- 2 pounds leeks, trimmed and outer leaves removed
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup white bread crumbs
- 2 eggs
- salt and ground black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3/4 cup water, or as needed
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Bring a pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add leeks; cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Drain; transfer to a plate to cool. Chop leeks finely with a sharp knife, or in a food processor.
- Combine leeks, ground beef, bread crumbs, and eggs in a large bowl; season with salt and pepper. Mix until combined; shape with hands into walnut-sized meatballs.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook meatballs, turning as needed, until evenly browned, 5 to 10 minutes. Add water, lemon juice, and butter; bring to a boil. Simmer, covered, until meatballs are no longer pink in the center, 15 to 20 minutes.