Keftethes Greek Meatballs

By
Lynn Livanos Athan
Lynn Livanos Athan
First-generation Greek American, Lynn Livanos Athan has published many recipes. She has culinary school training and teaches Greek cooking.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Updated on 08/13/19
Greek meatballs keftethes

Lynn Livanos Athan

Prep: 60 mins
Cook: 40 mins
Total: 100 mins
Servings: 40 to 50 servings
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
65 Calories
3g Fat
4g Carbs
6g Protein
Show Full Nutrition Label Hide Full Nutrition Label
×
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 40 to 50
Amount per serving
Calories 65
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 3g 3%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Cholesterol 21mg 7%
Sodium 50mg 2%
Total Carbohydrate 4g 1%
Dietary Fiber 0g 1%
Protein 6g
Calcium 24mg 2%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

Keftethes (keh-FTEH-thes) are savory Greek meatballs. Keftethes can be served as an appetizer or, when paired with a nice feta salad, can become the main dish. Keftethes can be served either hot or cold, and they make a great take-along for a packed lunch or picnic. When served as an appetizer or meze (meh-ZEH), keftethes are often accompanied by tzatziki (cucumber-yogurt dip) and pita bread.

For the tastiest meatballs, prepare the ground meat mixture earlier in the day and place it in the refrigerator for at least an hour. This allows the flavors to really meld. The traditional recipe calls for frying the meatballs, but this baked version is quite good and a bit healthier.

Ingredients

  • Olive oil (or cooking spray) for greasing baking sheet
  • 2 pounds ground beef
  • 2 onions (finely chopped or grated)
  • 2 cloves garlic (finely minced)
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 tablespoon dried mint
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 egg (lightly beaten)
  • 2 tablespoon grated cheese
  • Garnish: salt and freshly ground black pepper

Steps to Make It

  1. Preheat the oven to 375 F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly grease with either olive oil or cooking spray.

  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients and mix well. Cover with plastic wrap and allow mixture to sit in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.

  3. Roll the meat mixture into balls about the size of a walnut. Place on the greased baking sheet about an inch apart.

  4. Bake for about 40 minutes, turning the meatballs midway through the cooking time.

  5. Allow the meatballs to cool before serving.

Recipe Variations

  • Instead of (or in addition to) beef, try different types of ground meat, such as lamb or pork, which are excellent choices.
  • Serve with a tomato sauce or a creamy egg-lemon sauce called avgolemono.
  • Add Greek oregano or cumin to the meat mixture for a distinctly Greek flavor.
  • Try adding just a little bit of wine or traditional Greek ouzo (licorice liqueur) to the recipe for a unique taste.