Baked Greek Meatballs: The Easiest Mediterranean Dinner!

Baked Greek Meatballs, or soutzoukakia as we lovingly call them, are a culinary hug from our heritage. Passed down through generations, this greek meatballs recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a memory of our childhood kitchens filled with the aroma of spices and the murmur of family stories. These Baked Greek Meatballs offer a burst of Mediterranean flavor that dances on your taste buds, bringing sunshine to even the gloomiest days.

Our Nonna’s have perfected this recipe over decades, and we’re so excited to share it with you. It’s an easy meatballs method that delivers incredible results without hours of slaving over the stove. So, gather your ingredients, channel your inner Greek Nonna, and let’s get cooking!

Why You Will Love This Baked Greek Meatballs Recipe

This baked greek meatballs recipe is a winner for so many reasons! First and foremost, the flavor is simply amazing. The combination of ground beef, aromatic spices, and a hint of red wine creates a symphony of taste that will transport you straight to a sunny taverna in Greece.

These soutzoukakia meatballs are baked, not fried, which not only makes them healthier but also incredibly easy to prepare. No more standing over a hot stove splattering oil! Plus, baking ensures the meatballs are tender and juicy every time.

We remember making these with our own Nonna, rolling the meatballs with our little hands and sneaking tastes of the raw mixture (don’t tell anyone!). The smell alone takes us back. It’s comfort food at its finest, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Follow us on Pinterest for more delicious, authentic Italian and Mediterranean recipes! We share all our family secrets there.

Ingredients Needed for This Baked Greek Meatballs Recipe

Here are the ingredients you’ll need to create these mouthwatering soutzoukakia meatballs:

• 1.5 lbs Ground Beef (80/20 blend recommended)
• 1/2 cup Breadcrumbs (plain or Italian seasoned)
• 1 large Egg
• 1/4 cup Red Wine (dry)
• 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp Olive Oil
• 1 tsp Dried Oregano
• 1/2 tsp Ground Cumin
• 1/4 tsp Ground Cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp Red Pepper Flakes (optional, for a little kick)
• Salt and Black Pepper to taste
• 1 (28 oz) can Crushed Tomatoes
• 1 (15 oz) can Tomato Sauce
• 1/2 cup Water
• 1 tbsp Tomato Paste
• 1 tsp Sugar (optional, to balance acidity of tomatoes)

How to Make This Baked Greek Meatballs Recipe

Follow these simple steps to create the perfect baked greek meatballs dinner:

1. 1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet.
2. 2. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, red wine, chopped onion, minced garlic, olive oil, oregano, cumin, cinnamon, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
3. 3. Use your hands to gently mix all the ingredients together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
4. 4. Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs. Place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
5. 5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and lightly browned.
6. 6. While the meatballs are baking, prepare the tomato sauce. In a large saucepan, combine the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, water, tomato paste, and sugar (if using).
7. 7. Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
8. 8. Once the meatballs are baked, carefully transfer them into the simmering tomato sauce.
9. 9. Let the soutzoukakia meatballs simmer in the sauce for another 10-15 minutes, allowing them to absorb the flavors. This step is crucial for a truly delicious baked meatballs dinner. Serve hot and enjoy!

Thinking of dessert after this? Try our Baked Raspberry Cheesecake for an easy and delightful treat after your baked meatballs dinner. Or even our Easy Baked Raspberry Cheesecake.

How to Serve This Baked Greek Meatballs Recipe

These baked greek meatballs are incredibly versatile and can be served in many ways. We love serving them over a bed of fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes. You can also serve them with orzo pasta or crusty bread for soaking up all that delicious tomato sauce.

For a truly authentic Mediterranean experience, garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a dollop of Greek yogurt or tzatziki sauce. Add a side of Greek salad with feta cheese and olives for a complete meal. These easy meatballs pair perfectly with a crisp white wine or a light beer. Buon appetito!

How to Store This Baked Greek Meatballs Recipe

Leftover baked greek meatballs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Allow them to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container.

To freeze, place the cooled meatballs and sauce in a freezer safe container for up to 2-3 months.

To reheat, simply thaw the meatballs in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat until heated through; add a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but be careful not to overheat them, as they can become dry

Tips to Make This Baked Greek Meatballs Recipe

Here are a few tips to help you achieve the best possible results with this baked greek meatballs recipe:

• Don’t overmix the meatball mixture: Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
• Use good quality ground beef: We recommend using an 80/20 blend for the best flavor and texture.
• Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings: Add more salt, pepper, or sugar as needed to balance the flavors.
• Simmer the meatballs in the sauce: This step allows the meatballs to absorb the flavors of the sauce, making them even more delicious.

If you’re in the mood for something different than tomato sauce, why not try our High Protein Cottage Cheese Baked Ziti?

Helpful Notes for This Baked Greek Meatballs Recipe

For the breadcrumbs, you can use either plain or Italian seasoned breadcrumbs. If using plain breadcrumbs, you may want to add a little extra oregano and garlic powder to the meatball mixture.

The red wine adds depth of flavor to the meatballs, but you can substitute it with beef broth or water if you prefer.

If you don’t have crushed tomatoes on hand, you can use diced tomatoes or tomato puree. Just be sure to adjust the amount of water accordingly.

Variation of This Baked Greek Meatballs Recipe

For a spicier version of these baked greek meatballs, add a pinch more red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture. You can also add a sliced jalapeno pepper to the tomato sauce while it simmers.

For a vegetarian option, substitute the ground beef with ground lentils or crumbled tofu. Adjust the seasonings as needed to match the flavor profile.

During the summer, feel free to grill your soutzoukakia meatballs instead of baking! Just be sure to keep an eye on them so they do not burn. Grilling give the baked meatballs dinner an extra bit of smokiness that is wonderful.

Conclusion

We hope you enjoy this family recipe for Baked Greek Meatballs as much as we do. It’s a simple yet satisfying dish that brings a taste of the Mediterranean to your table. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the spices and make it your own. Share your creations with us – we can’t wait to see what you cook up! These baked greek meatballs are truly a taste of home for us, and we hope they become a staple in your kitchen too.

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