Appetizer: Greece – Κεφτέδες ▶ Keftedes (Greek Beef Meatballs)

Food safety reminder: Follow safe food-handling practices and use a food thermometer to verify safe internal cooking temperatures.

Serving Size: 4

Approximate Time

Prep 15 min

Cook 10 min

Total 25 min

Ingredients

U.S. measurements first, metric equivalents in parentheses. Conversions are approximate; oz means weight ounces, not fluid ounces.

1 lb (450 g) ground beef
1 small onion, grated
1 / 2 cup (60 g) breadcrumbs
1 / 4 cup (60 ml) milk
1 egg
2 tbsp (30 ml) chopped fresh parsley
1 tsp (5 ml) dried oregano
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
Olive oil for frying

Show original ingredient measurements

1 lb / 450 g ground beef
1 small onion, grated
1 / 2 cup (60 g) breadcrumbs
1 / 4 cup (60 ml) milk
1 egg
2 tbsp (30 ml) chopped fresh parsley
1 tsp dried oregano
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
Olive oil for frying

Instructions

1. Soak breadcrumbs in milk until absorbed, then combine with ground beef, grated onion, egg, parsley, oregano, salt and pepper.  
2. Mix gently until just combined; form into walnut-sized meatballs.  
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and fry meatballs, turning, until evenly browned and cooked through (8–10 minutes).  
4. Drain on paper towels and serve warm with lemon wedges or tzatziki.