Mediterranean Meatball Flatbread Recipe

ByBob Jones

I consider myself a loyal food aficionado. My real love and passion for food come not from haute cuisine or extravagant meals but from simple, everyday food that is nevertheless full of flavor and character.

I get real pleasure from Mediterranean Meatball Flatbread, a dish that is a perfect blend of diverse but complementary flavors and textures. The meatballs themselves might be the most simple part of the dish.

Ground beef or lamb (or a mix of the two) is seasoned with salt and pepper, then mixed up with cumin and coriander, which are like sunshine in spice form, and parsley, which is quite possibly the most underappreciated herb on the planet. I always add breadcrumbs and an egg to the mixture for improved moisture and binding, making the meatballs tender and juicy.

When served alongside a warm piece of soft flatbread or naan, this dish is a truly hearty and pleasant way to enjoy a meal. What I find particularly refreshing about this recipe is the topping.

A dollop of creamy Greek yogurt mixed with a splash of lemon juice adds a zesty contrast to the savory meatballs. The chopped cucumber and tomato introduce a fresh crunch, while the sliced red onion and crumbled feta elevate the taste profile with their briny notes.

Finally, a sprinkle of fresh mint leaves provides the burst of herbal aroma that ties everything together. This Mediterranean Meatball Flatbread is not only a feast for the palate; it is a nourishing dish I enjoy.

Ingredients photo for Mediterranean Meatball Flatbread Recipe

Ingredients

Ingredients photo for Mediterranean Meatball Flatbread Recipe

Lamb or beef (ground): Packed with protein and minerals like zinc and iron.

Add texture and help bind the meatballs together: Breadcrumbs.

Parsley: Provides a fresh taste, an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K.

Parmesan cheese: Delivers umami taste and a mouthwatering quality.

The creamy, high-protein, probiotic-rich yogurt of Greece.

Lemon juice contributes acidity, enhances flavors, and significantly increases vitamin C content.

Cucumber has a very high water content, is refreshing, and has a very mild taste.

Feta cheese: Provides a salty, tangy flavor and is a source of calcium.

Ingredient Quantities

  • 1 lb ground lamb or beef

  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs

  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • 1 egg

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 tsp ground cumin

  • 1 tsp ground coriander

  • 1/2 tsp salt

  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

  • 4 flatbreads or naan

  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt

  • 1 tbsp lemon juice

  • 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

  • 1/4 cup chopped cucumber

  • 1/4 cup chopped tomatoes

  • 1/4 cup sliced red onion

  • 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese

  • Fresh mint leaves, for garnish

Instructions

1. Your oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C), and you will need a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

2. In a big bowl, blend the ground lamb or beef with breadcrumbs, parsley, Parmesan, egg, garlic, cumin, coriander, salt, and black pepper. Combine well until you have a uniform mixture.

3. The mixture should be formed into small meatballs, approximately 1 inch in diameter, and placed on the prepared baking sheet.

4. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and browned on the outside.

5. As the meatballs cook, whip up the yogurt sauce by combining the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and extra-virgin olive oil in a small bowl. Put it aside for now.

6. Place the flatbreads or naan in the oven for a few minutes, or until they are warm and soft.

7. The yogurt sauce should be spread generously over the flatbreads.

8. Distribute the sauce evenly among the flatbreads. Top with cooked meatballs, dividing them evenly across the flatbreads.

9. Chopped cucumber, tomatoes, sliced red onion, and crumbled feta cheese are the toppings for the meatballs.

10. Before serving, add an extra touch of flavor—and elegance—by garnishing with fresh mint leaves. Then just sit back and enjoy your Mediterranean Meatball Flatbread.

Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Sheet for baking
3. Parchment paper
4. Extra-large mixing bowl
5. Bowl, small
6. Cupas de medir
7. Spoons for measuring
8. Spoon or spatula for mixing
9. Cutting instrument
10. Board for cutting
11. Grater
12. Use a fork or whisk to mix the yogurt sauce.

FAQ

  • Can I use a different type of meat?Indeed, turkey or chicken can be used instead of lamb or beef; ground turkey or chicken can stand in quite well for either one.

  • What can I use instead of breadcrumbs?An alternative for texture is panko or crushed crackers.

  • Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?The Parmesan and feta can be left out or replaced with dairy-free cheese options.

  • How can I make this recipe gluten-free?Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and gluten-free flatbread.

  • Can I prepare the meatballs ahead of time?It is possible to form and chill the meatballs a day in advance; just be sure to keep them well-covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook them.

  • What is a good substitute for Greek yogurt in the sauce?You can use sour cream or yogurt made from a non-dairy substance as an alternative.

  • Can flatbread be reheated?Indeed, the best results come from warming in a pan or oven before assembling.

Substitutions and Variations

For a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken can be used in place of ground lamb or beef.
If you lack breadcrumbs, you can use smashed crackers or oatmeal instead.
Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast can be used instead of grated Parmesan cheese for a dairy-free alternative.
You can substitute sour cream or a non-dairy yogurt for Greek yogurt to make a lactose-free version.
If fresh mint leaves are unavailable, try using fresh basil or parsley leaves for garnish.