Greek Meatballs – Keftedes

Delicious Greek Meatballs seasoned with garlic and herbs then baked until tender, juicy and a bit crispy on the outside. These Greek Meatballs can be served as an appetizer with Tzatziki sauce or as a main dish for dinner.

As the child of a Greek father, I grew up eating authentic Greek food at home. My grandmother used to make her amazing Greek meatball recipe with ground lamb and lots of fresh herbs. She will stand by the stove and pan fry them to golden perfection.

My version, although a little bit different, is very similar in flavor to authentic Greek meatballs (Keftedes). My Greek style meatballs are made with a combination of ground beef and ground pork, fresh and dried herbs and are oven baked until caramelized on the outside and perfectly tender on the inside. I know my grandma (yiayia) would approve!

Greek Meatballs (Keftedes) Recipe

Greek Meatballs – Keftedes or Keftethes are tasty little meat balls full of flavor! These Mediterranean meatballs are usually served as an appetizer – often as part of a Mezze platter with toasted flatbread or pita bread, Tzatziki sauce, fresh and marinated vegetables, olives and lots of Feta cheese drizzled with olive oil.

Meatballs can also be served as a family dinner with rice pilaf or as a gyro wrapped in flatbread with lots of Tzatziki sauce.

Greek Meatballs Recipe Ingredients

• Ground Meat: I use ground beef and ground pork.
• Onions: Grated onion is the secret to these juicy meatballs. I use red onions but brown or yellow onions work as well.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic is a must when making traditional Greek recipes!
• Panko Bread Crumbs: This is my favorite type of bread crumbs. I like their texture much better.
• Egg: This is the binder that holds the meatballs together!
• Olive Oil: I use extra virgin olive oil.
• Fresh Herbs: Chopped parsley and chopped mint.
• Dried Herbs and Seasonings: Ground cumin, dried oregano, salt and pepper.

How To Make Greek Meatballs

For exact times and instructions for this baked meatball recipe, please check the recipe card below.

• Preheat The Oven: First, preheat the oven and line a baking sheet or sheet pan.
• Mix: In a medium size bowl, combine all the meatball ingredients. I always use my hands to mix the ingredients together.
• Shape: Shape the meatballs and place them on the sheet pan.
• Bake: Bake until cooked through and golden brown.

How To Serve Greek Keftedes

Make the perfect mezze platter (appetizer platter) to serve at your next dinner party or family gathering! Arrange the meatballs in a platter with flatbread or pita bread, Kalamata olives, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, feta cheese and Greek Tzatziki Sauce.

Make these meatballs into a delicious family meal by serving them with this Chopped Greek Salad and crispy Roasted Greek Potatoes.

Try These Other Amazing Recipes:

• Greek Lemon Oven Roasted Chicken Thighs
• Flatbread Recipe
• Cajun Chicken Meatballs
• Chicken Shawarma Recipe
• Baba Ganoush
• Asian Meatballs

This post was first published in 2017 and has been updated to provide the reader with additional information. The recipe remains the same.