Feta and Lamb Meatball Bake Recipe
This Feta & Lamb Meatball Bake is a flavorful Mediterranean-inspired dish featuring tender lamb meatballs infused with cumin and lemon zest, baked with onions, tomatoes, butter beans, and topped with salty feta cheese. A perfect hearty meal that’s easy to prepare and serves well with a fresh green salad.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4-6 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- 50g dried breadcrumbs
- 100g feta in brine
- 400g lamb mince
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
Other Ingredients
- 1 red onion, roughly sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 x 400g cans chopped tomatoes
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- 700g jar butter beans, drained and rinsed
- Small handful of parsley, finely chopped
- Green salad, to serve
Instructions
- Prepare the breadcrumb mix: In a large bowl, combine the dried breadcrumbs with around 2 tablespoons of the feta brine. Set aside for 5 minutes to allow the breadcrumbs to absorb the liquid.
- Mix the meatball ingredients: Add the lamb mince, ground cumin, lemon zest, and seasoning into the breadcrumb mixture. Use your hands to thoroughly combine all ingredients. Divide the mixture into 24 small meatballs.
- Preheat the oven and prepare meatballs: Heat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan/gas mark 6). Place the meatballs and sliced red onion in a baking dish. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and gently stir to coat evenly.
- Roast meatballs and onions: Roast in the oven for 10-15 minutes until the meatballs are lightly browned on the outside.
- Add tomatoes, spices, and beans: Remove the baking dish and pour in the chopped tomatoes, using a splash of water to rinse out the cans and add to the dish as well. Sprinkle in the ground cinnamon, add the drained butter beans, season with salt and pepper, and add a splash of lemon juice. Stir gently to combine.
- Add feta and continue baking: Crumble the remaining feta over the meatballs and drizzle the remaining olive oil on top. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 30-35 minutes until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
- Finish and serve: Season the bake to taste. Scatter finely chopped parsley over the top and serve warm alongside a fresh green salad if desired.
Notes
- Using the feta brine in the breadcrumb mixture helps keep the meatballs moist and adds extra flavor.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the baking dish; use one that comfortably holds the meatballs to ensure even cooking.
- For a spicier twist, add a pinch of chili flakes to the meatball mixture or tomato sauce.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated gently in the oven or microwave.
- This recipe pairs well with crusty bread or rice for a more substantial meal.
Keywords: lamb meatballs, baked meatballs, feta cheese, Mediterranean recipe, butter beans, easy dinner, oven-baked
Find it online: https://platedandproud.com/feta-and-lamb-meatball-bake-recipe/
