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Greek Meatballs (Keftedes)

Published: Dec 13, 2023 by Neli Howard

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Made with a mix of ground beef, pork or lamb, these Greek meatballs, or keftedes are a simple and easy to make appetizer that’s made for sharing. Seasoned with fresh herbs and loaded with flavor.

greek meatballs (keftedes) with cucumbers tomatoes and tzatziki sauce

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Whenever we have mezze, keftedes are always the star of the show! These Greek meatballs are super easy to make and taste so delicious!

The flavors are so rich, but remain fresh at the same time with fresh herbs like mint and parsley. Every bite is so tasty, your only regret will be that you wish you made a double batch!

Be sure to try my Salisbury Steak Meatballs and Swedish Meatballs too!

greek meatballs on a plate with vegetables

Why you will love this Greek meatball recipe!

Quick and easy: It takes no more than 10 minutes to make a batch of these meatballs before they get baked in the oven.
Perfect for sharing: These make for a great appetizer to share with friends and family. They make a great change from cocktail meatballs are are perfect for any sharing platter.
Make ahead: Keftedes are a great make ahead dish and are also freezer friendly. Perfect if you are planning to serve them as part of a big feast.

Ingredients

Ground meat: The secret to the Greek meatballs is to use a mix of ground meats. Lean ground beef makes up the majority, but then we add in either some ground pork or ground lamb for a really rich flavor.
Egg: To bind the ingredients together.
Breadcrumbs: The panko breadcrumbs help to absorb the moisture to stop the meatballs breaking apart. You can use gluten-free breadcrumbs if you have an intolerance.
Onion and garlic: For a rich base layer of flavor.
Seasonings: Fresh parsley, mint, oregano, lemon zest, salt and pepper.
Oil: I add in a little olive oil to keep the meatballs nice and juicy.

How to make Greek meatballs

Mix all ingredients in a large mixing bowl until well incorporated, but be careful not to overmix it.
Using a 1-inch scoop, take from the meat mixture and make meatballs using your hands to form the balls. (You can dip your hands in a bowl with water when they get too sticky to help make your meatballs smoother.)
Place on a parchment lined baking sheet and bake in a preheated 350 F oven for about 20 – 25 minutes, or until cooked through.
Take out from the oven and let meatballs rest for 5 minutes.

How long do they keep?

You can easily make keftedes ahead of time. You can mix and roll the mixture, then keep them covered in the fridge for up to 2 days until you are ready to cook them.

Any cooked leftovers will keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Cooked meatballs can be reheated in the oven at 350F for 10 to 5 minutes until warmed through. They can also be enjoyed cold.

Can you freeze them?

Yes! These are great to have on hand in the freezer, you can freeze them either cooked or uncooked and they will keep well for up to 3 months. Just freeze them solid on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. Thaw frozen Greek meatballs in the fridge overnight before cooking or reheating.

What do you serve them with?

These Greek meatballs are great to serve as:

Part of a mezze platter with hummus, tzatziki sauce and vegetable sticks.
Dinner bowls – They can also be served as a fuller meal as a dinner bowl added to rice or a couscous salad
As a pita sandwich
With your favorite veggie and potato side dishes with pita bread along with a cucumber and tomato salad sprinkled with feta cheese.

TIPS FROM NELI’S KITCHEN

Recipe Notes and Tips

Here are some tips and tricks to ensure your Healthy Banana Nut Muffins turn out perfect every time:

Ripe bananas are key: Use ripe bananas for that natural sweetness and enhanced flavor.
Nut choices: Feel free to experiment with different nut butters – almond, peanut, or cashew – for a unique twist.
Quality chocolate matters: Opt for high-quality dark chocolate chips; their rich flavor will take your muffins to the next level.
Mind the coconut flour: Coconut flour absorbs more moisture than traditional flours, so be precise with measurements to maintain the ideal consistency.
Don’t overmix: Gentle folding ensures a uniform batter without overmixing, resulting in light and tender muffins.
Fresh baking agents: Ensure your baking soda and baking powder are fresh to guarantee optimal leavening and fluffiness.
Mixing method matters: Blend wet and dry ingredients separately before combining them. This step-by-step approach ensures a uniformly mixed batter without overmixing, leading to light and tender muffins.
Baking time awareness: Keep a close eye on the oven as baking times may vary. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean, indicating the muffins are perfectly baked.
Cooling: Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This prevents excess moisture buildup, ensuring a delightful texture.
Customizations: Feel free to personalize the recipe with additional mix-ins like shredded coconut or dried fruits. This versatility allows you to tailor the muffins to your taste preferences.

close up image of meatballs keftedes on a plate

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Meet The Author: Neli Howard

Welcome to my kitchen! I am Neli Howard and the food blogger behind Delicious Meets Healthy. I started Delicious Meets Healthy in 2014 while working in public accounting. While everything I did at work was very analytical and detail oriented, I have enjoyed cooking because I get to use my creativity and experiment with flavors and textures of different foods.