Pan-Seared Greek Keftedes with Fresh Herb Tzatziki

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy Greek meatballs seasoned with fresh herbs, pan-seared until golden, served with a cooling cucumber-yogurt tzatziki sauce. This greek-inspired greek ready in about 35 minutes pairs ground beef, ground pork, chopped fresh parsley for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 410 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: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Greek cuisine 410 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, soak 1/2 cup day-old bread crumbs in 1/4 cup whole milk for 5 minutes until soft.
  2. Step 2: To the soaked bread crumbs, add 1 lb ground beef, 1/2 lb ground pork, 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/2 cup grated onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 large egg, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix gently but thoroughly until combined.
  3. Step 3: Shape the mixture into 1 1/2-inch diameter meatballs, about 16-18 pieces.
  4. Step 4: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, turning carefully, until golden brown and cooked through with an internal temperature of 160°F.
  5. Step 5: While the meatballs cook, prepare the tzatziki sauce: In a small bowl, combine 1 cup Greek yogurt, 1/2 grated and drained cucumber, 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and 1 minced garlic clove. Stir well and chill until serving.
  6. Step 6: Serve the warm meatballs with a generous dollop of fresh herb tzatziki sauce alongside warm pita or salad.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Greek Keftedes with Fresh Herb Tzatziki 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-Seared Greek Keftedes with Fresh Herb Tzatziki?

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-Seared Greek Keftedes with Fresh Herb Tzatziki?

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-Seared Greek Keftedes with Fresh Herb Tzatziki 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-Seared Greek Keftedes with Fresh Herb Tzatziki?

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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