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    Home » Recipes » Main Courses » Greek Meatballs (Keftedes)

    Greek Meatballs (Keftedes)

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    Made with a savory combination of ground beef and pork, these Greek Meatballs (Keftedes) are tender, juicy and stuffed with tangy feta cheese. Serve them with homemade Tzatziki for the ultimate appetizer or easy weeknight meal.

    Greek Meatballs on white platter with cucumbers, tomatoes, olives and dip
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    Jump to:
    • ❤️ Why You'll Love This Greek Meatballs Recipe
    • 🛒 Ingredients for Greek Meatballs
    • 🔪 How to Make Greek Meatballs
    • 💡 Tips for Making Greek Meatballs
    • ☑️ Storage Instructions
    • 🍴 What to Serve with Meatballs
    • 🔄 Substitutions and Additions
    •  Why are My Meatballs Falling Apart?
    • How Can I Prevent the Meatballs from Sticking to the Baking Sheet?
    • Why Are My Meatballs Dry?
    • Can I Pan-Fry the Meatballs Instead of Baking Them?
    • How Do I Know When Meatballs are Fully Cooked?
    • What Makes Greek Meatballs Different from Other Meatballs?
    • 🍽️ More Greek-Inspired Recipes

    ❤️ Why You'll Love This Greek Meatballs Recipe

    • Flavorful tender beef and pork meatballs
    • Filled with creamy feta cheese
    • Serve with an easy homemade Tzatziki sauce for dipping
    • Baked in the oven for easy cleanup
    • Enjoy as a tasty appetizer or over a Greek salad
    • Keto friendly and gluten-free
    closeup of Greek Meatball on toothpick being dipped in tzatziki sauce in white bowl

    These Greek Meatballs, also known as Keftedes, are a delightful twist on a classic favorite. Instead of lamb, this recipe uses the perfect balance of ground beef and pork, creating a rich and hearty base. Fresh herbs and seasonings and a hidden cube of creamy feta cheese is added giving each bit incredible flavor.

    Baked to perfection, these meatballs are so tender and juicy, making them an irresistible option for any meal. Serve these flavorful meatballs with a side of homemade Tzatziki, for a cool, zesty touch. Whether you're preparing a quick weeknight dinner or a tasty appetizer for a party, these Greek meatballs are a versatile and delicious choice that everyone will love.

    Greek Meatball on toothpick cut open showing feta cheese inside

    If you enjoy Greek flavors, you will also love this Greek Sheet Pan Chicken recipe and this Greek Pasta Salad.

    🛒 Ingredients for Greek Meatballs

    • Ground beef
    • Ground pork
    • Almond flour 
    • Feta cheese
    • Red onion
    • Eggs
    • Greek yogurt
    • Garlic
    • Mint
    • Dill
    • Oregano
    • Salt
    • Ground black pepper
    • Olive oil
    • Tzatziki Sauce for Dipping

    *Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

    🥣 Recommended Tools

    • Mixing bowl
    • Baking sheet
    • Parchment paper
    • Cookie scooper

    🔪 How to Make Greek Meatballs

    Preheat oven to 400°F.

    Add the eggs, Greek yogurt, red onion, almond flour, garlic, dill, mint, dried oregano, salt and pepper to a large mixing bowl. Mix until well combined.

    Greek Meatballs ingredients in glass bowl unmixed

    Add in the ground beef and pork, then mix just until combined.  Make sure not to over mix, or they can become tough and dense.

    raw ground beef and ground pork in glass bowl

    Using a cookie scooper, scoop and form the meatballs.

    raw Greek Meatball mixture in cookie scoop

    Make an indentation in each meatball and insert a small cube of feta cheese.

    holding a raw Greek Meatball with cube of feta cheese in center

    Seal up the meatballs, making sure the feta is covered, then add them to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

    40 raw Greek Meatballs on baking sheet with parchment paper

    Spray or brush the meatballs with olive oil and bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.

    40 baked Greek Meatballs on parchment lined baking sheet

    Serve with Tzatziki sauce on the side for dipping.

    Greek Meatballs on oval white platter with veggies and tzatziki sauce

    💡 Tips for Making Greek Meatballs

    • Avoid overmixing: Mix the ingredients until just combined to keep the meatballs tender and avoid making them tough and dense.
    • Uniform size: Use a cookie scoop to ensure all meatballs are the same size, which helps them cook evenly.
    • Seal them well: Ensure the meatballs are sealed tightly around the feta to prevent it from leaking out while baking.
    • Oil the meatballs: Brush or spray the meatballs with olive oil before baking to help them develop a nice, golden-brown crust.
    closeup of Greek Meatballs with crumbled feta cheese

    ☑️ Storage Instructions

    Fridge: Store the cooked meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

    Freezer: Place the cooked meatballs on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

    Reheating: To reheat, place the meatballs in a baking dish and cover with foil. Heat in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also reheat them in the microwave until warm.

