nai, baked greek meatballs!

Name: Nai, Baked Greek Meatballs!
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 2 cup(s) leftover cooked rice (brown, basmati, even orzo or pastina will work as a substitute); 1/2 tablespoon(s) fresh greek oregano, finely minced or 3/4 teaspoon dried greek oregano; 1/4 cup(s) red or yellow onion, finely minced; 1/4 teaspoon(s) ground cinnamon; 1/2 cup(s) feta cheese or myzithra, crumbled/grated; 1 pound(s) ground beef or ground lamb (or a combination of both); 1 small egg (read my *note below); 2 medium zucchini or similar vegetable (about 1 1/2 cups); 1 cup(s) basic tomato sauce (marinara sauce, for example)

(2 RATINGS)

12 Pinches 1 Photo

C G

Vallèe du Willamette, OR

Updated on Oct 26, 2015

From May 2004 issue of Prevention magazine.

Rate

prep time 20 Min

cook time 20 Min

method Bake

yield 4-6 serving(s)

Ingredients

2 cups leftover cooked rice (brown, basmati, even orzo or pastina will work as a substitute)
1/2 tablespoon fresh greek oregano, finely minced or 3/4 teaspoon dried greek oregano
1/4 cup red or yellow onion, finely minced
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup feta cheese or myzithra, crumbled/grated
1 pound ground beef or ground lamb (or a combination of both)
1 small egg (read my *note below)
2 medium zucchini or similar vegetable (about 1 1/2 cups)
1 cup basic tomato sauce (marinara sauce, for example)

How To Make nai, baked greek meatballs!

Step 1

*NOTE: If meat mixture does not want to bind, add a small beaten egg to the mix. .

Step 2

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. In large bowl, combine leftover rice/pasta, oregano, onion, garlic, cinnamon and *1/4 cup* feta or myzithra cheese. Add the beef/lamb just until combined.
Step 3

In 13" x 9" greased baking dish arrange the zucchini slices in single layer. Grease a small cookie dough scoop with olive oil then shape the meat mixture into sixteen 1 1/2" balls. Place the meatballs on top of zucchini and drizzle with the tomato/marinara sauce. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 4

Cover baking dish with foil. Bake 20 minutes or until meatballs are cooked through and no longer pink.
Step 5

Uncover, and top with remaining feta or myzithra cheese. Let sit in oven for about 1 minute or until the cheese has melted.
Last Step: Don't forget to share! Post a picture of your finished recipe here and on your favorite social network. Don't forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes!

Discover More

Comment & Reviews

Just A Pinch Sweepstakes