– **Title**: Greek Meatballs (Keftedes)
– **Ingredients**:
– 1 lb ground beef (or lamb)
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 egg
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– Olive oil, for frying
– Tzatziki sauce (for serving)
– **Instructions**:
1. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef (or lamb), breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, onion, garlic, egg, oregano, salt, and pepper.
2. Mix the ingredients together until well combined, using your hands for the best results.
3. Form the mixture into small balls, about 1-1.5 inches in diameter.
4. Heat a good amount of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
5. Add the meatballs to the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd them. Fry until they are browned on all sides and cooked through, about 10-12 minutes.
6. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and drain on a paper towel to remove excess oil.
7. Serve warm with tzatziki sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef or Lamb: Both options are tasty! Lamb brings a traditional Greek flavor, but ground beef is easy to find and often more affordable. If you’re looking for a leaner option, try ground turkey or chicken instead.
Breadcrumbs: For extra flavor, use seasoned breadcrumbs. If you need a gluten-free option, substitute with almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers. I sometimes use leftover bread to make my own breadcrumbs, which is both simple and waste-free.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated adds more flavor, but in a pinch, pre-grated works too. Nutritional yeast can be a great dairy-free substitute while still giving a cheesy flavor!
Fresh Parsley: This herb brightens the meatballs. If you don’t have it, cilantro can work, or you could use dried parsley—though fresh is much better in this recipe!
Red Onion: It adds a nice bite. If you prefer, diced shallots or even green onions can be a good swap, giving a milder flavor.
How Do You Shape Meatballs Without Them Falling Apart?
Shaping meatballs can be tricky, but it’s all about the right balance and technique. Here’s how to keep them intact:
- Make sure your mixture is well combined but don’t overwork it. Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs.
- Wet your hands with a little water before shaping to prevent sticking. This also helps form smooth balls.
- Try to keep them all around the same size (about 1 inch) for even cooking.
Once you fry them, turning gently helps keep their shape. If they do start to break, don’t worry! They’ll still taste great in a sauce.
How to Make Greek Meatballs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef (or lamb)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Olive oil for frying
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and another 10 minutes to cook. So, you’ll have delicious Greek meatballs ready in just around 25 minutes! Perfect for a quick and tasty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mixing the Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef (or lamb) with the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, finely chopped red onion, minced garlic, egg, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until all the ingredients are evenly combined. It’s okay to get a little messy—this is the fun part!
2. Shaping the Meatballs:
Once the mixture is ready, it’s time to shape the meatballs! Take a handful of the mixture and roll it into a ball about 1 inch in diameter. Place each meatball on a plate as you go. You should have around 12-15 meatballs, depending on the size!
3. Cooking the Meatballs:
Now, let’s cook those meatballs! Heat a generous amount of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the meatballs in batches. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan to ensure they cook evenly. You’ll want to cook them for about 8-10 minutes, turning them occasionally so they get nice and browned on all sides.
4. Finishing Touches:
After cooking, carefully remove the meatballs from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. This will keep them nice and light!
5. Serving Up:
Serve your delicious Greek meatballs warm! You can garnish them with additional chopped parsley if you like. They pair beautifully with tzatziki sauce and warm pita bread for a wonderful meal. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Substitute Ground Beef with Another Meat?
Absolutely! You can use ground lamb, turkey, or chicken as alternatives to ground beef. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will change slightly, with lamb offering a richer taste, while turkey or chicken will be lighter.
How Can I Make These Meatballs Gluten-Free?
To make gluten-free meatballs, simply substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or finely crushed gluten-free crackers. They will hold together just as well while accommodating gluten restrictions!
Can I Make These Meatballs Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the meatball mixture and shape them up to a day in advance. Store them tightly covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook. This will also enhance the flavor as the ingredients meld together!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Meatballs?
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage—just make sure they’re completely cooled before freezing. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
