Easy Meatballs in Lemon Sauce: Comfort & Zesty Twist

This Meatballs in Lemon Sauce Recipe creates juicy, tender meatballs simmered in a bright, tangy lemon sauce with a hint of garlic. Perfect for cozy family dinners, weeknight meals, or comforting gatherings, this stovetop dish combines savory and citrusy flavors in a delightful way. I made this for a quiet Sunday supper, and the zesty sauce had everyone smiling! Ready in about 35 minutes, this recipe brings warm, flavorful comfort to your table with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Meatballs in Lemon Sauce Recipe

These meatballs are easy to make with a quick mix and a simple sauce. The lemon sauce adds a refreshing twist to classic meatballs. They’re versatile, letting you swap proteins or serve with various sides. I love how it’s a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish that feels special yet simple. Find more comforting dinner recipes at Fast Zest Recipes.

Meatballs in Lemon Sauce

Sophia

Juicy meatballs in a tangy, garlicky lemon sauce.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 380 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef 80/20
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil for cooking

For the Lemon Sauce:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 tbsp lemon zest
• 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp red chili flakes optional

For Garnish (Optional):

• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill
• Lemon slices

Instructions

 

• Mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Form into 1-inch meatballs (about 16).
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium. Cook meatballs for 6-8 minutes, turning, until browned. Remove and set aside.
• In the same skillet, heat olive oil; cook onion and garlic for 2-3 minutes. Add broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, pepper, and chili flakes. Stir in cornstarch slurry; simmer for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
• Return meatballs to skillet; simmer for 5-7 minutes until cooked (160°F).
• Garnish with parsley, dill, and lemon slices. Serve hot.

Notes

Nutrition (per serving):

• Calories: 380 kcal
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 2g
• Fat: 26g
• Saturated Fat: 8g Source: USDA Food Database (2025). Values are approximate.

Health Benefits of Meatballs in Lemon Sauce

Ground beef provides protein and iron for muscle and energy support. Lemon offers vitamin C for immune health. Olive oil supplies healthy fats for heart wellness. Enjoying this dish in moderation fits a balanced diet. Learn more about meatball recipes at BBC Good Food.

Ingredients for Meatballs in Lemon Sauce

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)

For the Lemon Sauce:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 tbsp lemon zest
• 1 tbsp cornstarch (mixed with 2 tbsp water)
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp red chili flakes (optional, for heat)

For Garnish (Optional):

• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill
• Lemon slices for serving

Substitutions: Use ground turkey instead of beef for a leaner option. Swap breadcrumbs with crushed crackers for texture. Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth for a different flavor. Use lime juice instead of lemon for a unique citrus twist.

Notes: Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor. Mix meatballs gently to avoid toughness. Cook sauce on low to prevent curdling.

How to Make Meatballs in Lemon Sauce

Prep Meatballs

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined. Form into 1-inch meatballs (about 16). This creates tender, flavorful meatballs.

Cook Meatballs

In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add meatballs and cook for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside. This ensures a nice crust.

Make Lemon Sauce

In the same skillet, add olive oil and cook onion and garlic for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add chicken broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, pepper, and chili flakes (if using). Stir in cornstarch slurry and simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. This creates a tangy, smooth sauce.

Combine Ingredients

Return meatballs to the skillet and coat in the sauce. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until meatballs are cooked through (internal temperature 160°F). This infuses the meatballs with flavor.

Serve

Transfer meatballs and sauce to a serving dish. Garnish with parsley, dill, and lemon slices if desired. Serve hot with mashed potatoes or rice. This adds a fresh, vibrant touch.

Preparation Tips

• Mix gently: Combine meatball ingredients lightly to keep them tender. Overmixing makes them tough. I mixed mine gently, and they were perfect.
• Use a large skillet: Choose a 12-inch skillet to fit meatballs and sauce. This prevents overcrowding. I used a large skillet, and it was great.
• Brown meatballs evenly: Turn meatballs while cooking for a uniform crust. This adds flavor. I browned mine carefully, and it was ideal.
• Thicken sauce slowly: Add cornstarch slurry gradually and simmer on low to avoid lumps. This ensures a smooth sauce. I stirred slowly, and it was perfect.
• Check doneness: Cook meatballs to 160°F for safety and juiciness. This avoids undercooking. I checked mine, and it was spot-on.
• Use fresh lemon: Squeeze fresh lemon juice for a bright, tangy sauce. This enhances flavor. I used fresh lemon, and it was great.
• Serve hot: Plate immediately for the best warmth and texture. This maximizes enjoyment. I served mine hot, and it was delicious.

Variations and Substitutions

• Use ground turkey: Swap beef for turkey for a leaner meatball. This reduces fat content. I tried turkey, and it was tasty.
• Add spinach: Stir 1 cup chopped spinach into the sauce for extra greens. This adds nutrition. I tried spinach, and it was great.
• Make it vegetarian: Use plant-based ground meat and vegetable broth. This suits vegetarian diets. I tried plant-based, and it was delicious.
• Use lime juice: Swap lemon juice for lime for a different citrus flavor. This changes the tang. I tried lime, and it was fine.
• Add heat: Increase chili flakes to 1/2 tsp for a spicier sauce. This boosts intensity. I tried spicier, and it was exciting.
• Use pork: Replace beef with ground pork for a richer flavor. This alters taste. I tried pork, and it was vibrant.
• Add cream: Stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream for a richer sauce. This changes texture. I tried cream, and it was great.

Storage and Meal Prep

Store meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth. Freeze cooked meatballs and sauce for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge and reheat gently. Prep meatball mixture and sauce ingredients a day ahead; store separately in the fridge. Cook fresh for the best texture and flavor. Add garnishes just before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions About Meatballs in Lemon Sauce Recipe

Here are answers to common questions about this dish.

1. Why are my meatballs tough?
   Mix ingredients gently and avoid overworking the meat. I mixed mine lightly, and they were tender.
2. Can I make it ahead?
   Prep meatballs and sauce ingredients a day ahead; cook fresh. I prepped early, and it was great.
3. Why is my sauce lumpy?
   Stir cornstarch slurry slowly and simmer on low heat. I stirred carefully, and it was smooth.
4. Can I use frozen meatballs?
   Yes, thaw completely and cook in the sauce. I used fresh, and it was tasty.
5. Can I make it vegetarian?
   Use plant-based ground meat and vegetable broth. I tried vegetarian, and it was delicious.
6. Why is my sauce bland?
   Add more lemon juice or salt to the sauce. I adjusted mine, and it was perfect.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with mashed potatoes for a comforting meal. Pair with steamed broccoli for a balanced plate. Enjoy with crusty bread to soak up the sauce. I served mine with potatoes, and it was a perfect match. This dish is great for cozy dinners, family meals, or weeknight comfort.

Nutrition Info for Meatballs in Lemon Sauce

Per serving (4 meatballs with sauce, 4 servings):

• Calories: 380 kcal
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 2g
• Fat: 26g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
  Source: USDA Food Database (2025). Values are approximate.

Final Thoughts

This Meatballs in Lemon Sauce Recipe is a tangy, comforting delight that’s perfect for any occasion. Its juicy meatballs and zesty sauce make it a go-to favorite. How do you like to customize your meatballs? Let us know in the comments!