Pan-Seared Greek Keftedes with Mint and Oregano

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy Greek meatballs flavored with fresh mint and oregano, pan-seared to a golden crust and perfect as an appetizer or main dish. This greek-inspired greek ready in about 35 minutes pairs ground beef, ground pork, finely chopped fresh mint leaves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, soak 1/2 cup stale bread crumbs in 1/4 cup whole milk and set aside for 5 minutes until softened.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine 1 lb ground beef, 1/2 lb ground pork, 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh mint leaves, 1 tbsp dried oregano, 1 small finely grated yellow onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, soaked bread crumbs with milk, 1 large egg, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix gently until evenly combined.
  3. Step 3: Shape the mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs and set them on a plate.
  4. Step 4: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the meatballs in batches, cooking for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, turning carefully with tongs.
  5. Step 5: Remove meatballs to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil, then serve warm with tzatziki or lemon wedges.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Greek Keftedes with Mint and Oregano 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 Mint and Oregano?

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 Mint and Oregano?

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 Mint and Oregano 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 Mint and Oregano?

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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