Baked Beef Keftedes with Mint and Oregano

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy Greek-style beef meatballs flavored with fresh mint and oregano, baked until golden and perfect for dipping or serving over rice. This greek-inspired beef ready in about 40 minutes pairs ground beef, small onion, finely grated, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Greek cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. In a large bowl, combine 1 lb ground beef, 1 small finely grated onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint, 1 tbsp chopped fresh oregano, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 1 large beaten egg, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix gently until evenly combined.
  2. Step 2: Shape mixture into 16 meatballs about 1.5 inches in diameter. Place meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and drizzle 2 tbsp olive oil evenly over them.
  3. Step 3: Bake meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through, until browned on the outside and cooked through.
  4. Step 4: Serve warm with lemon wedges for squeezing over and a side of tzatziki or Greek salad for a complete meal.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Baked Beef Keftedes with Mint and Oregano take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Baked Beef Keftedes with Mint and Oregano?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ground beef from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Beef Keftedes with Mint and Oregano?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Baked Beef Keftedes with Mint and Oregano for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Baked Beef Keftedes with Mint and Oregano?

Greek beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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