Description
Authentic Greek Meatballs, known as Keftedes, made with a blend of beef, lamb, herbs, and Mediterranean spices. These tender, aromatic, lemon-kissed meatballs capture traditional Aegean flavors and deliver a restaurant-quality experience right from your kitchen.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground lamb
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup fresh breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 2 tbsp chopped mint
- 2 tbsp chopped dill
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp allspice
Instructions
- Combine beef, lamb, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, parsley, mint, dill, and spices in a mixing bowl.
- Mix gently until just combined.
- Shape into 1-inch meatballs and place on a parchment-lined tray.
- Chill for 30 minutes to help meatballs hold their shape.
- Heat 1/4 cup olive oil in a skillet and pan-fry meatballs in batches, turning until golden and cooked through.
- Finish with a sprinkle of sea salt and fresh lemon juice.
Notes
Chill the meatballs for at least 30 minutes before frying to prevent them from falling apart. For a lighter version, bake at 400°F for 15–18 minutes. Always use fresh mint to achieve authentic Greek flavor.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 meatball
- Calories: 85
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0.3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 22mg
Keywords: Greek meatballs, keftedes, Mediterranean meatballs, lamb meatballs, authentic Greek recipe