Description
This Lemon Meatballs Recipe features tender ground beef meatballs infused with fresh lemon zest and herbs, served in a creamy, tangy lemon sauce. Perfectly seasoned and cooked on the stovetop, these meatballs make a delicious main dish that’s both comforting and bright with citrus flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatball Mixture
- 1 lb ground beef (85–15 mix)
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1/4 cup parsley, finely minced
- 2 tsp garlic and herb seasoning
- Zest of 1/2 lemon
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- Salt, to taste
Sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1/2 cup flour
- Juice of 1/2 lemon (or whole lemon for extra lemony flavor)
- 1 1/4 cups chicken stock
- 1 clove garlic, smashed, peeled, and halved
- Chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, minced garlic, chopped parsley, garlic and herb seasoning, lemon zest, egg, breadcrumbs, and a pinch of salt. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated, ensuring even distribution of flavors.
- Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into uniform meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Set aside on a plate ready for cooking.
- Cook the Meatballs: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of olive oil. Add the meatballs carefully, cooking in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Brown the meatballs on all sides, turning gently, until cooked through and golden brown, about 8-10 minutes. Remove meatballs and set aside.
- Make the Lemon Sauce: In the same skillet, add olive oil and butter. Once melted, whisk in the flour to form a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes until it turns a light golden color, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
- Add Aromatics and Liquids: Add the smashed garlic halves to the roux, then slowly whisk in chicken stock, ensuring no lumps form. Add lemon juice and continue to whisk until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth, about 3-5 minutes. Remove garlic halves before serving.
- Combine Meatballs and Sauce: Return the cooked meatballs to the skillet, gently spooning the lemon sauce over them. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld and ensure meatballs are heated through.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top for freshness and serve hot. This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs and use gluten-free flour for the sauce.
- Adjust lemon juice quantity based on your preference for tartness.
- Ground beef with a bit of fat (like 85-15) helps keep meatballs moist and flavorful.
- To make ahead, you can prepare meatballs and sauce separately and reheat together before serving.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keywords: lemon meatballs, ground beef meatballs, lemon sauce recipe, stovetop meatballs, easy dinner recipe, garlic meatballs