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4.7 from 21 votes

Easy Greek Meatballs (Keftedes)

Keftedes are juicy, flavorful Greek meatballs made with ground beef, fresh herbs, and spices, then pan-fried to crispy perfection. Serve with tzatziki, pita, or a Greek salad for a delicious meal.

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
25 mins
Servings: 24 meatballs
Calories: 396 kcal
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Greek

Ingredients

  • 500g (1.1 lb ) ground beef or ground lamb
  • 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
  • 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper (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

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients except for the flour and oil. Mix thoroughly, then cover and refrigerate the mixture for 1 hour.
  2. Once chilled, take about 2 tablespoons of the mixture and shape it into round meatballs. If the mixture is sticky, lightly grease your hands with oil.
  3. Place the flour in a shallow dish. Dredge each meatball in the flour, ensuring an even coating, then shake off any excess.
  4. Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Fry the meatballs, turning occasionally, until golden brown on all sides.
  5. Remove the keftedes from the pan and serve with tzatziki sauce, pita bread, and a Greek salad.

Notes

  • Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure the meatballs cook evenly and become crispy on all sides.
  • For baking, preheat the oven to  190°C (375°F) and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. For air frying, cook at 190°C (375°F) for 10-12 minutes, shaking the air fryer basket halfway through.
  • For meal prep, shape the meatballs and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. To store, keep cooked keftedes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze uncooked or cooked meatballs for up to 2-3 months. Reheat before serving.

Nutrition Information

Serving 1serving Calories 396kcal (20%) Carbohydrates 18.2g (6%) Protein 42.3g (85%) Fat 16.4g (25%) Saturated Fat 4.4g (22%) Cholesterol 153mg (51%) Sodium 571mg (24%) Potassium 608mg (17%) Fiber 2g (8%) Sugar 1.3g (3%) Calcium 42mg (4%) Iron 25mg (139%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 24meatballs

Amount Per Serving

Calories 396

% Daily Value*

Serving 1serving
Calories 396kcal 20%
Carbohydrates 18.2g 6%
Protein 42.3g 85%
Fat 16.4g 25%
Saturated Fat 4.4g 22%
Cholesterol 153mg 51%
Sodium 571mg 24%
Potassium 608mg 13%
Fiber 2g 8%
Sugar 1.3g 3%
Calcium 42mg 4%
Iron 25mg 139%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.