Get ready to embark on a culinary journey straight to the heart of Greece with these mouthwatering Greek Soutzoukakia tender meatballs simmered in a rich, aromatic spiced tomato sauce that will fill your kitchen with irresistible scents. Imagine biting into juicy, well-seasoned meatballs with a touch of cinnamon and cumin, perfectly balanced by the tangy, hearty tomato sauce. Trust me, this dish is a total game-changer for your weeknight dinners or whenever you want to impress with something comforting yet exotic.

Why You’ll Love Greek Soutzoukakia

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family dinner, a small gathering with friends, or a special treat just for yourself, this dish hits all the right notes. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

Versatile: Serve with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up all that luscious sauce.

Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable pantry staples that come together into something extraordinary.

Quick and Easy: Prepping and cooking are straightforward, making it accessible even on busy days.

Customizable: Add more spices or herbs to suit your taste, or adjust the sauce thickness to your liking.

Crowd-Pleasing: The warm, savory spices combined with tender meatballs make it a guaranteed hit for all ages.

Ingredients in Greek Soutzoukakia

Here’s the magic behind these flavorful meatballs and their luscious sauce:

Ground Beef

Juicy and flavorful, the foundation of our meatballs.

Onion

Adds sweetness and depth to both meatballs and sauce.

Garlic

For that irresistible savory aroma and flavor punch.

Bread Crumbs

Helps bind the meatballs for the perfect tender texture.

Egg

Keeps everything together while adding richness.

Ground Cinnamon and Cumin

These warm spices give the meatballs their signature Greek twist.

Tomato Sauce

The base of the rich and spiced sauce that the meatballs simmer in.

Olive Oil

Used to sauté onions and garlic, bringing out their sweetness.

Red Wine Vinegar or Lemon Juice

Adds a bright, tangy kick to balance the sauce.

Fresh Parsley

For garnish and a fresh, herbaceous finish.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this comforting Greek classic:

Preheat Your Equipment

Get your oven or stovetop ready if baking, preheat to 375°F (190°C); otherwise, prepare your pan for gentle simmering.

Combine Ingredients

Mix ground beef with finely chopped onion, garlic, bread crumbs, egg, cinnamon, cumin, salt, and pepper until just combined don’t overwork to keep meatballs tender.

Prepare Your Cooking Vessel

Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pan for searing the meatballs.

Assemble the Dish

Shape the meat mixture into oblong or round meatballs, then brown them in the hot oil until golden on all sides.

Cook to Perfection

Add tomato sauce, a splash of red wine vinegar or lemon juice, and simmer gently with the meatballs until cooked through and the sauce thickens, about 25-30 minutes.

Finishing Touches

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top just before serving for a burst of color and freshness.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve warm with your favorite sides—rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread—and soak up every last drop of that spiced tomato sauce.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: Approximately 350

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

How to Serve Greek Soutzoukakia

This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:

• Fluffy basmati or jasmine rice to soak up the sauce
• Creamy mashed potatoes or polenta for a comforting meal
• Warm pita bread or crusty rustic bread to mop up every bite
• A crisp Greek salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta for freshness
• Roasted vegetables or sautéed greens for a balanced plate

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:

• Don’t overmix the meat mixture to keep the meatballs tender and juicy.
• Brown meatballs in batches so they sear evenly without overcrowding the pan.
• Adjust the amount of cinnamon and cumin to your taste—start small and add more if desired.
• Use good-quality tomato sauce or homemade for the richest flavor.
• Let the sauce simmer gently to deepen the flavors without drying out the meatballs.
• For a thicker sauce, remove the lid during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
• Add a pinch of sugar if your tomato sauce is too acidic.
• You can swap beef for lamb or a mix of beef and pork for a different twist.
• Garnish with fresh herbs like mint or oregano for extra Greek flair.
• Leftovers taste even better the next day after flavors have melded.

FAQs

1 Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs, refrigerate them raw or cooked, and reheat before serving.

2 Can I freeze the cooked soutzoukakia?
Definitely, freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months and thaw overnight before reheating.

3 What can I use instead of ground beef?
Ground lamb or a beef-pork mix work wonderfully for richer flavor.

4 How spicy are these meatballs?
They’re mildly spiced with cinnamon and cumin, not hot; add chili flakes if you like heat.

5 Can I bake the meatballs instead of pan-frying?
Yes, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until cooked through and then simmer in sauce.

6 What’s a good substitute for bread crumbs?
Crushed gluten-free crackers, oats, or almond meal can work as binders.

7 Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of tomato sauce?
Yes, blend fresh tomatoes and cook down into a sauce, adjusting seasoning as needed.

8 How thick should the tomato sauce be?
It should be thick enough to coat the meatballs well but still saucy enough to enjoy.

9 Can I make the sauce spicier?
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for a smoky kick.

10 What sides best complement Greek Soutzoukakia?
Rice, mashed potatoes, crusty bread, Greek salad, and roasted veggies are all great choices.

Conclusion

These Greek Soutzoukakia are a deliciously spiced and comforting dish that will quickly become a favorite in your meal rotation. With juicy meatballs simmered in a fragrant tomato sauce, this recipe brings the heart of Greek home cooking right to your table. Easy to make, satisfying to eat, and versatile to serve, it’s a dish that’s sure to impress and warm everyone’s soul. So go ahead, give it a try you’ll be savoring every bite!

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