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Home » Recipes » Middle Eastern

Spiced Lamb Meatballs

Updated: Jan 15, 2026 Published: Jan 14, 2026 by Lola Jay This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

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These Spiced Lamb Meatballs are what happens when cozy comfort food meets your favorite mezze platter. Juicy, herby, and full of warm spices, they’re baked (not fried!) and absolutely smothered in a creamy tahini sauce that might just steal the show. They feel fancy, but they’re shockingly easy! It's the kind of thing that disappears fast whether you serve them in pita wraps, on a rice bowl, or straight off the tray like I do when no one’s watching.

Spiced lamb meatballs with lettuce, tomato, red onion, and sauce, next to a bowl of creamy dipping sauce.

I love this recipe because it leans into bold Mediterranean flavors without being heavy. The lamb stays juicy, the herbs keep everything bright, and the tahini sauce adds richness without overpowering the meat. It’s unfussy, satisfying, and perfect for both weeknights and casual entertaining.

If you love these juicy lamb meatballs, you'll absolutely love these Sheet-pan Chicken Kebabs!


Jump to:
  • Why You’ll Love This Recipe
  • Spiced Lamb Meatballs Video
  • Main Ingredient Notes
  • Instructions
  • Substitutions & Variations
  • FAQ
  • More Recipes You'll Love
  • ⭐️ Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flexible – Stuff in pita, serve with rice, or put out mezze-style with some olives and salad. They play nice with everything.

Juicy and tender – Baked, not fried, so they cook evenly and stay moist. No stovetop babysitting.

Big flavor, simple spices – Cumin, paprika, garlic, and herbs give you that bold Mediterranean taste without overcomplicating it.

That tahini sauce though – Creamy, garlicky, herby... ties it all together and makes you want to lick the plate.

Meal prep-friendly – These keep well and reheat like a dream. Great for lunch bowls or last-minute dinners.


Spiced Lamb Meatballs Video

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Main Ingredient Notes

Ground lamb: Rich and flavorful, perfect for absorbing warm spices and herbs.

Panko breadcrumbs: Lighten the texture so the meatballs stay soft, not dense.

Onion (grated): Melts into the mixture, adding moisture and subtle sweetness.

Garlic: Adds depth and savory backbone.

Fresh herbs (parsley, dill, mint): This trio keeps the meatballs bright, aromatic, and balanced against the richness of the lamb.

Warm spices (cumin, paprika, black pepper): Earthy and gently smoky, giving the lamb its signature flavor.

Tahini Paste: The base of our creamy, delicious, sauce.


Instructions

Full recipe and instructions in the recipe card at the end of post

Ground lamb, chopped herbs, breadcrumbs, and spices in a glass bowl on a wooden surface.

Step 1: Combine lamb, egg, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, herbs, and spices gently.

Gloved hands shaping seasoned ground lamb into a ball over a glass bowl on a wooden table.

Step 2: Roll into small, even balls.

Raw meatballs arranged on parchment-lined tray, wooden surface, green leaves in background.

Step 3: Refrigerate to help them hold their shape.

Tongs holding a meatball over a cooling rack with more meatballs on a wooden surface.

Step 4: Cook until just done, then broil for color.

Spoon dripping creamy sauce into a ceramic bowl on wooden surface.

Step 5: Blend tahini, lemon, herbs, garlic, and water until smooth.

Pita with meatballs, lettuce, tomatoes, and red onion, topped with sauce.

Step 6: Serve with sauce or in pita pockets.


Substitutions & Variations

Swap the protein: Ground beef or turkey work, though lamb gives the best flavor.

No dill or mint? Use all parsley, or add cilantro for a different herb profile.

Make it spicy: Add chili flakes or Aleppo pepper to the meatballs or sauce.

Dairy-free: Naturally dairy-free as written.

Add veggies: Serve with sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, or pickled onions.


Spiced lamb meatballs with lettuce, tomatoes, red onion, and white sauce on a paper background.

FAQ

Why chill the meatballs before baking?

It helps them hold their shape and stay juicy while cooking.

Can I pan-fry instead?

Yes, but baking keeps them lighter and more evenly cooked.

Can I make them ahead?

Yes — they reheat beautifully.

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⭐️ Recipe

Spiced lamb meatballs with lettuce, tomato, red onion, and sauce, next to a bowl of creamy dipping sauce.

Spiced Lamb Meatballs

These Spiced Lamb Meatballs are what happens when cozy comfort food meets your favorite mezze platter. Juicy, herby, and full of warm spices, they’re baked (not fried!) and absolutely smothered in a creamy tahini sauce that might just steal the show. They feel fancy, but they’re shockingly easy! It's the kind of thing that disappears fast whether you serve them in pita wraps, on a rice bowl, or straight off the tray like I do when no one’s watching.
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Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean, Middle Eastern
Keyword: lamb, meatballs
Prep Time: 30 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes minutes
Servings: 5
Calories: 410kcal
Author: Lola Jay

Ingredients

Meatballs

  • 1 lb ground lamb
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • ½ large onion or 1 small onion, grated
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 2 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
  • 2 tablespoon fresh dill chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh mint chopped
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Herbed Tahini Sauce

  • ½ cup tahini paste
  • ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 1 teaspoon fresh dill
  • 1 teaspoon fresh mint
  • ¼ cup water

Instructions 

Mix the meatballs

  • In a large bowl, combine lamb, egg, breadcrumbs, grated onion, garlic, herbs, salt, and spices. Mix gently until just combined.
    1 lb ground lamb, 1 large egg, ½ cup panko breadcrumbs, ½ large onion, 2 garlic cloves, 2 tablespoon fresh parsley, 2 tablespoon fresh dill, 1 tablespoon fresh mint, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1 teaspoon paprika, ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, 1 teaspoon ground cumin

Form and chill

  • Roll into meatballs using about 1½ tablespoons each.
  • Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover, and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up.

Bake

  • Transfer meatballs to a baking rack set over a sheet pan.
  • Bake at 375°F for 18 minutes, until cooked through.
  • Broil for 3 minutes to add color.

Make the tahini sauce

  • Blend tahini, lemon juice, cumin, garlic, dill, mint, and water until smooth and creamy.
    ½ cup tahini paste, ¼ cup fresh lemon juice, 2 garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon fresh dill, 1 teaspoon fresh mint, ¼ cup water, ¼ teaspoon ground cumin

Serve

  • Serve meatballs warm with tahini sauce on the side or spooned over the top.
  • Perfect in pita pockets, bowls, or as part of a mezze platter.

Video

Notes

Nutrition facts are only estimates. Calculation is based on 5 meatballs per person. You should have around 25 meatballs in total.

Storage & Reheating

  • Refrigerate: Up to 4 days in an airtight container.
  • Freeze: Meatballs freeze well up to 2 months (sauce best fresh).
  • Reheat: Warm gently in the oven or skillet.

Nutrition

Serving: 5meatballs | Calories: 410kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 35g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 14g | Trans Fat: 0.004g | Cholesterol: 99mg | Sodium: 587mg | Potassium: 395mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 459IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 82mg | Iron: 4mg

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Smiling woman holding a large sandwich with layers of meat and lettuce.

Hi, I'm Lola

Just your not so average girl next door who loves all things food. I was born in Paris, France to a tribe of women who love to cook and bake! I bring you quick and easy recipes from all over the world, but my heart (and taste buds) belong to Mediterranean cuisine. As a mom and stepmom to four kids, quick and delicious is my goal!

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