Jamie Oliver Lamb Meatballs Recipe is made with ground lamb, garlic, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs. This recipe creates tender, flavorful meatballs perfect as a main or appetizer. It takes about 40 minutes to prepare and serves 4.
Jamie Oliver Lamb Meatballs Recipe Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) ground lamb
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 egg, beaten
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Lamb Meatballs Recipe
- Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, mix lamb, garlic, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, oregano, egg, salt, and pepper until just combined.
- Form Meatballs: Roll mixture into 1–1½‑inch meatballs, about 16 total.
- Heat Pan: Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Cook Meatballs: Add meatballs, cooking 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
- Rest Before Serving: Transfer to a plate and let meatballs rest for a couple of minutes before serving.

Recipe Tips
- Don’t Overmix: Handle mixture gently to keep meatballs tender.
- Uniform Size: Roll meatballs evenly for consistent cooking.
- Check Doneness: Ensure internal temperature reaches 160 °F (71 °C).
- Add Moisture: For drier lamb, add a splash of milk to breadcrumb mix.
- Finish in Sauce: Simmer cooked meatballs in tomato sauce for extra flavor.
What To Serve With Lamb Meatballs
These lamb meatballs go beautifully with warm pita or crusty bread, a bright Greek salad or tzatziki, and roasted vegetables or a simple tomato sauce for dipping.
How To Store Lamb Meatballs
- Refrigerate: Store cooled meatballs in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave.
- Freeze: Freeze on a tray until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in a simmering sauce.
Lamb Meatballs Nutrition Facts (per serving, 4 meatballs)
- Calories: 380
- Total Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Sugar: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Sodium: 460 mg
FAQs
- Can I use beef or pork instead of lamb?
Yes—ground beef or pork work well; adjust seasoning to taste. - Can I bake instead of pan-frying?
Absolutely. Bake at 375 °F (190 °C) for about 20 minutes, turning halfway. - Can I prepare ahead?
Yes—form meatballs in advance, refrigerate up to 24 hours before cooking. - Can I add spices for heat?
Yes—add a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne for a spicy kick. - Are these gluten-free?
To make gluten-free, substitute breadcrumbs with GF breadcrumbs or almond flour.
Jamie Oliver Lamb Meatballs Recipe
Course: Dinner, lunchCuisine: British4
servings15
minutes25
minutes380
kcalJuicy lamb meatballs flavored with garlic, Parmesan, and herbs—perfect for serving with bread, salad, or tomato sauce.
Ingredients
1 lb ground lamb
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup breadcrumbs
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
1 tsp dried oregano
1 egg, beaten
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
Directions
- Combine Ingredients: Mix lamb, garlic, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, oregano, egg, salt, and pepper.
- Form Meatballs: Roll into 1–1½‑inch balls (about 16).
- Heat Pan: Warm olive oil in skillet over medium heat.
- Cook Meatballs: Cook 4–5 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked.
- Rest Before Serving: Let rest for a couple of minutes, then serve.