Ah, Greek meatballs, or Keftedes as they’re lovingly called, have a special place in my heart! Growing up, my family would gather around the table, the air filled with the delicious aroma of these flavorful little gems. They’re not just your average meatballs; they’re packed with herbs, spices, and a touch of Greece in every bite! The crispy exterior gives way to a tender, juicy inside that’s simply irresistible. Whether served at a family dinner or a summer barbecue, Keftedes always bring everyone together, making every meal a celebration of flavor and culture. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this recipe close at hand!
Ingredients for Greek Meatballs (Keftedes)
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making the most delicious Keftedes! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 lb ground beef: This is the star of the show, so choose a good quality beef for the best flavor.
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs: They help bind the meatballs and add a lovely texture.
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley: Fresh parsley brightens up the flavor and adds a lovely green touch.
- 1/4 cup chopped onion: A little sweetness and moisture come from the onion.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic brings a punch of flavor you simply can’t skip!
- 1 egg: This helps hold everything together.
- 1 tsp dried oregano: A classic Mediterranean herb that gives that unmistakable flavor.
- 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper: Essential seasonings for that perfect taste.
- 1/4 cup olive oil (for frying): Use good quality oil for frying; it adds flavor and helps achieve that golden crust.
How to Prepare Greek Meatballs (Keftedes)
Making Keftedes is a breeze, and I promise you’ll love every step! First, grab a large mixing bowl and combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, onion, minced garlic, egg, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until it’s well combined; I like to use my hands for this part—it’s the best way to ensure everything gets mixed in! Once your mixture is ready, shape it into small balls, about one inch in diameter.
Next, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. You want the oil hot enough to sizzle when you add the meatballs, so don’t rush it! Fry the meatballs in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook them for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally until they’re beautifully browned and cooked through. Once done, remove them from the skillet and let them drain on paper towels. And there you have it—delicious Keftedes that are ready to be devoured!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare—ready in just 35 minutes!
- Easy to make, perfect for beginner cooks.
- Flavors of Greece in every bite, thanks to fresh herbs and spices.
- Healthier choice when baked instead of fried.
- Versatile—great as an appetizer, main dish, or in a pita!
- Kid-friendly and sure to please the whole family.
Tips for Success with Greek Meatballs (Keftedes)
To ensure your Keftedes turn out perfectly, here are some of my favorite tips! First, don’t overmix the meat mixture—just combine until everything is evenly distributed. This keeps the meatballs tender! If you want a bit more flavor, try adding some grated lemon zest or a pinch of cinnamon to the mix. When frying, make sure your oil is hot enough; a test is to drop in a small piece of the mixture—it should sizzle immediately. Also, frying in batches helps achieve that gorgeous golden crust. And if you’re feeling adventurous, experiment with different herbs like mint or dill for a unique twist!
Variations of Greek Meatballs (Keftedes)
There are so many fun ways to mix up your Keftedes recipe! For a twist, try using ground lamb instead of beef for a richer flavor that’s super traditional. You can also play around with herbs—fresh mint or dill can add a refreshing touch. If you’re feeling adventurous, mix in some feta cheese for a creamy surprise inside your meatballs! Another idea is to spice things up with a pinch of cumin or smoked paprika for a smoky depth. And don’t forget about adding finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of sweetness. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative!
Nutritional Information for Greek Meatballs (Keftedes)
These Keftedes are not just delicious; they pack a solid nutritional punch too! Each serving, which is about four meatballs, contains approximately 280 calories. You’ll find around 18g of fat, with 5g being saturated fat. They provide a hearty 22g of protein, making them a satisfying option for any meal. With about 10g of carbohydrates and 1g of fiber, these meatballs are a great choice for a balanced diet. Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used!
FAQ about Greek Meatballs (Keftedes)
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef? Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great alternative for a leaner meatball. Just keep in mind that it may need a bit more seasoning to enhance the flavor.
What’s the best way to serve Keftedes? These meatballs are versatile! You can serve them with a side of tzatziki sauce for dipping, on a bed of rice, or stuffed in pita bread with fresh veggies.
Can I bake the Keftedes instead of frying? Yes! If you prefer a healthier option, bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking.
How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked? The best way is to use a meat thermometer; they should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). They should also be nicely browned on the outside.
Can I make these ahead of time? Definitely! You can prepare the meatballs in advance and store them in the fridge for a day or two before cooking, or even freeze them for later. Just thaw before cooking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your leftover Keftedes is super simple! Just let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. If you’ve got more than you can eat, you can freeze them too! Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for about 2 months.
When it’s time to enjoy them again, reheating is a breeze. You can either pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or microwave them for a quick fix. Just add a splash of water to keep them moist in the microwave!
Greek Chicken and Rice Lemon Soup is a great pairing for these meatballs, enhancing the Mediterranean experience. For more delicious recipes, check out our blog for inspiration!
Greek Meatballs (Keftedes) – 7 Irresistible Flavor Bombs
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Greek meatballs, known as Keftedes, are flavorful and tender meatballs made with ground meat, herbs, and spices.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup olive oil (for frying)
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, parsley, onion, garlic, egg, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Mix well until all ingredients are combined.
- Shape the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Fry the meatballs in batches until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 10 minutes.
- Remove from skillet and drain on paper towels.
Notes
- Serve with tzatziki sauce for dipping.
- These meatballs can be baked in the oven at 400°F for a healthier option.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Greek Meatballs, Keftedes, Mediterranean cuisine, meatballs recipe