These Greek meatballs are the perfect combination of tender and moist on the inside, with a golden, crisp exterior and a bold, zesty flavor. They’re packed with aromatic herbs and spices, making them a delicious addition to any meal. Whether served as an appetizer, in pita bread with tzatziki, or alongside a fresh salad, these meatballs are sure to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Tender and juicy: Thanks to the mix of ground lamb or beef and breadcrumbs, these meatballs stay moist and tender.
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Bold, zesty flavor: The combination of garlic, parsley, oregano, and cumin creates a flavorful profile that’s both fresh and aromatic.
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Versatile cooking methods: You can pan fry, bake, or grill these meatballs, allowing you to choose the method that best suits your preference or available time.
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Quick and easy: With just 40 minutes from start to finish, these meatballs are perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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1 pound ground ground lamb or beef
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½ cup breadcrumbs
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1 large egg
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¼ cup finely chopped fresh parsley
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 small onion, finely grated
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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½ teaspoon cumin
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Olive oil, for frying or brushing
directions
Mixing the Ingredients:
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In a large bowl, combine the ground lamb or beef, breadcrumbs, egg, parsley, garlic, onion, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly distributed. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
Forming the Meatballs:
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Shape the mixture into 1.5-inch balls. You should get around 15-20 meatballs, depending on the size.
Cooking Methods:
Pan Frying:
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Heat a few tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
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Fry the meatballs in batches, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through, about 10-12 minutes.
Oven Baking:
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Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Place the meatballs on the baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
Grilling:
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Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Thread the meatballs onto skewers.
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Brush the meatballs lightly with olive oil and grill, turning occasionally, until cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.
Resting:
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After cooking, let the meatballs rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps redistribute the juices and keeps them moist.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Variations
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Meat Choices: Pork provides a juicy texture, but you can use lamb for a richer flavor or beef for a firmer texture. Experiment to find your preferred meat.
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Mixing: Be sure not to overmix the ingredients to avoid tough meatballs. Mix just until everything is combined.
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Serving Ideas: Serve these meatballs with tzatziki sauce, pita bread, or alongside a Greek salad for a full meal.
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Make Ahead: You can prepare the meatballs and refrigerate them until ready to cook, making them perfect for meal prep.
storage/reheating
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave them or heat them in a skillet over medium heat. They also freeze well for up to 2 months—just wrap them in plastic wrap or foil before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
FAQs
How do I know when the meatballs are done?
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature: 160°F for beef, and 165°F for lamb. The meatballs should be golden brown on the outside and cooked through on the inside.
Can I bake these meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake them ahead and store them in the fridge. Just reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.
Can I freeze the meatballs?
Yes! After cooking, let them cool, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw them overnight and warm them in the oven or microwave.
What should I serve with Greek meatballs?
Serve them with tzatziki sauce, a Greek salad, pita bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Conclusion
These Greek meatballs are the perfect balance of tender and juicy on the inside, with a crisp, golden exterior. Full of bold flavors like garlic, parsley, and oregano, they’re a fantastic addition to any meal. Whether you pan-fry, bake, or grill them, these meatballs will be a hit at your table!
Print
The BEST Greek Meatballs
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
These Greek meatballs are the perfect combination of tender and moist on the inside, with a golden, crisp exterior and a bold, zesty flavor. They’re packed with aromatic herbs and spices, making them a delicious addition to any meal. Whether served as an appetizer, in pita bread with tzatziki, or alongside a fresh salad, these meatballs are sure to impress!
Ingredients
1 pound ground lamb or beef
½ cup breadcrumbs
1 large egg
¼ cup finely chopped fresh parsley
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, finely grated
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil, for frying or brushing
Instructions
- Mixing the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground lamb or beef breadcrumbs, egg, parsley, garlic, onion, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly distributed. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
- Forming the Meatballs: Shape the mixture into 1.5-inch balls. You should get around 15-20 meatballs, depending on the size.
- Cooking Methods:
- Pan Frying: Heat a few tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the meatballs in batches, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through, about 10-12 minutes.
- Oven Baking: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the meatballs on the baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
- Grilling: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Thread the meatballs onto skewers. Brush the meatballs lightly with olive oil and grill, turning occasionally, until cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.
- Resting: After cooking, let the meatballs rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps redistribute the juices and keeps them moist.
Notes
- Mixing: Be sure not to overmix the ingredients to avoid tough meatballs. Mix just until everything is combined.
- Serving Ideas: Serve these meatballs with tzatziki sauce, pita bread, or alongside a Greek salad for a full meal.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the meatballs and refrigerate them until ready to cook, making them perfect for meal prep.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: greek
