Greek Meatballs

Greek meatballs, known as Keftedes, are such a treat for any food lover! They bring together the heart of Greek cuisine with ease and flavor, making them a delightful dish to whip up at home. Imagine biting into a meatball that’s crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, bursting with aromatic herbs like mint, parsley, and oregano. It’s not just food; it’s a small taste of tradition. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just want to enjoy a cozy night in, these Greek meatballs can be the star of the meal. Plus, they’re super easy to make, which is always a win in my book. Let’s gather our ingredients and get ready to create something delicious together!

What is Greek Meatballs

Greek meatballs, known as Keftedes, are a delectable dish that showcases the rich and vibrant flavors of Greek cuisine. Traditionally made from minced meat—often a savory blend of beef, lamb, or pork—these meatballs are infused with aromatic herbs and spices like parsley, mint, and oregano, which lend a fresh and fragrant quality. The dish is versatile and can be served as an appetizer, in a mezze platter, or as a main course with sides that highlight the bright flavors typical of Mediterranean cooking.

Why You’ll Love This Greek Meatballs

You’ll fall in love with Greek meatballs for their incredible taste, easy preparation, and the heartwarming nostalgia they evoke. The meatballs are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, making each bite a flavorful experience. They can be paired with various accompaniments such as tzatziki, salads, or pita bread, allowing you to create a meal that’s both unique and memorable. Perfect for gatherings and family dinners, these meatballs bring people together in a celebration of flavor and tradition.

Ingredients for Greek Meatballs

• 1 medium red onion, grated
• 1 pound ground beef (or lamb)
• 6.5 oz ground pork (or more beef if preferred)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 6 large mint leaves, finely chopped (spearmint for authenticity)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• Fresh black pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons olive oil for frying
• Finely chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
• Tzatziki or Greek yogurt for serving

Combining the Ingredients

Prepare the Onion Mixture

Begin by grating the onion directly into a large mixing bowl. This allows the juices to meld with the meat.

Mix the Meatball Ingredients

Next, add the ground beef, ground pork, minced garlic, panko breadcrumbs, egg, parsley, mint, oregano, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Using your hands, mix until thoroughly combined and smooth. If you have a little extra time, refrigerating the mixture for an hour improves the texture.

Shape the Meatballs

Using a tablespoon, portion out heaped tablespoons of the mixture onto a clean surface. Roll them into balls, aiming for about 32 to 35 meatballs, depending on your preferred size.

Cooking the Meatballs

Pan-Fry the Meatballs

Heat a generous amount of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Dredging each meatball lightly in flour helps create a beautiful crust. Cook the meatballs in batches for about 5-6 minutes, turning until they are magnificently browned all over. Transfer them to a warm plate to keep them hot between batches.

Bake the Meatballs

For a lighter version, spray a baking tray with olive oil, place the meatballs on it, and bake at 350°F (180°C) for about 20 minutes, or until browned. Baking offers a health-conscious option while still delivering on flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve Greek meatballs on a mezze platter alongside warm pita, hummus, and tzatziki for dipping.
• Transform them into a main dish served over a bed of couscous or rice, partnered with a refreshing Greek salad.

Tips for Success

• Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
• Allow for resting time in the fridge; it helps maintain the meatball shape while cooking.
• Adjust herbs and spices according to your taste preferences.

Variations

• Substitute lamb for a more traditional flavor profile.
• Experiment with flavors by adding feta cheese or sun-dried tomatoes to the mix.
• Create a vegetarian version using lentils or chickpeas as the base.

Storage Tips

• Store leftover Greek meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Alternatively, freeze for up to 3 months; thaw and reheat before serving.

Pairing Ideas

• Pair your Greek meatballs with a light, crisp white wine or a refreshing lemony Greek salad.
• Add roasted vegetables on the side for a colorful and nutritious accompaniment.

FAQs

1. Can I use only beef for Greek meatballs?
Yes, you can use all ground beef instead of mixing with pork or lamb.

2. What can I serve with Greek meatballs?
They are excellent with tzatziki, pita bread, and a fresh Greek salad.

3. Are Greek meatballs gluten-free?
Using gluten-free breadcrumbs can make this dish gluten-free.

4. How long can I store Greek meatballs?
They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

5. Can I bake Greek meatballs instead of frying?
Yes, baking is a healthier option and yields delicious results as well.

Indulging in homemade Greek meatballs brings a touch of the Mediterranean to your kitchen. The combination of herbs, spices, and rich flavors makes these meatballs not just a meal, but an experience to share with family and friends. Whether served as a hearty dinner or a delightful appetizer, they promise to tantalize your taste buds and elevate your dining experience. Enjoy crafting your batch of delectable Greek meatballs!

More Easy Lunch & Dinner Recipes:

• One Pot Mac And Cheese
• Stuffed Pasta Shells
• Cozy Homemade Shepherd’s Pie
• Easy Chicken Fajitas

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Greek Meatballs

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Greek meatballs, also known as Keftedes, are a flavorful delight made with a blend of ground meats and fresh herbs. Perfect for appetizers or main courses, they’re simple to prepare and satisfyingly delicious.

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 32-35 meatballs 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 medium red onion, grated
• 1 pound ground beef (or lamb)
• 6.5 oz ground pork (or more beef if preferred)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 6 large mint leaves, finely chopped (spearmint for authenticity)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• Fresh black pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons olive oil for frying
• Finely chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
• Tzatziki or Greek yogurt for serving

Instructions

• Grate the onion into a bowl to allow the juices to mix.
• Combine ground beef, ground pork, garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, parsley, mint, oregano, olive oil, salt, and pepper and mix well.
• Roll the mixture into 32-35 meatballs.
• For frying, dredge each meatball in flour and cook in olive oil until browned.
• For baking, place on a tray and bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes.

Notes

Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
Chill the mixture for an hour for improved texture.
Substitute lamb for a traditional taste.

• Author: Rachael
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Fry or Bake
• Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

• Calories: 90
• Sugar: 0
• Sodium: 140
• Fat: 6
• Saturated Fat: 2
• Unsaturated Fat: 2
• Trans Fat: 0
• Carbohydrates: 5
• Fiber: 0
• Protein: 6
• Cholesterol: 30