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    Home » Recipes » 30 Minute Meals

    Easy Greek Meatballs (Keftedes)

    Published: Sep 18, 2020 · Modified: Dec 28, 2021 · By Qashang · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe

    Juicy, tender and bursting with flavours these Greek Meatballs are super easy to make. Serve them as an appetizer or for main course with tzatziki sauce, pita bread and Greek salad.

    Meatballs on a plate with tzatziki sauce and pita bread on the side and salad behind it

    Greek Meatballs called Keftedes are a famous Greek appetizer usually served as part of a mezze platter. They can however easily be turned into an entree by serving some pita bread or rice with them. Whatever way you eat them, you'll love these delicious meatballs. This recipe is so easy and the meatballs last for 3-4 days in the fidge.

    Keftedes with mint garnish and tzatziki dressing

    These meatballs are flavoured with oregano, mint (spearmint to be authentic) and parsley. If you can use fresh herbs, nothing like it, because their aroma is more potent. Otherwise you can swap with the dried herbs. I love the sharp flavour of red onion but yellow or white onion can be used in this recipe too. 

    Step by step instructions of how to make greek meatballs (keftedes)

    How To Make Greek Meatballs

    1. Combine all the ingredients in a bowl so that you don't have to over-work your meat later and make it tough.
    2. Then add the ground beef to it. You can also use lamb.
    3. Mix everything together till it is incorporated well. Then refrigerate the meat for 1 hour so that the flavours can gel in.
    4. Take around 2 tablespoon of the mixture and make balls. This mixture makes around 24 balls. Dredge the balls in the flour and shake off excess. The flour gives the meatballs a crispy coating.
    5. Shallow-fry in olive till they are brown from all sides.
    6. Remove from the pan and serve.

    Closeup of Greek meatballs with tzatziki on it

    More Beef Recipes

    • Lebanese Kafta Kebab 
    • Pakistani Gola Kabab
    • Chapli Kabab (Spicy Mince Patty)
    • Beef Kofta Curry (Pakistani Meatballs Curry)

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    📖 Recipe

    Greek meatballs (keftedes) on a plate garnished with mint and pita bread behind it

    Easy Greek Meatballs

    Juicy, tender Greek meatballs that are bursting with flavours of oregano, mint, parsley and red onion.
    4.75 from 8 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Prep Time: 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time: 15 minutes mins
    Total Time: 25 minutes mins
    Servings: 24 meatballs
    Author: Qashang

    Ingredients 

    • 500 g ground beef
    • 1 small red onion finely diced
    • 2 garlic cloves minced
    • ¾ teaspoon salt
    • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
    • 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder
    • 1 teaspoon black pepper powder
    • 1 teaspoon dried parsley or 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley
    • 1 tablespoon fresh mint leaves finely chopped
    • ½ - 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
    • 1 (28g) bread slice mashed in 2 tablespoon milk
    • 1 egg
    • ½ cup all-purpose flour for dredging
    • ¼ cup olive oil for frying
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    Instructions

    • Combine all the ingredients together except flour and oil. Mix well and refrigerate the ground meat for 1 hour.
    • Take around 2 tablespoon of the mixture and make round balls with it. Grease your hands with oil if the meat is sticking to it.
    • In a dish put the flour. Dredge each meatball with the flour and shake off excess.
    • Heat the oil in a wide pan. On medium heat fry the meatballs till nicely brown from all sides.
    • Take out and serve with Tzaziki sauce, pita bread and Greek salad.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1serving | Calories: 396kcal | Carbohydrates: 18.2g | Protein: 42.3g | Fat: 16.4g | Saturated Fat: 4.4g | Cholesterol: 153mg | Sodium: 571mg | Potassium: 608mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1.3g | Calcium: 42mg | Iron: 25mg
    Did you make this recipe?Please leave a star rating and a review in the comments. You can also tag @chilitochoc on Instagram. I love hearing your feedback!

    PIN ME FOR LATER

    Easy Greek Meatballs made with ground beef, oregano, parsley, mint, garlic and red onion. Serve them with tzatziki and pita bread. (collage for Pinterest)

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    1. Julie Lang says

      February 16, 2023 at 3:30 am

      5 stars
      I used ground turkey and it was delicious, but would also try ground lamb! Served with fresh warm pita, tzatziki and a greek salad as suggested - perfection! I did use panko crumbs instead of bread as we just like that better and along with a Tbsp of milk it worked out great. I will definitely be making this again!

      Reply
    2. Diane Giblin says

      April 24, 2021 at 3:59 pm

      How long in advance can these be prepared? And after being stored in refrigerator, how best to reheat?

      Reply
      • Qashang says

        April 24, 2021 at 4:35 pm

        You can marinate the meat 24h in advance. The meatballs will also last 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Reheat them in the microwave for a minute or two before serving.

        Reply
    3. Vanessa Dutra says

      February 08, 2021 at 10:26 am

      4 stars
      Hi. I made this recipe tonight with a few adjustments. I used 1 tsp dried mint instead of 1 tbsp fresh. Also fried them in the air fryer. They turned out perfect. Thanks. Now, I just realized you have chili flakes in the ingredients photo but it's not listed in the ingredients section. How much chili flakes was used? Thanks

      Reply
      • Chili to Choc says

        February 08, 2021 at 10:09 pm

        Glad to know the recipe turned out great after adjustments. The chili flakes are optional. I added around a teaspoon. Just mentioned it in the recipe card too. Thanks for your feedback!

        Reply
      • Michelle says

        August 20, 2021 at 1:18 am

        I love the air fryer idea! How long and on what temp?

        Reply
    4. J latef says

      September 24, 2020 at 8:25 pm

      5 stars
      Excellent

      Reply
      • Chili to Choc says

        September 25, 2020 at 10:42 am

        Thank you!

        Reply

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    Hi, I am Qashang! I share fuss-free recipes from around the world that are rich in flavour and made with easily available ingredients.

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