Greek Meatballs (Keftedes) with Herb Butter Recipe
These Greek Meatballs, known as Keftedes, are a flavorful and aromatic dish featuring lean ground beef combined with fragrant herbs and spices. The meatballs are baked to perfection and finished with a rich herb butter that enhances their juicy texture and savory taste. Perfect as a comforting dinner or a special appetizer, this recipe offers a traditional taste of Greece with simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 3/4 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup milk (or water)
- 1 yellow onion (grated)
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano (or 2 tablespoons fresh)
- 2 teaspoons dried mint (or 2 tablespoons fresh)
- 1.5 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1.5 lbs. lean ground beef
Herb Butter
- 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (such as oregano, mint, dill, chives, and/or parsley)
- 4 tablespoons butter (melted)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F to prepare for baking the meatballs.
- Prepare Breadcrumb Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, milk (or water), and grated yellow onion including its juices. Stir to soak the breadcrumbs while imparting onion flavor.
- Add Seasonings: Add the egg, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried mint, kosher salt, and black pepper to the breadcrumb mixture. Stir to evenly distribute all ingredients.
- Combine with Ground Beef: Add the lean ground beef to the bowl and mix thoroughly, preferably using your hands to ensure everything is evenly combined without overworking the meat.
- Form Meatballs: Using a large disher scoop or your hands, form the meat mixture into evenly sized meatballs and place them spaced out on a rimmed baking sheet.
- Prepare Herb Butter: In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter and freshly chopped herbs to create the flavored butter.
- Apply Herb Butter: Spoon the herb butter mixture evenly over each meatball, coating them generously for enhanced flavor and moisture.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet with meatballs into the preheated oven and bake at 375 degrees F for 30 minutes until cooked through and golden.
- Serve: Remove the meatballs from the oven and serve immediately, drizzling the pan juices and any remaining herb butter over the meatballs for extra richness.
Notes
- Using half milk and half water can lighten the breadcrumb mixture while still keeping moisture.
- Fresh herbs give a brighter flavor, but dried herbs work well if fresh are not available.
- You can prepare these meatballs ahead of time and refrigerate before baking.
- For a lower-fat option, substitute ground turkey instead of beef.
- Serve with tzatziki or a fresh Greek salad to complete the meal.
