The best Paleo Greek Meatballs

Greek food is simple, elegant, and fresh. The spices and herbs used in this cuisine create flavors ranging from full-bodied to subtle depending on the dish. Luckily, my town has amazing authentic Greek restaurants nearby when a craving strikes. However, Greek food can also be made easily (and deliciously) in your own kitchen. (Insert Ina Garten smiling and saying, “How easy is that?”) The Best Paleo Greek Meatballs are rich with authentic flavor and easy as heck to make. Best of all, they’re made with clean, healthy ingredients.

EQUIPMENT FOR THE BEST PALEO GREEK MEATBALLS:

• Large mixing bowl
• Cookie sheet
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Cheese grater for zesting lemon and grating onion
• Optional cookie scoop (I find this to be a useful tool for easy meatball making)
• Optional parchment paper for easy cleanup

HERE’S WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

• A pound of ground beef (grass-fed is always recommended)
• An egg
• One lemon (you will use the juice and the zest of this)
• Half a red onion (finely minced or grated)
• 1/4 cup of fresh mint (minced)
• 1/4 cup blanched almond flour
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1/2 a teaspoon each of:
  • dried oregano
  • coriander
  • cumin
  • salt
• 1/4 a teaspoon of cinnamon

How to Make Paleo Greek Meatballs?

Step 1:

Firstly, preheat your oven to 400°F. Then line a cookie sheet with parchment paper, or grease it and set aside.

Step 2:

Secondly, add egg, juice, and zest of a lemon, onion, mint, almond flour, spices, salt, and then ground beef into a large mixing bowl and combine.

Step 3:

Next, use a cookie scoop or spoon to scoop out 1.5 tablespoons of the meat mixture and roll them into balls between your palms. Place them in rows of four on the cookie sheet. You should have about 24 meatballs altogether.

Step 4:

Place the cookie sheet into the preheated oven and cook for about 20 minutes (I like to flip them halfway through, but this step is optional).

Step 5:

Remove from the oven and let them cool before enjoying

SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR THE BEST PALEO GREEK MEATBALLS & NOTES:

• My family enjoyed The Best Paleo Greek Meatballs with tzatziki and couscous tabbouleh
• These make great leftovers! My husband even ate and enjoyed them cold the next day
• Looking for more meatballs? Try delicious One Pan Meatballs and Gravy!

Tips

• These make great leftovers! My husband even ate and enjoyed them cold the next day.
• Combine the ingredients well, but avoid over-mixing to keep the meatballs tender.
• Use a cookie scoop to ensure all meatballs are the same size, ensuring even cooking.
• While optional, flipping the meatballs halfway through cooking ensures they brown evenly on all sides.

Some Variations you should try!

• Turkey Meatballs: use ground turkey for a leaner option. Don’t forget to adjust the cooking time as turkey may cook faster.
• Spicy Meatballs: If you want a little bit spicy, Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the mix.
• Keto Meatballs: Use pork rinds instead of almond flour to make the recipe keto-friendly.

FAQ

Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or lamb.

What can I use instead of almond flour?

If you can’t use almond flour, you can try using coconut flour or another paleo-friendly flour.

Is it necessary to use grass-fed beef?

While grass-fed beef is recommended for its higher nutrient content and better flavor, you can use any ground beef you have available.

How do I finely mince or grate the onion?

You can finely mince the onion using a sharp knife or grate it using a box grater.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze them for up to 1 month.

How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked?

The meatballs should be browned on the outside and no longer pink inside. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C) for ground beef. Use a meat thermometer to check if you’re unsure.

Conclusion

These Paleo Greek Meatballs are a fantastic, healthy option for those who love Mediterranean flavors. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, you can make this meal anytime at home. The blend of spices and other ingredients provides a tasty flavor that pairs wonderfully with a lot of sides.