Keftedes (Greek Meatballs)

Name: Keftedes (Greek Meatballs)
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20); 1/2 medium yellow onion, grated; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, finely chopped; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs; 1 large egg, beaten; 1 tsp kosher salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground; 4 tbsp olive oil; 1 lemon lemon, cut into wedges

Juicy pan-fried Greek meatballs seasoned with mint, oregano, and onion, with a crispy exterior and tender, herb-scented interior. Great as an appetizer or part of a mezze spread.

45 minMediumServes 6340 cal/serving

GreekAppetizerStovetopStandardHigh ProteinLow CarbNut-FreeDairy-FreePork-FreeAlcohol-FreeCorn-Free

Ingredients

1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20)
1/2 medium yellow onion, grated
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
1 large egg, beaten
1 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
4 tbsp olive oil
1 lemon lemon, cut into wedges

Instructions

1

In a large bowl, combine 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20), 1/2 medium grated yellow onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh mint leaves, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs, 1 beaten large egg, 1 tsp kosher salt, and 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper.
2

Mix with your hands until evenly combined. Do not overwork the meat. Cover and refrigerate for 15 minutes.
3

Roll the mixture into balls about 1.5 inches in diameter (roughly the size of a walnut), placing them on a plate as you go.
4

Heat 4 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches so as not to crowd the pan, add the meatballs and cook, turning every 2 minutes, until browned on all sides and cooked through to an internal temperature of 160°F, about 10 to 12 minutes per batch.
5

Transfer to a platter. Serve hot with cut into wedges lemon alongside.

Questions

Can I make Keftedes (Greek Meatballs) gluten-free?

Yes. The gluten in this entry is 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs. Swap the bread or crumbs for a gluten-free loaf or gluten-free panko. Everything else proceeds as written.

How long does Keftedes (Greek Meatballs) keep?

Refrigerate leftovers within two hours and eat them within three days. Reheat uncovered in a 400 F oven (or an air fryer) for a few minutes to bring the crust back; the microwave softens it.

Can I halve or double Keftedes (Greek Meatballs)?

Yes. As written it serves 6. Every ingredient in this entry carries precomputed half and double quantities, and the app's batch dial rewrites them inside each step. When doubling on the stovetop, use your widest pan or work in two batches so the food sears instead of steaming.

Serve it with

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