Greek Meatballs

Greek meatballs are a fantastic way to step into the vibrant world of Mediterranean cuisine. Whether you’re planning a family dinner or a cozy gathering with friends, these juicy and flavorful bites are sure to impress. The surprise of creamy feta cheese nestled in the middle gives each meatball a delightful twist that makes every bite a treat. Plus, whipping up these Greek meatballs is super easy, so you don’t have to spend hours in the kitchen. You can simply combine the ingredients, shape the meatballs, and bake them to perfection. They’re not just a dish; they’re an experience, filled with authentic flavors that transport you straight to Greece. Let’s get started on this culinary adventure together!

Why You’ll Love This Greek Meatballs

Juicy and flavorful, these Greek meatballs are bursting with authentic Mediterranean flavors. Imagine sinking your teeth into a tender meatball that surprises you with a creamy burst of feta cheese—sounds amazing, right? Perfect for any occasion, whether as an appetizer or a centerpiece for dinner, these meatballs can adapt to your needs. They are easy to prepare and bake, making this a hassle-free recipe for any home cook. Plus, they pair so nicely with a refreshing tzatziki sauce, which adds a beautiful balance to the dish.

What is a Greek Meatball?

Greek meatballs, known as “keftedes,” hold a special place in Greek cuisine. These traditional dishes are made from ground meat, herbs, and spices. What makes them so unique is their versatility—they can be baked or fried, showcasing a delightful contrast to fresh dips like tzatziki. Channeling the essence of Greek cooking, they often highlight local ingredients and unique flavors, marrying both taste and tradition.

Ingredients for Greek Meatballs

To create these tasty meatballs, gather up the following ingredients:

• Cooking spray
• 1 slice white bread, torn into 1-inch pieces (about ½ cup)
• ¼ cup milk
• 1 egg, beaten
• ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 pound ground beef
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
• 2 small Persian cucumbers, peeled and grated
• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped
• ¾ teaspoon salt

Preparation for Greek Meatballs

Preheat the Oven and Prepare Your Baking Sheet

First things first: preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s warming up, take a wire rack, spray it with nonstick cooking spray, and place it over a rimmed baking sheet. This helps the meatballs cook evenly and prevents them from getting soggy.

Create the Meatball Mixture

Now, let’s make the meatball mixture! In a large bowl, combine the torn bread and milk. Allow it to sit for about a minute to soak up that milk goodness. Next, add in the beaten egg, chopped red onion, minced garlic, cumin, oregano, and salt. Mix in a quarter of the ground beef until it’s well combined. Then, gently incorporate the remaining beef—this keeps your meatballs tender and not too dense.

Form the Meatballs with Feta

Once your mixture is ready, divide it into 12 equal portions. Flatten each portion into a circle and place a chunk of feta in the center. Fold the meat around the cheese, rolling it into a smooth ball. Place each meatball on the prepared wire rack, ready for baking.

Bake the Meatballs

Now it’s time to bake! Place your meatballs in the preheated oven and bake them for 15-20 minutes, or until they turn beautifully browned and are cooked through. This is the moment when your kitchen will start smelling like a Mediterranean paradise!

Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce

While the meatballs are baking, let’s whip up a refreshing tzatziki sauce. First, wring out the grated cucumber using a kitchen towel to get rid of excess moisture. Then, in a medium bowl, mix the cucumber with Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, mint, and salt. Stir well to blend all the flavors together.

Serve

Your Greek meatballs are done! Serve them hot out of the oven alongside the tzatziki sauce. If you fancy, garnish with a little extra chopped mint for an added touch.

Serving Suggestions

For a complete Greek experience, serve your meatballs with warm pita bread. A fresh Greek salad on the side will brighten up the meal and balance those rich flavors. They also work great as an appetizer for parties or gatherings—just watch them disappear!

Tips for Success

To get the best results, here are a few tips:

• Make sure your ground beef is at room temperature. It mixes more easily this way.
• Feel free to adjust spices according to your taste; after all, Mediterranean flavors are all about personalization!
• Be careful not to over-mix the meatball mixture; this helps keep them tender.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few variations you can try out:

• Substitute ground lamb for a more traditional flavor—delicious!
• Add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or dill to the meatball mixture for an extra layer of flavor.
• If you love heat, incorporate some red pepper flakes for a spicy kick!

Storage Tips

Got leftovers? No worries! Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. You can also freeze cooked meatballs for up to two months—just remember to thaw before reheating.

Pairing Ideas

For something to sip on, pair your Greek meatballs with a glass of red wine. This enhances the rich flavors beautifully. Alternatively, enjoy them with roasted vegetables or a hearty rice pilaf for a wholesome meal.

FAQs

What can I serve with Greek meatballs?
Serve with tzatziki sauce, pita bread, and a fresh Greek salad for a complete meal.

Can I make Greek meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare and shape the meatballs in advance and store them in the fridge until ready to bake.

Are Greek meatballs healthy?
Yes, they can be a healthy option when made with lean ground beef and paired with a fresh salad.

What other dips can I serve with meatballs?
You can serve hummus, baba ghanoush, or even a spicy harissa yogurt dip.

Can I use turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken makes a lighter alternative that works well with the same seasonings.

Indulging in homemade Greek meatballs is not just about a great meal but also celebrating flavors and traditions that bring people together. These little bites of joy not only satisfy your taste buds but also share a piece of Greek culture with every bite. Perfectly paired with a refreshing tzatziki sauce, they are an inviting dish for gatherings, family dinners, or a cozy night in. Don’t forget to try adding your twist; after all, the joy of cooking lies in creativity and personal touches!

More Easy Lunch & Dinner ideas Recipes:

• Cream Of Mushroom Chicken
• Slow Cooker Pork Chops and Potatoes
• Pioneer Woman Corned Beef Hash
• Breakfast Skillet

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Greek Meatballs

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These Greek meatballs are a delight with vibrant Mediterranean flavors and a creamy feta surprise in every bite. Easy and quick to prepare, they are perfect for any occasion.

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 12 meatballs 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• Cooking spray
• 1 slice white bread, torn into 1-inch pieces (about ½ cup)
• ¼ cup milk
• 1 egg, beaten
• ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 pound ground beef
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
• 2 small Persian cucumbers, peeled and grated
• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped
• ¾ teaspoon salt

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet with a wire rack.
• In a bowl, combine torn bread and milk; let soak.
• Add egg, red onion, garlic, cumin, oregano, and salt to the soaked bread.
• Mix in ground beef until combined, then form into 12 meatballs around feta.
• Place meatballs on the wire rack and bake for 15-20 minutes until browned.
• Prepare tzatziki sauce with grated cucumber, Greek yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, mint, and salt.
• Serve meatballs with tzatziki sauce, garnished with mint.

Notes

Ensure ground beef is at room temperature for easier mixing.
Feel free to adjust spices according to your taste preferences.
Avoid over-mixing the meatball mixture to keep them tender.

• Author: Martha
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 350mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 12g
• Cholesterol: 40mg