Dinner

Baked Greek Lentil Meatballs with Tzatziki Recipe

Name: Baked Greek Lentil Meatballs with Tzatziki Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1½ cups cooked green lentils, drained and mashed; ½ cup panko breadcrumbs; ¼ cup finely chopped red onion; 2 cloves garlic, minced; ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley; 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill; 1 tsp dried oregano; ½ tsp ground cumin; ½ tsp salt; ¼ tsp black pepper; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 large egg; 1 cup plain Greek yogurt; ½ cucumber, grated and squeezed dry; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tbsp olive oil; Salt to taste

ByMatteo Rossi April 3, 2026April 3, 2026

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Introduction

Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these Baked Greek Lentil Meatballs burst with Mediterranean flavors. This vegetarian dish pairs perfectly with a cool, creamy tzatziki sauce, making it a delightful and healthy main course.

The image shows five round, golden-brown fried balls arranged closely on a white plate with a white marbled surface beneath it. One meatball is cut open in the front, revealing a moist inside mixed with green herbs and light-colored filling. The outside of the balls looks crispy and textured, with some small green herb bits sprinkled on top and around the plate. A wedge of yellow lemon is placed near the back right side of the plate. The photo is taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1½ cups cooked green lentils, drained and mashed
½ cup panko breadcrumbs
¼ cup finely chopped red onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
1 tbsp chopped fresh dill
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp ground cumin
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
2 tbsp olive oil
1 large egg
Tzatziki Sauce:
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
½ cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the mashed lentils, breadcrumbs, chopped red onion, minced garlic, parsley, dill, oregano, cumin, salt, pepper, olive oil, and egg. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
Step 3: Shape the mixture into small meatballs and arrange them evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 4: Bake the meatballs for 20 to 25 minutes, turning them halfway through cooking to ensure they become golden and firm on all sides.
Step 5: While the meatballs bake, prepare the tzatziki by stirring together Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt in a bowl until smooth. Chill until ready to serve.
Step 6: Serve the warm lentil meatballs alongside the chilled tzatziki sauce for dipping.

Tips & Variations

For a gluten-free option, substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
To make this recipe vegan, replace the egg with a flax egg made by mixing 1 tablespoon flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons water.
Prepare the tzatziki a day ahead to enhance the flavors.

Storage

Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving. Keep tzatziki sauce chilled and consume within 2 days for best freshness.

How to Serve

A white plate holds five golden brown fried meatballs, four whole and one cut open to show a moist inside mixed with green herbs. The meatballs look crispy on the outside with a rough texture, and small green parsley pieces are sprinkled on top and around them on the plate. A small wedge of lemon is placed at the back of the plate against a white marbled surface in the background. The photo was taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use brown lentils instead of green lentils?

Yes, brown lentils can be used as a substitute, though the texture might be slightly softer. Just drain and mash them similarly before mixing.

How can I reheat the meatballs without drying them out?

Reheat the meatballs in a covered dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or warm gently in the microwave with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.