Greek Meatballs aka Keftedes are made with ground lamb (or beef, turkey, etc.) and seasoned to perfection. Serve these juicy meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce or simple tomato sauce.
If you enjoy Greek flavors, you will also love my Mediterranean Couscous Salad with the easy 2-Ingredient Flatbread.
Step away from the classic Italian dish and make these quick and easy meatballs with a Mediterranean flair. These juicy and flavorful meatballs are made with ground lamb but can be made with lean beef or even turkey. You can bake them in the oven or fry in a skillet. They are delicious served with a classic cucumber garlic sauce for an appetizer or tomato sauce and pasta for dinner.
Ingredients
- ground lamb (or lean beef)
- breadcrumbs
- sweet or yellow onion
- garlic
- egg
- parsley, mint
- Italian seasoning
- dried oregano
- ground cumin
Step by step instructions:
Step 1: meat mixture
Combine ground meat, onion, garlic and seasoning in a large mixing bowl. Add egg, breadcrumbs and chopped parsley and mint.
Step 2:
Scoop out the meat mixture into tablespoon-size balls and bake or fry in a pan.
Cooking
- bake: place meatballs on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and cook in 400 degrees F oven for 15 to 18 minutes.
- fry in a pan: heat up olive oil in a skillet and fry meatballs on every side for 2 to 3 minutes or until done.
What to serve with it?
One of the most popular ways to serve Greek meatballs is with Tzatziki Sauce. You can make a delicious meal by placing the meatballs in pita bread, along with fresh tomato slices, red onion and a drizzle of Tzatziki sauce.
Another way to serve these meatballs is with tomato sauce. Add black olives, fresh oregano and a sprinkling of feta cheese for more Greek flavors!
Freezing
These meatballs can be frozen raw or cooked.
- raw: form meatballs, then place on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Freeze completely, then place in a freezer-safe bag or a container and keep in the freezer for up to 6 months.
- cooked: cook meatballs and cool completely. Freeze on a lined baking sheet, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 6 months.
Thaw meatballs in the fridge, then cook or heat up.
Are these meatballs keto-friendly?
To make these meatballs good for the keto diet, you need to replace the breadcrumbs with a carb-free ingredient, like crushed pork rinds.
More recipes with Mediterranean flavors:
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Greek Meatballs
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground lamb see note
- ¼ cup grated onion
- 3 teaspoons minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon coriander
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup parsley
- 1 tablespoon mint leaves optional
Instructions
- Place ground meat in a large mixing bowl. Add grated onion, garlic and seasoning. Mix well.
- Add egg, breadcrumbs, parsley and mint. Mix well.
- Form meat mixture into tablespoon-size balls.
- To fry on the pan, heat up olive oil in a large skillet. Fry each meatball for 3 to 4 minutes on each side.
- To bake in the oven, preheat oven to 400 degrees F, place meatballs on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, turning each meatball halfway through baking time.
Notes
- Please note, that the nutrition value can vary depending on what product you use. The information below is an estimate.
- You can use lean ground beef or turkey in this recipe.
Janice S Pendergrast says
These meatballs were wonderful, so very tasty, great flavors
Anna says
Thank you so much, Janice!
Anthony says
Made the lamb meatballs tonight and it would’ve been perfect with maybe just another 1/2 tsp of salt based on what it tasted like on its own (it was a bit bland). I haven’t gotten a chance to assemble everything into a wrap yet but I’m pretty sure it’ll turn out delicious either way. Not bad at all!
Jennifer says
This recipe looks incredible! Can you substitute tofu for the protein?
Roseanne Nover says
Simply delicious! I serve it with tzatziki sauce and pitas! Fantastic!
Anna says
Perfect! Thank you for making my recipe, Roseanne!
Leissa says
Best meatball ever! Be sure to add the mint. I also doubled recipe by adding ground sirloin to the lamb. Simply delicious!
Tara says
Really enjoyed this recipe! I made a batch 1.5 lbs of ground beef for our family of 5. I served it in a pita with gyro toppings. The oven method was perfect and I threw in a sheet pan of broccolini with lemons to roast at the same time. Will definitely make again!
Diane Peterson says
These are a hit!! Whole family loved them. Easy and such great flavors!!
Anna says
Thank you so much, Diane!
Helen says
I made these with lamb for the first time ever! Loved the flavor! Served with mashed potatoes!
Alan Oliver says
Awesome recipe Anna! I used venison and pork with the addition of chopped cilantro leaves, even though it called for coriander! The fresh herbs just bring out the flavor perfectly thanks again!
Ashleigh says
Hey there can I make these without bread crumbs?
Anna says
Yes, you can.
Jill says
Delicious and easy to make. I paired it with a Greek salad, tziki sauce, hummus, pita bread, and French fries.
Anna says
Yay! I am so glad! Thank you, Jill!
Katie Williams says
I made these yesterday and they were perfect. Loved the ease of prep and the flavors were spot on.
Sara Welch says
Such a savory and robust dinner recipe; perfect with spaghetti! Easily, a new family favorite dish!
Jennifer says
Okay, I am so excited to try these! Looks so flavorful and delicious!
Ashley F says
I'm so excited about the lamb! That is going to make the flavor explode with deliciousness! Love it!
Kristyn says
I've never tried meatballs with lamb, but these look so good! I need to try them! Love all the ingredients!
Betsy says
Delightful! I love the slightly crispy "skin" on these meatballs. Great flavor.