Greek meatballs, also known as keftedes, are a delicious and traditional dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or appetizer. Made with a blend of ground beef and pork, fresh herbs, and aromatic spices, these meatballs are packed with flavor and are sure to be a hit at your next family dinner or gathering with friends. While there are many ways to prepare Greek meatballs, one of the most popular methods is to bake them in the oven, creating a healthier and easier alternative to frying. In this article, we will share a simple and authentic recipe for baked Greek meatballs that will have your taste buds dancing with delight.
Main Ingredients: Ground Chicken, Egg Yolk, Spinach, Garlic, Crumbled
Get ready for a flavor explosion with this Greek meatball pasta recipe. Tender, juicy meatballs are combined with al dente pasta and a rich tomato sauce, all with a Greek twist. The addition of feta cheese adds a tangy note, while fresh herbs and lemon zest brighten up the dish. This is a perfect meal for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
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Greek Meatball Salad
Main Ingredients: Cucumber, Kosher Salt, Greek Yogurt, Fresh Lemon Juice
For a lighter take on traditional Greek meatballs, try this refreshing Greek meatball salad. The meatballs are made with ground chicken for a healthier option, and are served over a bed of arugula and cucumber. The tangy dressing made with lemon juice and olive oil ties all the flavors together. It's a perfect dish for a hot summer day or a quick and easy lunch option.
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Yuvarlakia – Greek Meatball Soup
Main Ingredients: Ground Beef, Ground Pork, Egg, Medium Grain Rice
This traditional Greek meatball soup, also known as Yuvarlakia, is a comforting and hearty dish that will warm you up on a cold day. The meatballs are made with a mixture of ground beef and pork, and are simmered in a flavorful broth with rice and vegetables. The finishing touch of lemon juice and fresh herbs adds a bright and fresh flavor to the soup.
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Greek Meatball Pita Sandwiches
Main Ingredients: Meatballs, Pita Pocket, Baby Spinach, Plum Tomato
Take your lunch game up a notch with these delicious Greek meatball pita sandwiches. The meatballs are packed with Mediterranean flavors like garlic, oregano, and mint. They are stuffed into warm pita bread along with hummus, cucumber, tomato, and red onion. This is a perfect meal for on-the-go or a quick and easy dinner option.
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Greek Meatball Soup | Youvarlakia Avgolemono
Main Ingredients: Lean Ground Beef, Rice, Small Onion, Fresh Parsley
This traditional Greek meatball soup, called Youvarlakia Avgolemono, is a comforting and creamy dish that will satisfy your taste buds. The meatballs are made with ground beef and are simmered in a flavorful broth with orzo and vegetables. The creamy egg and lemon sauce adds a tangy and rich flavor to the soup. Serve with a side of crusty bread for a complete meal.
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Traditional Greek Meatball Soup (Giouvarlakia/...
Main Ingredients: Lean Minced Beef, Long Grain Rice, Parsley, Onion, Egg
This traditional Greek meatball soup, also known as Giouvarlakia or Soutzoukakia, is a hearty and flavorful dish that will transport you to the Mediterranean. The meatballs are made with a combination of ground beef and pork, and are simmered in a rich tomato-based broth. The addition of oregano and cinnamon adds a unique and delicious flavor to the dish.
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Greek Meatball Bowls with Green Tzatziki Sauce &...
Main Ingredients: Ground Beef, Red Onion, Avocado Oil, Dried Oregano
These Greek meatball bowls are a healthy and flavorful meal that is perfect for meal prep or a quick and easy dinner option. The meatballs are made with ground turkey and are served over a bed of quinoa and roasted vegetables. The creamy and refreshing green tzatziki sauce adds a tangy note to the dish, making it a well-balanced and satisfying meal.
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Greek Meatball & Veggie Skillet
Main Ingredients: Onion, Fresh Spinach, Garlic, Lean Ground Beef, Egg
This one-pan Greek meatball and veggie skillet is a perfect dish for a busy weeknight. The meatballs are made with a mixture of ground beef and lamb, and are cooked together with zucchini, bell peppers, and tomatoes. The addition of fresh herbs and lemon juice adds a burst of flavor to the dish. Serve with a side of pita bread for a complete meal.
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Greek Potatoes
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Water, Garlic, Lemon Juice, Dried Oregano
No Greek meal is complete without a side of Greek potatoes. These roasted potatoes are tossed in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, oregano, and lemon juice before being baked to crispy perfection. They are the perfect accompaniment to any Greek dish, or can be enjoyed on their own as a snack.
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Greek Turkey Meatball Gyro with Tzatziki
Main Ingredients: Ground Turkey, Diced Red Onion, Garlic Cloves, Oregano
This Greek-inspired twist on a classic gyro is a healthier and lighter option. The meatballs are made with lean ground turkey and are served in a warm pita wrap with tzatziki sauce, tomato, and red onion. The addition of cucumber and kalamata olives adds a refreshing and tangy note to the dish. It's a perfect meal for a quick lunch or dinner.
This tender and juicy Greek chicken recipe is a must-try for any Mediterranean food lover. The chicken is marinated in a flavorful mixture of olive oil, garlic, oregano, and lemon juice before being grilled to perfection. Serve with a side of Greek salad and pita bread for a complete meal.
