Pan-Fried Greek Keftedes with Fresh Mint and Herbs
Juicy Greek meatballs infused with fresh mint, parsley, and oregano, pan-fried until golden and served with a tangy yogurt dip. This greek-inspired beef ready in about 35 minutes pairs ground beef, ground pork, medium white onion, finely grated for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 0.5 lb ground pork
- 1 medium white onion, finely grated
- 2 tbsp fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
- 3 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 0.5 cup bread crumbs
- 0.25 cup milk
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1.5 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, soak 0.5 cup bread crumbs in 0.25 cup milk for 5 minutes until softened. In a large bowl, combine 1 lb ground beef, 0.5 lb ground pork, 1 finely grated medium white onion, 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint, 3 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, 1 tsp dried oregano, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 beaten large egg, soaked bread crumbs, 1.5 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
- Step 2: Shape the mixture into 1.5-inch diameter meatballs, about 20 total. Heat 4 tbsp olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
- Step 3: Add the meatballs in batches, cooking for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, turning carefully to brown evenly. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain.
- Step 4: In a small bowl, mix 1 cup Greek yogurt with 1 tbsp lemon juice and a pinch of salt. Serve the warm keftedes with the yogurt dip garnished by extra chopped mint or parsley.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Fried Greek Keftedes with Fresh Mint and Herbs take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (20 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 Mint and 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 Mint and 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 Mint and Herbs 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 Pan-Fried Greek Keftedes with Fresh Mint and Herbs?
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.
