Italian Lamb Meatballs
This easy Italian lamb meatball recipe combines flavorful ground lamb with classic Italian herbs for a delicious dish perfect for pasta nights or meal prep. With simple ingredients and endless easy meal options, these juicy and rich lamb meatballs are a crowd-pleaser for sure.
Why you’ll love this Italian lamb meatball recipe
- Simple ingredients: Apart from the ground lamb, this recipe uses staple ingredients only including dried herbs for an easy weeknight dinner or handy snack.
- Versatile protein boost: These meatballs can be enjoyed in countless ways, from pasta dishes including lamb stroganoff to sandwiches, meatball wraps, or as a quick snack on their own.
- Perfect for meal prep: Meatballs are a staple in my weekly meal-prep routine and you can easily make a big batch of meatballs for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Ingredients and substitutions
- Lamb: Look for ground lamb with a higher fat content of 15-20% for juicier meatballs. You can also use ground beef. Check out this recipe for Italian beef meatballs.
- Breadcrumbs: This recipe uses white breadcrumbs but you can use wholemeal or panko breadcrumbs as well.
- Garlic: If you don’t have fresh cloves available you can substitute it with 1/2 tsp of ground garlic.
- Herbs: Oregano and thyme are classic Italian herbs that complement the lamb. You can use fresh thyme or oregano just up to the quantity to 1 1/2 tsp each. Alternatively, you can omit all seasoning and herbs in this recipe and simply use 1 tbsp of my Mediterranean seasoning or Tuscan spice mix.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Variations
- Spice it up: Increase the heat by adding 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper. You can also use my lamb dry rub to instantly season the ground lamb.
- Greek lamb meatballs: Add fresh mint, lemon zest, and feta cheese for a Greek twist.
- Moroccan meatballs: Substitute the herbs and spices with 1 tbsp chermoula spice mix for a North African twist.
How to make lamb meatballs (step-by-step)
Step 1: Combine all ingredients apart from the olive oil to make the meatball mixture.
Step 2: Form meatballs by hand (1-inch diameter).
Step 3: Heat the olive oil on medium-high heat and add the lamb meatballs.
Step 4: Cook the meatballs on both sides for 4-5 minutes each.
Serving ideas
Serve with pasta alongside your favorite rich tomato sauce or sour cream Stroganoff sauce. You can also make them for my Marry Me meatball pasta or enjoy these meatballs with a creamy Alfredo sauce.
Make meatballs wraps or Turkish bread sandwiches with a lemon dill sauce or tzatziki sauce and red sauerkraut.
Enjoy as a standalone appetizer with a dipping sauce such as my homemade Dijonnaise or a refreshing yogurt mint sauce.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, you can make the meatball mixture ahead of time and store them shaped in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. This can be a great time-saver for busy weeknights.
Yes, cooked or uncooked lamb meatballs can be frozen for later use.
To reheat, place meatballs on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated oven until heated through.
Open one up and check if it’s no longer pink on the inside or use a meat thermometer to ensure meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
More lamb recipes
For more easy lamb dishes, check out the following recipes:
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Italian Lamb Meatballs
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground lamb
- 1 egg medium-sized
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 garlic clove minced
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp ground paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil extra virgin
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix together the ground lamb, egg, breadcrumbs, garlic, thyme, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.1 lb ground lamb, 1 egg, 1/4 cup breadcrumbs, 1 garlic clove, 1/2 tsp dried thyme, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp ground paprika, 1 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
- Use your hands to shape the ground meat mixture into meatballs, about 1-inch diameter, slightly smaller than golf balls.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown the lamb meatballs until golden brown about 4-5 minutes on both sides.1 tbsp olive oil
Quick and easy recipe. A staple in our house!