Keftedes Greek Meatballs with Fresh Herb Yogurt Sauce
Tender and flavorful Greek meatballs infused with herbs, served with a cooling yogurt sauce brightened by dill and lemon. This greek-inspired beef ready in about 50 minutes blends pound ground beef, pound ground lamb, whole milk into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 6, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground lamb
- 2 slices white bread, crust removed and soaked in milk
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. In a small bowl, soak 2 slices crustless white bread in 1/4 cup whole milk for 5 minutes until soft.
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 pound ground beef, 1/2 pound ground lamb, 1 small finely chopped yellow onion, 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
- Step 3: Squeeze excess milk from the bread and crumble it into the meat mixture. Mix everything gently with your hands until fully combined but not overworked.
- Step 4: Form the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs and place them on a greased baking sheet.
- Step 5: Drizzle 3 tablespoons olive oil over the meatballs and bake for 25-30 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- Step 6: Meanwhile, combine 1 cup plain Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill, and 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice in a small bowl; stir well and season with salt to taste.
- Step 7: Serve the warm meatballs with the fresh herb yogurt sauce on the side for dipping.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Keftedes Greek Meatballs with Fresh Herb Yogurt Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (20 min prep + 30 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Keftedes Greek Meatballs with Fresh Herb Yogurt Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Keftedes Greek Meatballs with Fresh Herb Yogurt Sauce?
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 Keftedes Greek Meatballs with Fresh Herb Yogurt Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Keftedes Greek Meatballs with Fresh Herb Yogurt Sauce?
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.
