When it comes to Mediterranean comfort food, nothing beats a well-made Greek meatballs recipe. These juicy, flavorful bites—known as keftedes in Greece—are a staple in Greek households and are perfect for dinner, appetizers, or even meal prep. Whether served with pita bread, a fresh Greek salad, or creamy tzatziki sauce, they are a crowd-pleasing dish you’ll want to make again and again.
In this article, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about making authentic Greek meatballs: ingredients, step-by-step instructions, tips for keeping them moist, serving ideas, and even make-ahead and freezing instructions.
What Makes This Greek Meatballs Recipe Special?
Greek meatballs stand out from regular meatballs because of their unique Mediterranean flavors. This recipe uses fresh herbs like mint and parsley, aromatic garlic, and a touch of warm spices such as cinnamon or allspice, giving them a signature taste. Instead of being heavy, these meatballs are light and tender—perfect for pairing with bright, tangy sides like tzatziki or a tomato-based sauce.
Ingredients for the Best Greek Meatballs
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this Greek meatballs recipe at home.
Meatball Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or half beef, half ground lamb for authentic flavor)
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1 small onion, grated or very finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup fresh breadcrumbs (or panko)
- 2 tbsp milk (helps keep meatballs tender)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh mint, chopped (optional but traditional)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon or allspice (just a hint adds depth)
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Olive oil, for pan-frying
For Serving (Optional but Recommended):
- Tzatziki sauce
- Warm pita bread
- Greek salad (tomatoes, cucumber, feta, olives)
- Lemon wedges for squeezing
Step-by-Step Instructions – How to Make Greek Meatballs
Follow these simple steps to make perfectly juicy and flavorful Greek meatballs.
1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef (and lamb, if using), grated onion, minced garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, milk, herbs, and spices. Mix gently with clean hands or a spoon until just combined.
Pro Tip: Avoid overmixing, as it can make the meatballs tough.
2. Shape the Meatballs
Using a small cookie scoop or your hands, shape the mixture into 1- to 1.5-inch meatballs. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet or plate as you go.
3. Chill the Meatballs (Optional but Recommended)
Cover the shaped meatballs and refrigerate them for 20–30 minutes. This helps them hold their shape while cooking.
4. Cook the Meatballs
You can either pan-fry or bake them:
- Pan-Fry Method: Heat 2–3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs in a single layer (don’t overcrowd) and cook for about 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 160°F / 71°C).
- Baking Method: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place meatballs on a greased baking sheet and bake for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Transfer the cooked meatballs to a platter, drizzle with fresh lemon juice, and serve with tzatziki, pita, and a side of vegetables for a complete Greek meal.
Tips for Perfect Greek Meatballs
- Use a mix of meats: Combining ground beef and lamb creates a richer, more traditional flavor.
- Grate the onion: Instead of chopping, grate the onion so its juices blend into the meat mixture.
- Don’t skip the chilling step: It keeps the meatballs firm and helps them hold their shape while cooking.
- Cook in batches: If pan-frying, avoid overcrowding the skillet to ensure even browning.
Variations of Greek Meatballs
This Greek meatballs recipe is versatile. Here are a few ways to change it up:
- Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour.
- Low-Carb Option: Skip the breadcrumbs and use 1 tbsp almond flour or grated zucchini.
- Cheesy Greek Meatballs: Add crumbled feta cheese to the mixture before shaping.
- Greek Meatball Soup: Drop the uncooked meatballs into a simmering pot of lemony chicken broth for a delicious twist.
Serving Suggestions
Greek meatballs pair beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas:
- With Tzatziki Sauce: A classic creamy cucumber-yogurt dip that cools the spices.
- Over Rice or Orzo: Serve them on a bed of rice pilaf or orzo pasta.
- Inside Pita Wraps: Make Greek meatball gyros with lettuce, tomato, onion, and tzatziki.
- With Tomato Sauce: Serve them in a rich tomato-based sauce for a heartier meal.
Make-Ahead and Freezing Instructions
Greek meatballs are excellent for meal prep.
- Make-Ahead: Prepare and shape the meatballs up to 24 hours in advance. Keep them covered in the fridge until ready to cook.
- Freeze: Place uncooked meatballs on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
(Approximate for 4 servings, 4 meatballs each)
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 21g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
This makes them a great option for high-protein, low-carb, and Mediterranean diet meal plans.
Why You’ll Love This Greek Meatballs Recipe
This recipe is:
- Easy: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
- Healthy: Packed with protein and fresh herbs.
- Versatile: Works for dinner, appetizers, or meal prep.
- Delicious: Bursting with Mediterranean flavor.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a Greek meatballs recipe that’s both authentic and easy to make, this one is a winner. It’s flavorful, juicy, and perfect for pairing with fresh sides like tzatziki and salad. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner, hosting a gathering, or meal-prepping for the week, these Greek meatballs will quickly become a family favorite.
Give them a try tonight, and enjoy a taste of Greece at home!