Greek Meatballs Recipe

Name: Greek Meatballs Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 egg; ¼ cup milk; 1 teaspoon lemon juice; 2 teaspoons minced garlic; ¼ cup finely diced onion; ½ cup breadcrumbs; 2 teaspoons oregano; 1 teaspoon ground coriander; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1 teaspoon sea salt; ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; Olive oil (for frying); Optional: ¼ cup finely diced fresh parsley or dill

By Laura Sandford

Updated Sep 24, 2026

5 from 6 votes

6 Comments

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These Greek meatballs are easy to make in 20 minutes! They’re moist & flavorful, made with ground beef seasoned with garlic, onion, oregano, cumin and coriander, and can be baked in the oven or cooked on the stovetop. Serve them with tzatziki sauce, in a pita or over a Greek salad for a delicious main dish or appetizer!

overhead view of Greek Meatballs in a white ceramic bowl with tzatziki, pita, red onion, sliced avocado, fresh dill, feta cheese and lemon wedges

This Greek meatballs recipe has become a staple in our house. We make it at least twice a month with our homemade tzatziki, Mediterranean chickpea salad, and pita bread (or naan) and it’s a meal that everyone in our family loves.

These Greek meatballs are so easy that my kids start making them by themselves when they’re around 9 years old from start to finish (including the tzatziki)!

Why You’ll Love These Greek Meatballs

Easy to make. In 20 minutes flat.
Super flavorful. No bland meatballs here. They’re loaded with spices!
Moist & tender. Never dry!
Two cooking methods. Cook them on the stovetop or bake them in the oven – both methods turn out perfectly every time.
Can be served so many ways. Serve them with tzatziki, stuffed inside pita bread, over a Greek salad or as an appetizer.
Family favorite. Kids and adults love them!

The Greek meatball recipe is GREAT!
– Gretchen

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6 Greek Meatballs in a white ceramic bowl with tzatziki, pita, red onion, sliced avocado, fresh dill, feta cheese and lemon wedges one meatballs is cut in half so the moist juicy center is visible

Greek Meatballs: Ingredients & Substitutions

overhead photo of the ingredients in this Greek Meatballs recipe in bowls and labeled like ground beef, egg, onion, breadcrumbs, lemon juice, spices, milk and garlic

Ground beef. I have used 85% up to 93% lean ground beef to make this recipe. You can also substitute ground turkey or ground chicken for the beef.
Whole milk. 2% milk, half and half or cream can be used in place of whole milk.
Lemon juice. I have replaced lemon juice with Worcestershire sauce and it tastes amazing!
Minced Garlic. 1 tsp garlic powder can be substituted for 1 Tablespoon minced garlic.
Onion. ½ tsp onion powder can be substituted for the diced onion.
Breadcrumbs. Breadcrumbs bind the ingredients together and make the Greek meatballs tender and moist. Regular or panko breadcrumbs both work well. You can also substitute quick-cooking oats or oat flour, or try these gluten free meatballs.
Spices/herbs. Oregano, cumin and coriander give these mediterranean meatballs their signature flavor. I suggest making the recipe as written for the best results. You can also add finely chopped fresh parsley or dill for even more flavor.
Fresh herbs. Adding fresh parsley or fresh dill to the meatballs is delicious but optional.

front photo of Greek Meatballs in a white ceramic bowl with tzatziki, pita, red onion, sliced avocado, fresh dill, feta cheese and lemon wedges

How to Make Greek Meatballs

These Greek meatballs are easy to make in just 20 minutes! You can cook them on the stovetop or bake them in the oven. We’ll walk through both methods step-by-step, and don’t forget to watch the video.

Make the Meatball Mixture

Begin by making the meatball mixture. Combine ground beef, egg, milk and lemon juice in a large bowl.

making Greek Meatballs - ground beef, egg and lemon juice in a glass bowl on a white surface before mixing

Then, add the breadcrumbs, oregano, coriander, cumin, sea salt, pepper, garlic and onion and stir until evenly distributed.

making Greek Meatballs - ground beef, egg, lemon juice, breadcrumbs, spices and onion in a glass bowl on a white surface before mixing

making Greek Meatballs - final meatball mixture in a glass bowl on a white surface after mixing together

Portion & Roll the Meatballs

Use a 1 tablespoon measuring spoon to portion out heaping tablespoon portions of the meatball mixture and roll them into balls.

a portion of Greek Meatballs mixture in a measuring scoop being held over the glass bowl with the rest of the meatball mixture on a white surface

How to Cook Greek Meatballs

There are two ways to cook these Greek meatballs – on the stove or in the oven. I usually opt for the oven because it’s easier (in my opinion).

