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Greek Meatballs (Keftedes) with Herb Butter

Juicy and flavorful meatballs infused with aromatic herbs and spices, perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: Greek
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 3/4 cup plain breadcrumbs Provides structure for crispy texture.
  • 1/2 cup milk Adds moisture for juicy meatballs.
  • 1 cup yellow onion (grated) Infuses sweetness and aroma.
  • 1 egg Acts as a binder.
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced) Adds deep, rich flavors.
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano Alternatively, use 2 tablespoons fresh.
  • 2 teaspoons dried mint Alternatively, use 2 tablespoons fresh.
  • 1.5 teaspoons kosher salt Enhances flavors.
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper Adds heat and complexity.
  • 1.5 lbs. lean ground beef Main protein source for meatballs.
For the Herb Butter
  • 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (such as oregano, mint, dill, chives, and/or parsley) Adds vibrancy and aroma.
  • 4 tablespoons butter (melted) Adds richness to the dish.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
  2. In a large bowl, mix together breadcrumbs, milk, and grated onion.
  3. Add egg, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried mint, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir until well combined.
  4. Incorporate lean ground beef into the mixture using hands or a spoon.
  5. Portion the meatballs onto a rimmed baking sheet using a large disher scoop or mold by hand.
Baking
  1. In a small bowl, mix melted butter with chopped fresh herbs.
  2. Spoon the butter mixture evenly over the meatballs.
  3. Bake at 375°F for 30 minutes or until golden.
Serving
  1. Serve drizzled with the buttery juices from the pan.

Notes

For best results, soak breadcrumbs in milk for 10 minutes before mixing. Don't overwork the meat mixture to keep meatballs tender. Variations include using ground turkey or adding grated zucchini.