Keftedes Greek Meatballs with Fresh Herb Yogurt Sauce

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

Tender and flavorful Greek meatballs infused with herbs, served with a cooling yogurt sauce brightened by dill and lemon. This Greek-inspired beef recipe, ready in about 50 minutes, pairs ground beef, ground lamb, whole milk for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 6, 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: 20 min Cook: 30 min Serves 6 Greek cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Step 4: Form the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs and place them on a greased baking sheet.
  5. Step 5: Drizzle 3 tablespoons olive oil over the meatballs and bake for 25-30 minutes until browned and cooked through.
  6. 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.
  7. Step 7: Serve the warm meatballs with the fresh herb yogurt sauce on the side for dipping.

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). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Keftedes Greek Meatballs with Fresh Herb Yogurt Sauce?

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 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.

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