August 7, 2012

Meatball Gyros

This recipe was picked out by another member of the family.  I never would have chosen this if I saw it in a magazine and it probably wouldn't have even caught my attention, which is why I was so glad it did catch someone else's attention.  They turned out really really good!  

It was perfect timing, since Jake had just gone to IKEA with his mom and picked up some of their frozen meatballs.  Which, by-the-way, I did not even care to look at the calorie count on the package.  Sometimes things are better left unknown.

 I was honestly shocked that I liked these as much as I did.  I liked them enough that I could see myself eating these frequently.  If you make your own meatballs using lean meat, then this is a pretty healthy meal.  

Meatball Gyros
For the sauce
3/4 c. (6 oz.) plain, non-fat, Greek yogurt
   (I used a 5.5 oz. carton of Chobani)
1/2 c. finely chopped and peeled cucumber
1/4 c. diced tomatoes
1/2 tsp. lemon juice
1/4 - 1/2 tsp. onion powder, to taste
1/4 - 1/2 tsp. garlic powder, to taste
1/4 - 1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning, to taste
salt and pepper, to taste

For serving
* cooked meatballs 
8 pita halves, regular or wheat
2 c. shredded lettuce
1/2 c. diced tomatoes
grated Parmesan cheese, opt.

*Meatballs
(I did not use this recipe, but this is the one included in the magazine)
1/2 c. seasoned bread crumbs
1 egg
1 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
1 lb. lean ground turkey or beef

In a small bowl, combine all of the sauce ingredients; set aside.  If you are making the included meatball recipe, in a large bowl, combine the bread crumbs, egg and seasonings.  Crumble turkey or beef over mixture and mix well.  Shape into 16 balls.  Place meatballs on a rack coated with cooking spray in a shallow baking pan.  Bake, uncovered, at 400 degrees for 15-20 minutes or until no longer pink.  To serve: Line pitas with lettuce and tomatoes; add meatballs and drizzle with yogurt sauce.  Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, if desired.  Yield: 4 servings.   

Jenn's Notes: I used the little frozen meatballs from IKEA, but since you might not have access to those and you might not have a favorite meatball recipe, I have included the recipe that was in my magazine.  I have not tried this recipe, but it sounds like it would be good.  The seasonings in the sauce were not in the original recipe, but I wanted a little extra flavor.      

15 comments:

  1. Being Greek, I naturally love Gyros!! But using simple ingredients, like frozen meatballs is really a great idea! I have to try this, think the family will like them!

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  2. Hi Jenn...I am printing a lot of your recipes..thank you very much...Is there a way to print them with the picture...

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    1. I can start making a printable recipe that includes a pic if you would like? -Jenn

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  3. These look so good. I am saving the recipe for a weekend meal. Thanks for posting.

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  4. Jenn, that would be sweet of you. I do not want you to go to any trouble to add one, I thought maybe I was not doing something. If it is an easy thing to add, I think it would be nice but not necessary.
    Thank you again

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    1. I think it will be really easy! I'll try it and we will see what happens! - Jenn

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  5. Hi there!

    I really like your blog and am now a happy follower. I would love you to jin My Sweet party!

    http://meandmysweets.blogspot.se/2012/08/my-sweet-party-august-childhood.html

    Cheers!

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  6. So Braylee really wants meatballs today, which is really weird for her. She isn't a huge meat fan. I thought I would check your blog for something and I think it's so funny that you just posted this. I will have to try it.

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    1. That is funny, because I am pretty sure this is the only meatball dish on here! The meatballs from IKEA are really good and they come frozen, so you can pull out how ever many you want and just bake them - super easy!

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  7. these look so good. I can't wait to try it. I have a link party on Wednesdays, and I would love it if you would link this post. It is called Wednesdays Adorned From Above Link Party. It closes tonight. If you miss it, I have another one starting on Wednesday
    http://www.adornedfromabove.com/2012/08/apple-cinnamon-roll-pull-aparts-and.html
    I hope to see you there. Have a great Day.
    Debi Bolocofsky
    Adorned From Above
    www.adornedfromabove.com

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  8. Looks good / gonna try it :)

    Every other time I see an interesting recipe I end up at your site :)

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    1. I hope that is a good thing! Ha Ha! - Jenn

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  9. Oh yeah, this looks delish! Love the Ikea meatballs!

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  10. Love the Ikea meatballs! Would you consider linking this up at my Pinworthy Projects Party? I hope to see you there!

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