We love naf-naf, not not-not the price. See what I did there? Not to mention, the nearest one is at least two hours away if not more now that we live in the boonies. Luckily, mediterranean bowls are so easy to make at home yourself. Below I’m going to walk through our meat ball recipe that we use to make our own bowls at home. You can also splurge on subbing lamb for one of the meats, and that makes an even more flavorful and authentic dish!

Ingredients:

For the Meatballs:

1 lb ground beef
1 lb ground sausage (pork or lamb for authentic flavor)
2 eggs
½ cup almond flour (as binder)
2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
2 tbsp fresh dill (chopped) or 1 tbsp dried dill

For Serving:

Turmeric rice (see quick recipe below)
Babaganoush (store-bought or homemade)
Optional garnish: fresh parsley, lemon wedges

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground sausage, eggs, almond flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and fresh dill.
Mix gently until fully combined (avoid over-mixing to keep meatballs tender).
Shape into meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter.

Step 2: Cook on Cast Iron Skillet

Heat your cast iron skillet over medium heat and add a light drizzle of olive oil.
Once hot, place meatballs in the skillet (don’t overcrowd).
Cook for 3–4 minutes per side, turning to brown all around.
Reduce heat slightly, cover, and cook another 5–8 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Turmeric Rice (Quick Method):

2 cups jasmine or basmati rice
4 cups water or broth
1 tsp turmeric
½ tsp salt
1 tbsp olive oil or butter
Cook rice with turmeric, salt, and oil in water or broth until fluffy.

Serve:

Plate turmeric rice, top with juicy dill-infused meatballs, and add a side of babaganoush and pickles. Garnish with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon for brightness.

FAQ: Mediterranean Meatballs with Dill

1. What makes these meatballs Mediterranean?

Mediterranean meatballs often include fresh herbs like dill or parsley, warm spices, and are served with sides like turmeric rice, hummus, or babaganoush for a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal.

2. Can I make these meatballs gluten-free?

Yes! This recipe uses almond flour instead of breadcrumbs, making it naturally gluten-free.

3. Can I bake these meatballs instead of using a cast iron skillet?

Absolutely. Preheat your oven to 400°F, place meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and bake for 18–22 minutes, flipping halfway for even browning.

4. Can I substitute the sausage?

Yes, you can use all ground beef, ground lamb, or ground turkey if you prefer. Sausage adds extra flavor, but it’s optional.

5. Can I meal prep these Mediterranean meatballs?

Definitely! Cooked meatballs store well in the fridge for up to 4 days or can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat gently in the oven or skillet for best texture.

6. What can I serve with Mediterranean meatballs?

Turmeric rice, roasted vegetables, fresh salad, hummus, tzatziki, or babaganoush are excellent sides for a balanced Mediterranean meal.

7. Can I make these dairy-free?

Yes, the recipe is naturally dairy-free, as it does not include cheese. Just ensure your sausage is also dairy-free.

Mediterranean Dill Meatballs with Turmeric Rice (Knock Off Naf Naf)