Mediterranean Diet Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs

Indulge in the bold flavors of the Mediterranean with these irresistible Mediterranean Diet Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs. A perfect fusion of lean ground beef and lamb, these meatballs are infused with fresh herbs like parsley and mint, then stuffed with creamy, tangy feta cheese for a delightful surprise in every bite. Sautéed to golden perfection and simmered in a robust, no-added-sugar tomato sauce with a hint of lemon zest, this wholesome dish is as nourishing as it is delicious. Whether served alongside a crisp salad or paired with whole-grain bread, these nutrient-packed meatballs are ideal for a balanced Mediterranean meal. Easy to prepare in just under an hour, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining.

Nutriscore Rating: 56/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

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

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground lamb, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, mint, onion, oregano, salt, and black pepper.

Step 3

Mix the meat mixture thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.

Step 4

Crumble the feta cheese into small chunks.

Step 5

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.

Step 6

Repeat the process with the remaining meat mixture and cheese.

Step 7

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.

Step 8

Once browned, pour the tomato sauce over the meatballs and sprinkle the lemon zest on top.

Step 9

Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the meatballs are cooked through and tender.

Step 10

Serve hot, garnished with extra parsley, if desired, alongside a fresh salad or whole-grain bread.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1198.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2803.8

Total Fat 194.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 77.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 8.8g
Cholesterol 901.4mg	0%
Sodium 5851.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 60.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 8.6g	0%
Total Sugars 9.6g
Protein 192.3g	0%

Vitamin D 82IU	0%
Calcium 1101.1mg	0%
Iron 21.8mg	0%
Potassium 2863.7mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 63.4%

Protein: 27.9%

Carbs: 8.7%