Lamb Meatballs and Sauce

These juicy baked lamb meatballs from Chef John are made with ground lamb, garlic, and herbs simmered in a rich tomato sauce full of Mediterranean flavors.

• Preparation Time: 20 mins
• Cooking Time: 60 mins
• Total Time: 1 hr 20 mins
• Calories: 610 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 egg, beaten
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 cup chicken stock
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
• 3 cups tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
• 1 pinch red pepper flakes, or to taste
• 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 0.5 cup milk
• 1.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 0.5 cup dry bread crumbs
• 1.25 pounds ground lamb

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil; lightly grease with oil.

Step 2

Combine bread crumbs and milk in a small bowl; soak until bread crumbs absorb milk, about 30 minutes.

Step 3

Combine bread crumb mixture, lamb, egg, garlic, 2 tablespoons olive oil, tomato paste, rosemary, cumin, salt, oregano, black pepper, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper in a large bowl.

Step 4

Form lamb mixture into 2-inch meatballs; place on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 5

Cook in the preheated oven until slightly browned, about 15 minutes. Remove from oven; set aside.

Step 6

Combine meatballs, tomato sauce, chicken stock, mint, and pepper flakes in a large saucepan over medium heat until meatballs are no longer pink inside, about 45 minutes.