Here’s a Lebanese-inspired recipe for ground meatballs with feta cheese baked in the oven. The combination of savory spices, fresh herbs, and the creamy feta center creates a rich and flavorful bite. Often, I made this when my daughters were young and their friends would come over for a playdate. They loved having in a pita or warm rice pilaf with a simple salad. 

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef or lamb (or a mixture of both)
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (for stuffing)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped (optional, but adds freshness)
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon allspice
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs 
• 1 egg 
• Olive oil for greasing the baking dish 

Preheat oven to 375F

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat with onion, garlic, chopped parsley, mint, spices, salt, and pepper. Add breadcrumbs and the egg to bind the mixture. Mix well until everything is fully combined.
2. Stuff with Feta Cheese: Take a small portion of the meat mixture and flatten it in your palm. Place a teaspoon of crumbled feta cheese in the center and form the meat around it, sealing the cheese inside. Shape the meat into a ball or oval.
3. In a baking dish, arrange the meatballs in a single layer. Bake 20-25 minutes until meatballs are golden brown.