Ingredients
For the Soutzoukakia (Meatballs)
- 340g ground beef (3/4 lb)
- 3/4 cup bread crumbs
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1/2 medium onion, grated
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried mint)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 lemon, juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Potatoes and Sauce
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 4 large potatoes, cut into wedges
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 1 1/2 cups water
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Drizzle a large baking dish with the olive oil to prevent sticking and add flavor.
- Season Potatoes: Place the potato wedges in the baking dish and season them with oregano, salt, and pepper. Toss well to ensure all wedges are evenly coated with the seasoning and oil.
- Bake Potatoes with Sauce: Pour the tomato sauce and water evenly over the potatoes. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes to partially cook and infuse the potatoes with the sauce flavors.
- Prepare Soutzoukakia Mixture: While the potatoes bake, mix ground beef, bread crumbs, milk, egg, grated onion, minced garlic, parsley, mint, ground cumin, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a large bowl until fully combined.
- Shape Soutzoukakia: Scoop portions of the meat mixture and form each into an oval-shaped meatball. Set aside on a plate or tray.
- Arrange Meatballs and Continue Baking: Remove the baking dish from the oven after 30 minutes. Place the shaped soutzoukakia meatballs on top of the par-cooked potatoes and tomato sauce.
- Final Bake: Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 50-60 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and meatballs are fully cooked through. Halfway through baking, gently flip the potatoes and meatballs to evenly coat them with tomato sauce and promote even cooking.
Notes
- Make sure to flip the meatballs and potatoes halfway through to ensure even cooking and coating of tomato sauce.
- If you prefer a thicker tomato sauce, reduce the water quantity or cook uncovered toward the end to evaporate excess liquid.
- Fresh herbs like parsley and mint brighten the flavor, but dried mint can be substituted if fresh is unavailable.
- For a spicier touch, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the meat mixture.
- Serve with crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