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Greek Salad Dressing & Greek Salad
Main Ingredients: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Apple Cider Vinegar, Lemon
This homemade Greek salad dressing is a staple for any Greek meal. Made with olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, and garlic, it is the perfect balance of tangy and savory flavors. Use it to dress a classic Greek salad, made with tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, bell pepper, and feta cheese. Serve as a side dish or add grilled chicken or shrimp to make it a complete meal.
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Greek Moussaka
Main Ingredients: Eggplant, Butter, Chopped Onion, Minced Garlic, Ground
This classic Greek dish is a must-try for any meat lover. Layers of eggplant, potatoes, and ground beef are smothered in a rich and creamy béchamel sauce and baked to perfection. The addition of cinnamon and nutmeg adds a unique and delicious flavor to the dish. Serve with a side of Greek salad for a complete meal.
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GREEK BEEF STIFADO
Main Ingredients: Chopped Tomatoes, Cinnamon Sticks, Bay Leaves, Dried
This traditional Greek beef stew, called Stifado, is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for a cold winter night. The beef is simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce with pearl onions, red wine, and spices until it is tender and flavorful. Serve with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
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Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes – Both Homers Would...
Main Ingredients: Chicken, Bone, Russet Potatoes, Kosher Salt, Freshly
This one-pan Greek lemon chicken and potato dish is a crowd-pleaser that is sure to impress. The chicken and potatoes are marinated in a mixture of lemon juice, olive oil, oregano, and garlic before being roasted to perfection. The result is tender and flavorful chicken and crispy and golden potatoes. This dish will have everyone saying "Opa!"
This Greek-inspired pasta salad is a perfect side dish for any summer gathering or potluck. The pasta is combined with cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, bell pepper, and olives, and tossed in a tangy lemon vinaigrette. The addition of feta cheese adds a creamy and tangy note to the salad. It's a refreshing and delicious addition to any meal.
This Greek orzo salad is a perfect dish for a summer picnic or barbecue. The orzo pasta is combined with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, kalamata olives, and feta cheese, and tossed in a tangy lemon dressing. The addition of fresh herbs adds a bright and fresh flavor to the salad. Serve as a side dish or add grilled chicken or shrimp to make it a complete meal.
These Greek turkey burgers are a healthier and lighter option for burger lovers. The patties are made with lean ground turkey and are seasoned with oregano, garlic, and lemon zest. They are then topped with tzatziki sauce, cucumber, and feta cheese for a burst of Mediterranean flavors. Serve on a bun or in a lettuce wrap for a low-carb option.
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Greek Quesadillas
Main Ingredients: Flour Tortillas, Frozen Chopped Spinach, Sun Dried
Give your quesadillas a Greek twist with this delicious and flavorful recipe. The tortillas are filled with a mixture of spinach, feta cheese, tomatoes, and chicken, and served with a side of tzatziki sauce for dipping. The addition of oregano and lemon juice adds a unique and delicious flavor to the dish. It's a perfect meal for a quick and easy lunch or dinner.
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One Pan Greek Lemon Chicken and Rice
Main Ingredients: Dried Oregano, Dried Minced Onion, Garlic, Lemon
This one pan Greek lemon chicken and rice dish is a perfect meal for a busy weeknight. The chicken is marinated in a tangy mixture of lemon juice, olive oil, and oregano before being cooked together with rice, vegetables, and chicken broth. The result is a flavorful and satisfying meal that the whole family will love.
Ingredients:
1 lb. ground beef
1 lb. ground pork
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 egg, beaten
1/2 cup bread crumbs
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
1 tsp. ground cumin
1 tsp. ground coriander
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. black pepper
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup water
Instructions:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, diced onion, minced garlic, beaten egg, bread crumbs, chopped parsley, mint, and dill, ground cumin and coriander, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
Using your hands, form the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a greased baking sheet.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and water. Pour the mixture over the meatballs.
Bake the meatballs in the oven at 375°F for 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let the meatballs cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce, such as tzatziki or hummus.
Baking vs. Frying:
Traditionally, Greek meatballs are fried in a pan with oil. While this method results in a crispy exterior, it also adds unnecessary fat and calories to the dish. Baking the meatballs in the oven is a healthier and easier alternative, as it requires less oil and allows the excess fat to drip off. It also frees up your stovetop for other dishes. Plus, the oven method results in a more evenly cooked and tender meatball.
Serving Suggestions:
These baked Greek meatballs are delicious on their own, but they can also be served with a variety of sides and accompaniments. Try serving them with a Greek salad, pita bread, and tzatziki sauce for a complete meal. They also make a great appetizer when served with a variety of dips and spreads, such as hummus, baba ganoush, and feta cheese dip.
Make Ahead and Freezing Instructions:
If you want to make these meatballs ahead of time, prepare them as instructed and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place the baking sheet in the freezer for a few hours, then transfer the frozen meatballs to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to bake, simply place the frozen meatballs on a greased baking sheet and bake for 5-10 minutes longer than the original baking time.
You can also freeze any leftover cooked meatballs in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply bake them in the oven for 10-15 minutes at 375°F.
In Conclusion:
Baked Greek meatballs are a delicious and healthier alternative to the traditional fried version. With a blend of fresh herbs and aromatic spices, these meatballs are packed with flavor and are sure to be a hit at your next gathering. With the ability to make them ahead of time and freeze them for future meals, this recipe is a convenient and tasty addition to any meal plan. Give it a try and enjoy the taste of Greece in your own home!
![[Homemade] Meatball Pasta Bake with Chillies and Smoked Paprika : r/food](https://i.redd.it/7mji2zgrrmh01.jpg)