    🍴 What to Serve with Meatballs

    • Salad: Serve them with a fresh, crisp, and cool salad. This Mediterranean Chopped Salad is a great option.
    • Pita bread: Warm and soft, pita bread is perfect for dipping in Tzatziki or scooping up meatballs.
    • Rice or quinoa: Fluffy and flavorful rice of quinoa is a classic way of serving these meatballs.
    • Roasted vegetables: A mix of roasted bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant for a healthy side. Try them with this Oven Roasted Broccoli or this Cheesy Roasted Cauliflower.
    • Hummus: Add even more Mediterranean flavors by serving them with this Roasted Red Pepper Hummus and some homemade Pita Chips.
    Greek Meatball on toothpick held up with tzatziki on top

    🔄 Substitutions and Additions

    • Meat: Substitute ground lamb for the pork for a richer, more traditional Greek version.
    • Chopped spinach: Mix in a handful of fresh or frozen finely chopped spinach for a pop of color and added nutrients.
    • Sun-dried tomatoes: Finely chop and mix in sun-dried tomatoes for added texture and just a hint of sweetness.
    • Grated parmesan cheese: Mix in some Parmesan for an additional layer of cheesy goodness.
    • Chopped olives: Add finely chopped Kalamata or green olives for a briny kick.
    •  Spicy meatballs: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some cayenne pepper for some heat.
    •  Lemon zest: Add some grated lemon zest to the mixture for a bright, citrusy twist.
    • Pine nuts: Mix in some toasted pine nuts for a bit of crunch and nuttiness.
    Greek Meatball on toothpick cut open showing feta cheese inside

     Why are My Meatballs Falling Apart?

    This usually happens because you did not form a tight enough meatball. Without overmixing, just make sure to form the meatballs tightly and seal them properly around the feta cheese. This will help them hold together.

    How Can I Prevent the Meatballs from Sticking to the Baking Sheet?

    Line the baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly oil the baking sheet before placing the meatballs on it.

    Why Are My Meatballs Dry?

    Be careful not to overbake them. Check for doneness a few minutes before the recommended baking time. I also make sure not to use meat that is super lean because a bit of fat helps keep the meatballs moist.

    Can I Pan-Fry the Meatballs Instead of Baking Them?

    Yes, you can fry them in a skillet with a bit of olive oil until they are browned on all sides and cooked through. The only problem that may occur is they get too brown on the outside before they’re done in the center. Just keep a close watch on them and cook them part of the time with a lid.

    How Do I Know When Meatballs are Fully Cooked?

    The meatballs should be browned on the outside and reach an internal temperature of 165°F when measured with a meat thermometer.

    What Makes Greek Meatballs Different from Other Meatballs?

    Greek meatballs often include herbs like mint and oregano, and they may be stuffed with feta cheese, giving them a unique flavor profile compared to other types of meatballs.

    overhead view of Greek Meatballs on white oval platter with veggies and tzatziki sauce

    🍽️ More Greek-Inspired Recipes

    • Greek Quinoa Salad
    • Greek Salmon Salad
    • Greek Tuna Stuffed Avocados
    • Whipped Feta Dip
    Greek Meatballs on white platter with cucumbers, tomatoes, olives and dip

    Greek Meatballs (Keftedes)

    Made with a savory combination of ground beef and pork, these Greek Meatballs (Keftedes) are tender, juicy and stuffed with tangy feta cheese.
    No ratings yet
    Author: Julianne
    Servings 10
    Print Pin
    Save Recipe Saved!
    PREP 15 minutes mins
    COOK 25 minutes mins
    TOTAL 40 minutes mins

    Ingredients
     

    • 1 pound ground beef
    • 1 pound ground pork
    • ½ cup super fine almond flour
    • ½ cup feta cheese, cubed
    • ⅓ cup red onion, finely minced
    • 2 whole eggs, beaten
    • 4 cloves garlic, minced
    • 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt
    • 1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped
    • 2 teaspoons dried dill
    • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat oven to 400°F.
    • Add the eggs, Greek yogurt, red onion, almond flour, garlic, dill, mint, dried oregano, salt and pepper to a large mixing bowl. Mix until well combined.
    • Add in the ground beef and pork, then mix just until combined. Make sure not to over mix, or they can become tough and dense.
    • Using a cookie scooper, scoop and form the meatballs. Make an indentation in each meatball and insert a small cube of feta cheese.
    • Seal up the meatballs, making sure the feta is covered, then add them to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
    • Spray or brush the meatballs with olive oil and bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
    • Serve with Tzatziki sauce on the side for dipping.

    Recipe Notes

    Makes 40 meatballs, 4 per serving

    *Make sure to scroll up and read the post for substitutions, additions and helpful tips for making this recipe.

    Course Main Course
    Cuisine Mediterranean
    Calories 214kcal
    Nutrition Facts
    Greek Meatballs (Keftedes)
    Amount per Serving
    Calories
    214
    % Daily Value*
    Fat
     
    12
    g
    18
    %
    Saturated Fat
     
    4
    g
    25
    %
    Carbohydrates
     
    3
    g
    1
    %
    Fiber
     
    1
    g
    4
    %
    Sugar
     
    1
    g
    1
    %
    Protein
     
    24
    g
    48
    %
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
    Rate this Recipe

    *Nutritional data is provided as a courtesy and is accurate to the best of my knowledge. You can verify it using the nutrition calculator of your choice. All data is based on net carbs, without sugar alcohol: Swerve, Erythritol, Monk Fruit or Allulose.

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    Julianne

    I'm Julianne, welcome! Eating healthy doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice great flavor.  I offer deliciously nutritious recipes that will leave you feeling nourished and satisfied, with the occasional indulgence!

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