Dinner

Feta & Lamb Meatball Bake Recipe

Name: Feta & Lamb Meatball Bake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 50g dried breadcrumbs; 2 tbsp feta brine (from 100g feta in brine); 400g lamb mince; 2 tsp ground cumin; 1 lemon, zested and juiced; Salt and pepper, to taste; 100g feta in brine; 1 red onion, roughly sliced; 2 tbsp olive oil, divided; 2 x 400g cans chopped tomatoes; ½ tsp ground cinnamon; 700g jar butter beans, drained and rinsed; Small handful of parsley, finely chopped; Green salad, to serve

ByJack Voss February 6, 2026February 6, 2026

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Introduction

This Feta & Lamb Meatball Bake is a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for a comforting dinner. Tender lamb meatballs are baked in a rich tomato and butter bean sauce, topped with crumbled feta for a delicious Mediterranean twist.

A white rectangular baking dish filled with a baked stew showing three main layers: at the bottom, a thick, chunky red tomato sauce with visible tomato pieces; on top of that, large, pale orange butter beans spread evenly; scattered across the beans are dark brown meatballs with a slightly charred texture; the dish is dotted with creamy white crumbled cheese and sprinkled with finely chopped green herbs. The edges of the dish show some baked-on sauce stains. The dish rests on a white marbled surface with a brown cloth partly under the dish photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

50g dried breadcrumbs
100g feta in brine
400g lamb mince
2 tsp ground cumin
1 lemon, zested and juiced
1 red onion, roughly sliced
2 tbsp olive oil
2 x 400g cans chopped tomatoes
½ tsp ground cinnamon
700g jar butter beans, drained and rinsed
Small handful of parsley, finely chopped
Green salad, to serve

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, mix the dried breadcrumbs with about 2 tablespoons of the feta brine. Set aside for 5 minutes to let the breadcrumbs absorb the liquid.
Step 2: Add the lamb mince, ground cumin, lemon zest, and some seasoning to the breadcrumb mixture. Combine everything well using your hands, then shape the mixture into 24 small meatballs.
Step 3: Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan)/gas mark 6. Place the meatballs and sliced red onion in a baking dish. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and gently toss to coat.
Step 4: Roast the meatballs and onion for 10-15 minutes until the meatballs are lightly browned.
Step 5: Carefully pour the canned chopped tomatoes into the dish, swirling the cans with a splash of water to get all the tomato pieces. Add this water to the dish as well.
Step 6: Stir in the ground cinnamon, drained butter beans, a splash of lemon juice, and season to taste. Stir gently to combine without breaking the meatballs.
Step 7: Crumble the feta evenly over the top and drizzle with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil.
Step 8: Return the dish to the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until the meatballs are fully cooked and the sauce has thickened and reduced.
Step 9: Remove from the oven, season if needed, and sprinkle with chopped parsley. Serve warm with a fresh green salad on the side if desired.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh breadcrumbs for a lighter texture or gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed.
Swap lamb for beef or turkey mince for a different flavor profile.
Add a pinch of chili flakes with the cumin for a bit of heat.
Serve with crusty bread or couscous to soak up the delicious sauce.

Storage

Store leftover meatball bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. The sauce may thicken on standing; add a splash of water if needed when reheating.

How to Serve

A white rectangular baking dish filled with a one-layer baked dish showing a rich, chunky red tomato sauce base. Scattered on top are several browned meatballs with a crispy outer texture, creamy white cheese crumbles, and large, soft, light brown beans. The dish is sprinkled with finely chopped green herbs, adding fresh color contrast. The edges of the dish show slight sauce caramelization with a glossy shine. The dish sits on a white marbled surface, with a brown cloth napkin nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I freeze the meatball bake?

Yes, you can freeze the baked meatballs and sauce in a suitable container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Absolutely. Prepare and shape the meatballs a day ahead, then keep them covered in the refrigerator until ready to bake. This can save time on the day you plan to serve.