Easy Greek Meatballs (Keftedes)

Name: Easy Greek Meatballs (Keftedes)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 500g (1.1 lb ) ground beef (or ground lamb); 1 small red onion (finely diced); 2 garlic cloves (minced); 3/4 tsp salt; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp cinnamon powder; 1 tsp black pepper powder; 1 tsp dried parsley (or 1 tbsp fresh chopped parsley); 1 tbsp fresh mint leaves (finely chopped); 1 tsp crushed red pepper ((optional)); 1 (28g) bread slice (mashed in 2 tbsp milk); 1 egg; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging); 1/4 cup olive oil (for frying)

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Juicy, tender and bursting with flavours these Keftedes (Greek-style Ground Beef Meatballs) are super easy to make. Serve them as an appetizer or for main course with tzatziki sauce, pita bread and Greek salad.

Meatballs on a plate with tzatziki sauce and pita bread on the side and salad behind it.

Table of Content

What Is Keftedes
Ingredients & Substitutions
How To Make Keftedes
Helpful Tips
Storage & Meal Prep
How To Serve Keftedes
FAQ
More Ground Beef Recipes
📖 Recipe

What Is Keftedes

Keftedes are Greek meatballs, typically made with ground beef or a beef-lamb mix, flavored with herbs, spices, and aromatics. They’re lightly dredged in flour and pan-fried for a crispy exterior while staying juicy inside.

Often served with tzatziki, pita, or as part of a mezze spread, they’re a staple in Greek cuisine. Keftedes are famous as an appetizer but can easily be turned into an entree by serving some bread or rice with them.

Closeup of Greek meatballs with tzatziki on it.

To level up your meal, serve these Greek Keftedes with my Batata Harra, Saffron Rice or over any pasta of your choice.

Ingredients & Substitutions

See recipe card for quantities.

Beef – Traditionally, keftedes are made with beef or a mix of beef and lamb for extra flavor. Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner option.
Red Onion & Garlic – These add depth and a hint of sweetness. White or yellow onions work too, but red onion gives a slightly sharper taste.
Dried Oregano & Cinnamon Powder – Oregano brings a classic Greek touch, while cinnamon adds warmth. If you don’t like cinnamon, you can skip it, but it enhances the flavor.
Parsley & Mint – Fresh herbs brighten the meatballs. Spearmint is key for authentic Greek keftedes, but if you can't find it, you can use mint and parsley. Swap with dried parsley if you don't like fresh one.
Bread & Milk – Softens the texture, making the keftedes juicy. You can swap the bread for breadcrumbs, but soaking it in milk keeps the meatballs tender.
Egg – Acts as a binder to hold everything together.
Flour for Dredging – Creates a light crust when pan-fried. You can use cornstarch for a lighter option.
Olive Oil – Essential for pan-frying, giving the Greek meatballs a rich flavor. Use light or extra virgin olive oil. Avoid substituting with neutral oils if you want an authentic taste.

How To Make Keftedes

Here's how you can make this easy Greek meatballs recipe!

Step by step instructions of how to make greek meatballs.

Combine all the ingredients in a bowl so that you don't have to over-work your meat later and make it tough.
Then add the ground beef to it. You can also use lamb.
Mix everything together till it is incorporated well. Then refrigerate the meat for 1 hour so that the flavours can gel in.
Take around 2 tablespoon of the mixture and make balls. This mixture makes around 24 balls. Dredge the balls in the flour and shake off excess. The flour gives the meatballs a crispy coating.
Shallow-fry in olive oil till they are brown from all sides.
Remove from the pan and serve with tzatziki or my creamy avocado sauce.

Helpful Tips

Use fresh herbs – Fresh parsley and mint add the best flavor. Dried herbs won’t have the same impact.
Don’t skip the milk-soaked bread – It keeps the meatballs soft and juicy.
Chill the mixture – Letting it rest in the fridge for 30 minutes helps the flavors blend and makes shaping easier.
Don’t overcrowd the pan – Fry in batches to get an even, crispy crust without steaming the meatballs.

Keftedes with mint garnish and tzatziki dressing.

Storage & Meal Prep

Meal Prep – Mix and shape the beef meatballs up to 24 hours in advance and store them covered in the fridge until ready to cook.
Storage – Cooked keftedes stay fresh in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Let them cool completely before storing, and use a paper towel to absorb excess moisture.
Freezing – Freeze raw or cooked meatballs in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. Uncooked meatballs last up to 3 months in the freezer, cooked ones up to 2 months.
Reheating – Warm in a skillet over medium heat, bake at 175°C (350°F) for 10 minutes, or microwave in short intervals until heated through.

How To Serve Keftedes

Keftedes are versatile and can be served in various ways.

For a classic touch, pair them with creamy tzatziki for dipping, squeeze some lemon on top or my avocado crema for an interesting flavor.

They’re also great in rice bowls or pita wraps, stuffed with tomatoes, onions, feta cheese and a drizzle of yogurt sauce. As part of a mezze platter, serve alongside olives, feta, and grilled veggies.

For a heartier meal, pair these Greek meatballs with my kabuli rice, saffron rice, smashed potatoes or Greek potato wedges. You can also add them to my cucumber salad for a protein-packed, fresh option.

FAQ

What are keftedes made of?

Keftedes are made from ground beef (or a mix of beef and lamb), along with garlic, red onion, fresh herbs like parsley and mint, spices such as oregano and cinnamon, and soaked bread to keep them tender. They’re then shaped into balls, dredged in flour, and pan-fried.

What is the difference between bifteki and keftedes?

Bifteki are larger, thicker Greek burgers, often made with a similar mix of meat, herbs, and spices but are usually grilled or baked. Keftedes are smaller, meatball-sized, and pan-fried, with a more delicate texture.

Can I bake or air fry keftedes?

Yes, you can bake or air fry these Greek meatballs! To bake, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the meatballs on a baking sheet for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. For air frying, preheat to 375°F (190°C) and cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking.

More Ground Beef Recipes

If you loved my keftedes recipe, you'll surely love these:

Lebanese Kafta Kebab
Pakistani Gola Kabab
Chapli Kabab (Spicy Mince Patty)
Beef Kofta Curry (Pakistani Meatballs Curry)

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