Stovetop

To cook on the stovetop, add 1-2 tablespoons olive oil to a nonstick fry pan or cast-iron skillet and turn heat to medium.

Then, put half of the meatballs in the pan and cover it to cook over medium heat on one side for 4-5 minutes or until they are golden-brown.

11 Greek Meatballs cooking on the first side in a fry pan with oil in the bottom of the pan

Remove the lid and flip the meatballs. Cook for another 4-5 minutes until meatballs are golden brown and the internal temperature is 160 degrees Fahrenheit (71 degrees Celsius). Repeat with the remaining meatballs.

11 Greek Meatballs cooking on the second side in a fry pan with oil in the bottom of the pan

Bake in the Oven

To cook the greek meatballs in the oven, preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 degrees Celsius). Then spread 1 Tablespoon olive oil on a large baking sheet or spray the baking sheet with olive oil spray.

Arrange the meatballs in an even layer, evenly spaced out on the prepared baking sheet.

16 Greek Meatballs on a white ceramic baking sheet in 4 rows of 4 before baking

Then bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 15 minutes. Meatballs should reach an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit (71 degrees Celsius).

16 Greek Meatballs on a white ceramic baking sheet in 4 rows of 4 after baking

How to Serve Greek Meatballs

There are so many delicious ways to serve these Greek meatballs! We make them at least twice a month, and our favorite way to eat them is with homemade tzatziki sauce, stuffed in a pita (or with a side of homemade naan). Here are more suggestions:

With tzatziki. Dip them in tzatziki with your favorite sides.
As a sandwich: Stuff Greek meatballs into warm pita or naan with tzatziki, lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion and feta cheese.
Over a salad. Add them to a Greek salad or Mediterranean chickpea salad for a delicious, protein-packed meal.
With rice. Serve them over yellow rice with a side of veggies.
With pasta salad. Like this greek pasta salad or greek orzo salad.
As an appetizer. Serve the meatballs with toothpicks and a bowl of tzatziki or hummus for dipping.
Make a Mediterranean bowl. Pair them with rice, hummus, tzatziki, cucumber, tomatoes, feta and pita bread.

11 Greek Meatballs on a white ceramic plate with lemon and fresh dill also on the plate.

How to Store Greek Meatballs

Store any leftover Greek meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Reheat

Reheat the meatballs in the oven, on the stovetop or in the microwave in a covered dish until warmed through.

Freeze

To freeze, let the cooked meatballs cool completely, then arrange them in a single layer in airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat and serve.

Greek Meatballs FAQs

What are Greek meatballs made of?

These Greek meatballs are made with ground beef, egg, milk, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, lemon juice and a combination of spices like oregano, cumin and coriander. You can also add fresh parsley or dill.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes! If you are feeding a crowd you can easily double this recipe and make 60 meatballs. Or if you want to make a double batch and freeze some for later. This recipe, using 1 lb. of ground beef, makes 30 meatballs 1 Tablespoon in size.

Beef Greek Meatballs vs. Keftedes – what’s the difference?

No they’re not the same. Keftedes are traditional Greek meatballs, typically made with ground meat, onion, garlic and plenty of fresh herbs, then traditionally fried. Recipes vary by region and family and may use beef, pork, lamb or a combination of meats. These beef Greek meatballs are inspired by traditional keftedes, but they’re a simplified version made with ground beef and can be baked or cooked on the stovetop.

What meat is used in Greek meatballs?

Greek meatball recipes can be made with beef, lamb, pork or a combination of meats. I use ground beef in this recipe because it’s something I always have on hand.

How do you keep Greek meatballs moist?

The egg, milk and breadcrumbs help bind the ingredients together while keeping the meatballs moist and tender. It’s also important not to overcook the meatballs.

What sauce goes with Greek meatballs?

My top two suggestions are tzatziki sauce and hummus.

Can I make Greek meatballs ahead of time?

Yes. You can prepare the meatball mixture and form the meatballs ahead of time, then store them covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook them. Or, cook the meatballs completely and reheat them before serving.

If you make and love my recipes, it would mean so much to me if you would leave a comment and rating! And don’t forget to follow along on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, TikTok and Youtube – be sure to tag @joyfoodsunshine and use the hashtag #joyfoodsunshine so I can see your creations!

Greek Meatballs Recipe

Why You’ll Love These Greek Meatballs

Greek Meatballs: Ingredients & Substitutions