Mediterranean Diet Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs
Elevate your dinner table with these Mediterranean Diet Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs—an irresistible combination of lean ground beef, flavorful ground lamb, and creamy feta cheese tucked inside every bite. Enhanced with fresh herbs like parsley and mint, savory garlic, and a hint of lemon zest, this recipe brings bold Mediterranean-inspired flavors to life. These meatballs are delicately browned and simmered in a rich, no-sugar-added tomato sauce, making them both wholesome and indulgent. Perfect for a crowd-pleasing weeknight meal or a gourmet centerpiece, serve them piping hot alongside a crisp salad or whole-grain bread for a balanced and satisfying feast. Easy to prep, oven-baked, and loaded with wholesome ingredients, this dish is a true celebration of the vibrant Mediterranean diet.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 500 grams ground beef (preferably lean)
- 250 grams ground lamb
- 150 grams feta cheese
- 50 grams breadcrumbs (whole wheat)
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 30 grams fresh parsley, chopped
- 15 grams fresh mint, chopped
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon oregano, dried
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 400 grams tomato sauce (no added sugar)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground lamb, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, mint, onion, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
Mix the meat mixture thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
Crumble the feta cheese into small chunks.
Take about 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture and flatten it slightly in your hand. Place a chunk of feta cheese in the center and wrap the meat around the cheese, sealing it well to form a meatball.
Repeat the process with the remaining meat mixture and cheese.
Heat the olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs and sear them until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes.
Once browned, pour the tomato sauce over the meatballs and sprinkle the lemon zest on top.
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the meatballs are cooked through and tender.
Serve hot, garnished with extra parsley, if desired, alongside a fresh salad or whole-grain bread.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2804 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 194.4 g | 249% | |
| Saturated Fat | 77.9 g | 390% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 8.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 901 mg | 300% | |
| Sodium | 5851 mg | 254% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 60.0 g | 22% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 8.6 g | 31% | |
| Total Sugars | 9.6 g | ||
| Protein | 192.3 g | 385% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.1 mcg | 10% | |
| Calcium | 1101 mg | 85% | |
| Iron | 21.8 mg | 121% | |
| Potassium | 2864 mg | 61% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
