Pan-Fried Greek Keftedes with Fresh Herbs

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy Greek meatballs infused with fresh mint and parsley, pan-fried to a golden crust and perfect served with tzatziki or lemon wedges. This greek-inspired greek ready in about 30 minutes pairs ground beef, ground pork, medium, finely grated onion 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: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 6 Greek cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, soak 1/2 cup bread crumbs in 1/4 cup milk for 5 minutes until softened. Add 1 lb ground beef, 1/2 lb ground pork, 1 finely grated medium onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint leaves, and 3 tbsp chopped fresh parsley to the bowl.
  2. Step 2: Crack 1 large egg into the mixture, then sprinkle 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix everything gently with your hands until combined but not overworked.
  3. Step 3: Form the mixture into small meatballs about 1.5 inches in diameter. Heat 1/4 cup olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
  4. Step 4: Fry the meatballs in batches for 3-4 minutes per side, turning carefully, until golden brown and cooked through, about 12 minutes total. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve warm with lemon wedges or tzatziki sauce.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Fried Greek Keftedes with Fresh Herbs take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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 Pan-Fried Greek Keftedes with Fresh Herbs?

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 Pan-Fried Greek Keftedes with Fresh Herbs?

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 Pan-Fried Greek Keftedes with Fresh Herbs 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 Pan-Fried Greek Keftedes with Fresh Herbs?

Greek greek 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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