Greek Meatballs (Authentic Keftedes Recipe)

These Greek Meatballs, traditionally known as Keftedes, are bursting with the fresh, vibrant flavors of mint, parsley, and oregano. They are incredibly tender, easy to make, and perfect for everything from a quick weeknight dinner to a stunning party appetizer. Prepare to fall in love with your new favorite meatball recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Greek Meatballs Recipe

There’s something truly special about these Greek Meatballs. They are packed with flavor, thanks to a simple combination of ground meat, fresh herbs, and classic Mediterranean seasonings. Unlike other meatball recipes, these are light yet satisfying. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile! You can bake or pan-fry them, serve them as a main course, or offer them as an appetizer with a side of creamy tzatziki sauce.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting, this recipe is straightforward and delivers consistently delicious results. It’s a fantastic way to bring the taste of Greece right into your own kitchen. For another fantastic weeknight meal, you might also enjoy this sheet pan balsamic chicken recipe.

What Are Keftedes?

Keftedes are traditional Greek meatballs, cherished for their tender texture and aromatic flavor profile. The key that sets them apart is the generous use of fresh herbs, particularly mint, which imparts a unique, refreshing taste. They can be made with ground beef, lamb, pork, or a combination, and are a staple in Greek cuisine.

Key Ingredients for Authentic Flavor

The magic of these meatballs comes from a few key ingredients that create their signature taste. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Ground Meat: I recommend a mix of ground beef and ground lamb for the best flavor and texture, but you can use just one if you prefer.
• Onion and Garlic: These aromatics provide a foundational layer of savory flavor. Grating the onion helps it melt into the meatballs, keeping them moist.
• Fresh Herbs: A combination of fresh parsley and mint is essential for that authentic Keftedes taste. Dried oregano also adds a classic Greek touch.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: These help bind the meatballs and keep them wonderfully tender.
• Egg: Acts as a binder to hold everything together.
• Red Wine Vinegar: A splash of vinegar adds a subtle tang that brightens all the other flavors.
• Spices: Simple salt, black pepper, and a hint of cumin round out the seasoning.

How to Make Greek Meatballs Step-by-Step

Making these flavorful meatballs is a simple and rewarding process. Follow these steps for perfect results every time.

1. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the ground beef, ground lamb, grated onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, chopped mint, panko breadcrumbs, egg, red wine vinegar, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
2. Form the Meatballs: Scoop the mixture and roll it into uniform balls, about 1.5 inches in diameter. This should yield about 24-28 meatballs.
3. Cook the Meatballs: You can either bake or pan-fry them. To bake, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through and golden brown. To pan-fry, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the meatballs in batches until browned on all sides.
4. Serve: Serve your delicious Greek Meatballs warm with a side of homemade tzatziki sauce, fresh pita, and a simple salad.

If you love simple, hearty dinners, be sure to check out this comforting chicken and dumplings recipe.

Tips for the Best, Most Tender Meatballs

Want to ensure your meatballs are absolutely perfect? Here are a few expert tips:

• Don’t Overmix: Mix the ingredients until they are just combined. Overworking the meat will result in tough, dense meatballs.
• Use Fresh Herbs: While dried oregano works well, fresh mint and parsley are non-negotiable for the most authentic flavor.
• Grate the Onion: Grating the onion on a box grater ensures it distributes evenly and adds moisture without leaving large chunks.
• Keep it Cold: Use cold ingredients and handle the mixture as little as possible to prevent the fat from melting, which helps keep the meatballs tender.

Serving Suggestions

These Greek Meatballs are incredibly versatile. Serve them as an appetizer with toothpicks and a bowl of tzatziki for dipping. For a full meal, place them over a bed of lemon-herb quinoa, alongside flavorful Greek lemon potatoes (coming soon), or tucked into warm pita bread with lettuce and tomatoes for a delicious sandwich.

Easy Homemade Tzatziki Sauce

A creamy, refreshing tzatziki sauce is the perfect companion for these meatballs. To make it, simply combine 1 cup of plain Greek yogurt, 1/2 grated and squeezed-dry cucumber, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of chopped dill, and a pinch of salt. Stir well and let it chill for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Frequently Asked Questions

Storing and Freezing Instructions

You can store leftover cooked meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They also freeze beautifully! To freeze, place cooked or uncooked meatballs on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to 3 months. You can cook them directly from frozen, just add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

More Delicious Dinner Recipes

I hope you love this authentic Greek Meatballs recipe as much as I do! It’s a true crowd-pleaser that brings incredible flavor to the table with minimal effort. If you try it, please leave a comment below to let me know how it turned out. For more recipe inspiration, be sure to follow me on Pinterest!

Greek Meatballs Recipe

Greek Meatballs (Authentic Keftedes Recipe)

These Greek Meatballs (Keftedes) are incredibly tender and packed with fresh herbs like mint and parsley. This easy recipe can be baked or pan-fried for a delicious appetizer or main course.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 6 people

Course: Appetizer, Main Course

Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean

Calories: 380

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Greek Meatballs

• 1 lb ground beef 80/20 recommended
• 1 lb ground lamb Can substitute with more beef or pork
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 yellow onion grated
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh mint chopped
• 1 large egg lightly beaten
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp red wine vinegar
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Equipment

• 1 Large Mixing Bowl
• 1 Baking sheet

Instructions

 

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, add the ground beef, ground lamb, panko breadcrumbs, grated onion, minced garlic, parsley, mint, beaten egg, oregano, red wine vinegar, cumin, salt, and pepper.
3. Gently mix with your hands until just combined. Do not overwork the mixture.
4. Roll the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs and place them in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are browned and cooked through.
6. Serve immediately with your favorite sides, such as tzatziki sauce and pita bread.

Notes

For pan-frying, heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook meatballs in batches, turning occasionally, for about 8-10 minutes until browned on all sides and cooked through.
Meatballs can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking, or frozen for up to 3 months.