cool completely, freeze in a sealed container, and thaw overnight when ready.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. This keeps the lemon sauce smooth and the meatballs tender, avoiding drying out like in the microwave. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water or stock to loosen it up.

FAQs

Can I use only beef or only pork for the meatballs?

Absolutely! While the combination of pork and beef gives a balanced flavor and texture, you can use all beef for a leaner result or all pork for a fattier, moister option. Just keep an eye on cooking times as pork can sometimes cook faster.
How do I make the sauce less lemony?

Start by adding about 6 tablespoons of lemon juice when making the sauce, then taste before adding more. You can balance the acidity by adding a little more butter or a pinch of sugar if you find it too sharp.
Can I bake the meatballs instead of frying?

Yes! Baking at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes until browned on top works well. Just finish by simmering them in the sauce to let the flavors meld and keep them moist.
What can I serve with this recipe for a complete meal?

Serving with rice, potatoes, or a simple Greek salad rounds out the meal beautifully. Pita bread on the side is also great for soaking up that delicious lemon sauce!

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Sauce Greek Meatballs Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it manages to feel both comforting and fresh at the same time—a rare balance! I hope you give it a try and experience that cozy, lemony goodness that makes it stand out. Trust me, once you’ve made these, they’ll become your go-to for a satisfying weeknight dinner or when you want to impress friends with something authentically Greek. Let me know how yours turn out—I’m always here to share tips and cheer you on in the kitchen!