Greek Meatballs (Keftedes) with Herb Butter
User Reviews
5
-
Prep Time
15 mins
-
Cook Time
30 mins
-
Total Time
45 mins
-
Servings
4 servings
-
Calories
465 kcal
-
Cuisine
Mediterranean, Greek
Greek Meatballs (Keftedes) with Herb Butter
Description
This recipe for Greek Meatballs, known as Keftedes, combines ground beef with a mixture of soaked breadcrumbs, grated onion, garlic, and traditional herbs like oregano and mint. The breadcrumbs moistened with milk absorb flavors and contribute to a tender meatball texture. Fresh or dried herbs are used to impart a distinctly Mediterranean taste.
Formed into large meatballs and arranged on a baking sheet, they are baked at a moderate temperature until cooked through. During baking, melted butter mixed with fresh herbs is spooned over the meatballs, coating them and enhancing moisture and flavor. The garlic and herbs in the butter complement the meat's seasoning.
Keftedes can be served as a hearty main dish, accompanied by sides such as rice, salad, or bread. Smaller versions also make an appealing appetizer. Leftovers freeze well and can be reheated gently in a microwave or oven. Making breadcrumbs from leftover bread reduces waste and adds cost-effectiveness, while preparing the meatballs ahead saves time on serving day.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup milk or water
- 1 yellow onion grated
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 teaspoons oregano or 2 tablespoons fresh, dried
- 2 teaspoons dried mint or 2 tablespoons fresh
- 1.5 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1.5 lbs. ground beef lean
- 2 tablespoons fresh herbs such as oregano, mint, dill, chives, and/or parsley
- 4 tablespoons butter melted
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F.
- Mix together the breadcrumbs (3/4 cup), milk (1/2 cup), and grated onion (along with its juices) in a large bowl.
- Add the egg, minced garlic, dried oregano (2 teaspoons), dried mint (2 teaspoons), kosher salt (1 1/2 teaspoons), and black pepper (1/4 teaspoon) to the bowl and stir together.
- Add the ground beef to the bowl and mix everything together, preferably using your hands (but if you're squeamish about touching raw meat, a spoon will work too).
- Use a large disher scoop to scoop meatballs onto a rimmed baking sheet. Alternatively, you can use your hands to form the balls.
- Mix the 4 tablespoons melted butter with the 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs in a small bowl.
- Spoon the butter mixture evenly over the meatballs.
- Bake at 375 degrees F for 30 minutes.
- Serve, drizzled with butter and juices from the bottom of the pan.
Notes
- This recipe produces about 16 large meatballs; for appetizers, form smaller sizes.
- You can prepare meatballs ahead and refrigerate on the baking sheet for up to two days before baking.
- Make homemade breadcrumbs using leftover bread in a food processor for freshness and savings.
- Cooked meatballs freeze well; freeze on a sheet before transferring to a sealed container and consume within three months.
- Use dried herbs in the butter mix if fresh herbs are not available, adjusting quantities accordingly.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 465 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 465kcal | 23% |
| Carbohydrates | 20g | 7% |
| Protein | 42g | 84% |
| Fat | 23g | 35% |
| Saturated Fat | 12g | 60% |
| Cholesterol | 180mg | 60% |
| Sodium | 1264mg | 53% |
| Potassium | 747mg | 16% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 4g | 8% |
| Vitamin A | 645IU | 13% |
| Vitamin C | 5.2mg | 6% |
| Calcium | 124mg | 12% |
| Iron | 5.8mg | 32% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
You'll Also Love
