Greek Beef Meatballs

Greek Beef Meatballs are a classic Mediterranean dish full of fresh herbs and savoury flavours. These meatballs are usually made with beef mince and seasoned with oregano and mint. They work perfectly as a main course or as part of a larger selection of small plates. You can serve them with flatbread or a simple salad.
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Photo of the finished dish for the recipe Greek Beef Meatballs

What is good about greek beef meatballs

These Greek Beef Meatballs are very simple to prepare and require only a few basic pantry staples. The addition of feta cheese inside the mixture adds a lovely salty kick to every bite. You can easily double the batch if you are hosting a dinner for friends. They are juicy on the inside and have a nice golden crust on the outside.

Follow these simple steps for greek beef meatballs

Step 1
Prepare the mixture: Place the beef mince in a large mixing bowl with the onion and garlic. Add the breadcrumbs, egg, oregano and dried mint to the bowl. Use your hands to mix everything together until the ingredients are well combined. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to enhance the flavour.
Step 2
Add the cheese: Crumble the feta cheese into small pieces and add it to the meat mixture. Gently fold the cheese in so it is evenly distributed but not completely mashed. This step ensures that every one of your greek beef meatballs contains a bit of cheese. Be careful not to overwork the meat or it might become tough.
Step 3
Shape the balls: Scoop out a small amount of the mixture and roll it between your palms to form a ball. Aim for the size of a golf ball so they cook through evenly. Place each finished ball on a clean plate or tray. Repeat the process until you have used all the meat mixture.
Step 4
Fry until golden: Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over a medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches to avoid crowding the pan and fry for about ten minutes. Turn them frequently with tongs so they brown on all sides and cook through. Serve the warm meatballs immediately with your choice of sides.

Important tips for greek beef meatballs

Using fresh herbs like parsley or dill can add even more fragrance to your greek beef meatballs if you have them available. If the mixture feels too wet to handle you can add a little more breadcrumbs to help it hold its shape. Chilling the shaped meatballs in the fridge for thirty minutes before frying helps them stay together in the pan. You can also bake them in the oven at two hundred degrees for a healthier alternative to frying. Serve them with a side of tzatziki for a refreshing contrast to the warm meat. Make sure the pan is properly hot before adding the meatballs to get a nice brown crust. These also freeze very well if you want to prepare a meal in advance for a busy weekday.

The greek beef meatballs are even better the next day when the flavours have had time to develop further.

Find more ideas here: prawn and leek quiche, risotto with langoustine or beef fillet in puff pastry.

Ingredients

servings
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  • 500 g beef mince
  • 1 red onion finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves crushed
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried mint
  • 50 g breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg
  • 100 g crumbled feta cheese
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Cooking time

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Nutrition information

NUTRITIONper serving
  • Energy:1841 kJ / 440 kcal
  • Fat:30 g
  • - of which saturates:14 g
  • Carbohydrates:12 g
  • - of which sugars:2 g
  • Protein:30 g
  • Fibre:1 g
  • Salt:850 mg

People also ask

Adding an egg and breadcrumbs helps to lock the juices inside the meat. Using a beef mince with a slightly higher fat content will also ensure the Greek Beef Meatballs stay tender during cooking.
You can prepare the mixture and shape the Greek Beef Meatballs up to a day before you plan to cook them. Keep them covered in the fridge to maintain freshness and improve the texture.
These Greek Beef Meatballs are traditionally served with pita bread and a cucumber yogurt dip. They also pair well with a Greek salad or roasted potatoes for a more filling meal.
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