When it comes to Mediterranean cuisine, few dishes capture its essence like a well-crafted meatball.
Whether nestled in rich tomato sauces, served alongside tangy tzatziki, or enjoyed as a quick snack with a squeeze of lemon, Mediterranean meatballs offer endless versatility.
This roundup showcases a variety of takes on the classic meatball, each one inspired by the vibrant ingredients and culinary traditions of the Mediterranean.
Greek Chicken Meatballs
These Greek chicken meatballs are a delicious and versatile dish, perfect for quick dinners, meal prep, or as an appetizer.
They combine ground chicken with crumbled feta cheese, red onion, and a variety of Mediterranean herbs.
Pairing beautifully with a Greek salad, pita bread, or a bowl of rice, you can also add a dollop of tzatziki or a squeeze of lemon juice for a refreshing touch.
Whether served as a main course or snack, they’re a quick, healthy, and satisfying addition to any meal.
Soutzoukakia (Greek Meatballs)
Soutzoukakia is a beloved Greek dish with roots in Turkish cuisine, offering a comforting blend of bold flavors and tender textures.
These oblong-shaped meatballs are infused with warm spices like cumin and cinnamon, then simmered in a rich, wine-enhanced tomato sauce that’s perfect for pairing with rice or crusty bread.
Traditionally served over rice or mashed potatoes, Soutzoukakia can also be paired with pasta or tucked into a pita for a hearty wrap.
Albondigas (Spanish Meatballs)
Albondigas, or Spanish meatballs, are a classic tapas dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Spain to your table.
These tender meatballs, made with a mix of beef and pork, are gently spiced and simmered in a rich tomato sauce infused with sweet paprika, garlic, and white wine. Perfect for sharing, they’re a must-try for any tapas lover.
Serve Albondigas with crusty bread to soak up the sauce. Whether as a centerpiece for a tapas spread or a hearty meal, these Spanish meatballs are a delightful addition to your repertoire.
Keftedes (Greek Meatballs)
Keftedes, or Greek meatballs, are a flavorful and aromatic dish that brings the essence of Mediterranean cuisine to your plate.
Made with ground beef or lamb, these juicy meatballs are infused with fresh herbs like mint and parsley, a hint of oregano, and a touch of cinnamon for a warm, earthy undertone.
Whether served as an appetizer or a main course, they pair beautifully with tzatziki sauce, pita bread, and a fresh Greek salad.
Sicilian Fresh Tuna Meatballs with Pasta
This Sicilian-inspired dish combines the delicate flavors of fresh tuna with mint, pine nuts, and a touch of lemon zest to create tender, flavorful meatballs.
Added to a simple tomato and basil sauce, these tuna meatballs pair beautifully with pasta, making for a light yet satisfying Mediterranean meal.
To prepare, finely chop fresh tuna or process it in a food processor, then mix it with breadcrumbs, egg, onion, and the aromatic ingredients. Shape the mixture into meatballs, lightly coat them in flour, and fry until golden.
Italian Wedding Soup
Italian Wedding Soup is a comforting and hearty dish that blends tender mini meatballs with greens and pastina in a savory broth.
While its name may suggest ties to nuptials, the “wedding” refers to the harmonious marriage of flavors in the soup. This traditional Southern Italian recipe is beloved for its simplicity and wholesome ingredients.
To prepare Italian Wedding Soup, begin by forming mini meatballs using a mix of ground beef, breadcrumbs soaked in milk, parsley, and grated Parmigiano Reggiano.
Italian Wedding Soup is versatile and can be tailored to your preference. Spinach can be used instead of endive, or turkey meatballs can replace beef for a lighter option.
Serve it as a starter, or enjoy it as a complete meal with nothing more than a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper and a warm crusty bread.
Mediterranean Oven-Roasted Chicken Meatballs
These Mediterranean oven-roasted chicken meatballs are a wholesome, satisfying option for dinner or meal prep.
This dish combines lean chicken with vibrant vegetables and aromatic Mediterranean herbs, resulting in a meal that’s light yet bursting with flavor.
The secret to tender meatballs lies in the combination of ground chicken and grated vegetables like zucchini, carrots, and peppers.
Served with sun-dried tomato sauce and feta-infused mashed potatoes, it’s a comforting dish that suits both family dinners and entertaining.
Turkey Falafel Meatballs with Lemon Yogurt Sauce
Turkey falafel meatballs combine the savory appeal of classic meatballs with the bold flavors of falafel.
Made with ground turkey, chickpeas, and a medley of aromatic spices, these tender meatballs are a lighter, healthier alternative to traditional comfort foods. Paired with a tangy lemon yogurt sauce, they deliver a satisfying balance of protein and zest.
The lemon yogurt sauce, made with creamy yogurt, fresh lemon juice, and a hint of garlic, adds a cooling contrast to the meatballs’ rich spices. Sprinkle with dried mint or basil for an extra burst of flavor.
If you’re looking for a healthy dinner that takes the best of Middle Eastern cuisine, then this is the recipe for you.
Turkey & Chorizo Meatballs
These Turkey & Chorizo Meatballs offer a ton of flavor coming from a variety of ingredients, with the smoky, spicy kick of chorizo at the forefront.
Infused with red chili, cheddar, and fresh parsley, these meatballs are nestled in a tangy tomato sauce, making them perfect for pairing with spaghetti.
Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, these Turkey & Chorizo Meatballs bring a burst of Mediterranean-inspired flavor to your table.
Perfect for anyone looking to spice up their regular meatball routine!
Mediterranean Baked Turkey Meatballs
Mediterranean Baked Turkey Meatballs are a vibrant twist on classic meatballs, packed with sun-dried tomatoes, feta, kalamata olives, and fresh basil.
To prepare these meatballs, mix ground turkey with finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, garlic, feta cheese, and fresh basil.
You can also incorporate artichoke hearts, capers, or mozzarella for extra flair.
Perfect for those seeking a quick, healthy, and flavor-packed dish, Mediterranean Baked Turkey Meatballs are sure to become a household favorite.
Koofteh Berenji (Persian Meatballs with Rice and Raisins)
Koofteh Berenji is a beloved Persian dish that transforms the humble meatball into a flavorful, hearty meal.
These oversized meatballs, often the size of an orange, are made with a mix of ground meat, rice, and yellow split peas, combined with fresh herbs like parsley, mint, and tarragon.
The surprise element lies at their core—a sweet filling of raisins or dates that adds a delightful burst of flavor.
Traditionally served with lavash bread, fresh herbs, and radishes, Koofteh Berenji is perfect for scooping up with flatbread or enjoying alongside yogurt-based sides like mast o khiar.
Whether for a special family gathering or a comforting weeknight dinner, this dish brings the vibrant flavors of Persian home cooking to your table.
Italian Stuffed Meatballs
These Italian stuffed meatballs are a twist on the classic, loaded with fresh mozzarella, spicy capicola, and Genoa salami.
Juicy, flavorful, and versatile, they make for a hearty main course, a standout addition to pasta, or even the star of a sandwich.
Baked until golden and commonly served with a rich marinara sauce for dipping or drizzling, these stuffed meatballs bring Italian-inspired comfort to your table.
And the best part? They’re gluten-free and freezer-friendly, making them as practical as they are delicious.
Greek Lamb Meatball Flatbread Pizza
This Greek-inspired flatbread pizza is a delightful fusion of flavors reminiscent of a traditional gyro, perfect as a main course or appetizer.
With juicy lamb meatballs, creamy tzatziki, and fresh toppings, it’s a quick and satisfying dish for any occasion.
If you love Greek flavors with minimal effort, these are a delicious choice for your table.