Lamb Meatballs and Sauce

4.8
(46)
38 Reviews
7 Photos

These lamb meatballs made with ground lamb, garlic, rosemary, and oregano are baked to keep them juicy, then simmered in a rich tomato sauce flavored with fresh mint. Delicious served on lemon couscous for a tasty Mediterranean alternative to traditional meatballs.

By
John Mitzewich
Chef John
John Mitzewich
John Mitzewich — aka Chef John — has produced more than 1,500 cooking videos for Allrecipes. He's the actor, director, and screenwriter whose hands and voice confidently walk you through techniques.
Allrecipes' editorial guidelines
Updated on February 20, 2025
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Prep Time:
20 mins
Cook Time:
1 hr
Additional Time:
30 mins
Total Time:
1 hr 50 mins
Servings:
4
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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 4 servings

  • ½ cup dry bread crumbs

  • ½ cup milk

  • 1 ¼ pounds ground lamb

  • 1 large egg, beaten

  • 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste

  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary

  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin

  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt

  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano

  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

  • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon

  • 1 pinch cayenne pepper

  • 3 cups tomato sauce

  • 1 cup chicken stock

  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint

  • 1 pinch red pepper flakes, or to taste

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil; lightly grease with oil.

  2. Combine bread crumbs and milk in a small bowl; soak until bread crumbs absorb milk, about 30 minutes.

  3. Combine bread crumb mixture, lamb, egg, garlic, 2 tablespoons olive oil, tomato paste, rosemary, cumin, salt, oregano, black pepper, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper in a large bowl.

  4. Form lamb mixture into 2-inch meatballs; place on the prepared baking sheet.

  5. Cook in the preheated oven until slightly browned, about 15 minutes. Remove from oven; set aside.

  6. Combine meatballs, tomato sauce, chicken stock, mint, and pepper flakes in a large saucepan over medium heat until meatballs are no longer pink inside, about 45 minutes.

75 home cooks made it!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

610 Calories
44g Fat
24g Carbs
31g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Calories 610
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 44g 56%
Saturated Fat 16g 82%
Cholesterol 154mg 51%
Sodium 2323mg 101%
Total Carbohydrate 24g 9%
Dietary Fiber 4g 14%
Total Sugars 11g
Protein 31g 63%
Vitamin C 16mg 17%
Calcium 146mg 11%
Iron 7mg 36%
Potassium 1110mg 24%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

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