Here’s a delicious Greek Meatballs (Keftedes) 🥩🇬🇷 recipe—flavorful, herb-packed, and perfect as an appetizer or main dish:
Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 500 g ground beef, lamb, or a mix
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon (optional, for authentic Greek flavor)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Olive oil for frying
Optional for serving:
- Tzatziki sauce
- Lemon wedges
- Pita bread or salad
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture
- In a large bowl, combine ground meat, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, parsley, oregano, cinnamon (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Mix until well combined, but do not overwork.
- Form the Meatballs
- Shape mixture into small balls, about 1–1.5 inches in diameter.
- Cook the Meatballs
Option 1: Pan-Fry- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Fry meatballs in batches for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through.
Option 2: Bake
- Preheat oven to 200 °C (400 °F).
- Place meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes until cooked through and golden.
- Serve
- Serve hot with tzatziki, lemon wedges, pita, or Greek salad.
✅ Tips:
- For juicier meatballs, soak breadcrumbs in a little milk before mixing.
- Add fresh mint or dill for extra Greek flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 2–3 days or frozen for later use.
I can also give a one-pan Greek meatballs with tomato sauce recipe that’s perfect for serving over rice or pasta. Do you want me to share that?
