When you’re craving a hearty, comforting, and healthy meal, look no further than Greek meatballs baked to golden perfection. These protein-packed morsels are infused with traditional Mediterranean herbs and spices, bringing bold, zesty flavor without the heaviness of fried food. Whether you’re serving a crowd at a dinner party, meal prepping for the week, or simply looking to upgrade your weeknight dinner game, this easy Greek meatball dish is the perfect solution.
From the juicy center to the herbaceous crust, these Greek meatballs—also known in Greek cuisine as keftedes—are a celebration of flavor and nutrition. Best of all, they’re baked rather than fried, making them a lighter, guilt-free alternative to traditional meatballs.
Let’s dive into the full experience of making and serving these Greek-style meatballs, from ingredient breakdowns and cooking tips to serving suggestions and health benefits.
Why This Greek Meatballs Recipe Is a Must-Try
If you’ve ever explored Mediterranean recipes or dined on Greek dinners with family and friends, you’ve likely come across some variation of keftedes. Our take on baked Greek meatballs takes inspiration from those traditional recipes, modernizing them for today’s health-conscious kitchens.
Here’s why this dish is such a win:
- ✅ Healthier baked preparation—no frying required
- ✅ Mediterranean-diet approved with clean, wholesome ingredients
- ✅ Ideal for Greek meatball meal prep
- ✅ Fantastic for dinner party entrees main dishes
- ✅ Customizable with different meats, herbs, and side dishes
- ✅ Naturally gluten-free and dairy-free options available
Whether you’re cooking for two or twenty, this Greek meatballs recipe is sure to become a staple in your rotation.
Ingredients: The Building Blocks of Flavor
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a distinct role, bringing the traditional flavors of Greece to life.
🥩 For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground chicken or turkey
(Use lean poultry for a lighter version, or go traditional with lamb or beef for a heartier taste.) - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
(Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour if desired. These help bind the mixture and keep the meatballs tender.) - 1/4 cup red onion, finely grated or minced
(Adds moisture and subtle sweetness.) - 2 dientes de ajo, picados
(A must for Mediterranean flavor.) - 1 egg
(Essential for binding everything together.) - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
(Adds vibrant color and a clean, peppery bite.) - 1 tbsp fresh mint or dill (opcional)
(For brightness and authenticity. Mint is a traditional Greek herb.) - 1 cucharadita de orégano seco
(Earthy and aromatic.) - 1/2 tsp ground cumin
(Adds warmth and depth.) - 1/2 tsp sea salt + 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
(Balances all the flavors.) - Zest of 1 lemon
(Adds a citrusy lift that brightens the entire dish.)
🥣 Opcional Agregar-Ins:
- Crumbled feta cheese
- A splash of aceite de oliva
- A pinch of red chili flakes for heat
How to Make Greek Meatballs Baked: Step-by-Step
🔥 Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it with olive oil.
🧄 Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, add the ground meat, breadcrumbs, red onion, garlic, egg, herbs, spices, and lemon zest. Use your hands or a spatula to gently combine everything. Avoid overmixing, which can result in tough meatballs.
👐 Step 3: Form the Meatballs
Scoop about 1 to 1.5 tablespoons of the mixture and roll into a ball. You should get around 20–24 meatballs. Place them evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
⏲️ Step 4: Bake
Bake for 18–22 minutes, turning halfway through for even browning. You want the meatballs golden on the outside and fully cooked inside (internal temp of 165°F / 74°C).
🥗 Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
Serve warm with your favorite sides—tzatziki, pita, Greek salad, or roasted veggies.
Tasty Serving Suggestions for Greek-Style Meatball Plates
These baked Greek meatballs are incredibly versatile. Here are some creative ways to enjoy them:
🥙 1. Greek Pita Wraps
Layer meatballs inside warm pita with shredded lettuce, tomato, red onion, and a dollop of tzatziki sauce for a portable and satisfying meal.
🍽️ 2. Greek Meatball Bowl
Assemble your meatballs over a base of quinoa or couscous, add chopped cucumber, olives, cherry tomatoes, and crumbled feta. Drizzle with lemon-oregano vinaigrette.
🧆 3. Mezze Platter
Feature the meatballs as part of a Mediterranean platter with hummus, baba ghanoush, dolmas, roasted eggplant, and grilled halloumi.
🥔 4. Lemony Potatoes + Greens
Pair with roasted lemon potatoes and sautéed spinach or Swiss chard for a balanced, vibrant plate.
🎉 5. Finger Food for Dinner Parties
Insert toothpicks and serve with dipping sauces at your next get-together. They’re excellent appetizers for dinner party entrees main dishes.
Meal Prep Like a Pro: Greek Meatball Edition
These meatballs are a dream for Greek meatball meal prep. Here’s how to maximize your batch:
🧊 Make Ahead & Freeze
- Uncooked meatballs can be shaped and frozen raw. Freeze on a tray, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Bake from frozen with a few extra minutes of cook time.
- Cooked meatballs freeze beautifully too. Just reheat in the oven or microwave.
🧺 Store in the Fridge
Store cooked meatballs in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Add them to salads, wraps, or grain bowls throughout the week.
🥗 Mix & Match Meals
Create multiple meals with different combos:
- Greek meatballs + tzatziki + cucumber tomato salad
- Greek meatballs + hummus + roasted sweet potatoes
- Greek meatballs + pita + arugula + olives + lemon tahini dressing
Health Benefits of This Easy Greek Meatball Dish
This dish isn’t just tasty—it’s also packed with nutritious ingredients:
- Lean protein from chicken or turkey promotes muscle repair and satiety
- Fresh herbs like parsley and mint provide antioxidants
- Garlic and lemon offer immune-boosting properties
- Baked not fried, making it a lighter choice
- Gluten-free and dairy-free options make it suitable for most diets
Inspirado por All The Healthy Things Greek Meatballs, this recipe is ideal for anyone following a Mediterranean diet, comer limpio plan, or looking for high-protein, low-carb meals.
Greek Meatballs for Dinner Party Entrees Main Dishes
Greek food is always a crowd-pleaser, and these baked meatballs are an entertainer’s dream:
- Easy to make in large batches
- Serve hot or at room temperature
- Customizable for vegetarian guests (try lentil meatballs!)
- Pairs beautifully with wine, dips, and mezze platters
Set up a build-your-own Greek plate station at your next gathering. Offer tzatziki, hummus, grilled veggies, olives, rice pilaf, and let guests build their own plates around the star: these flavorful meatballs.
Variations & Swaps
Don’t be afraid to get creative with this recipe! Here are some easy swaps:
- La proteína: Swap ground turkey for beef, lamb, or a vegan meat alternative.
- Hierbas: Add dill, basil, or scallions for variety.
- Queso: Mix in crumbled feta for a creamy, tangy twist.
- Spice: Add a dash of cayenne or harissa paste for heat.
- Pan rallado: Use panko, almond flour, or oat flour for texture and dietary needs.
Nutrition Facts (Approximate Per Serving – 5 Meatballs)
- Calories: 250
- La proteína: 26g
- Carbs: 7g
- Fat: 12g
- La fibra: 1g
- Azúcar: 1g
Perfect for macro-conscious eaters, Mediterranean dieters, or anyone looking for good-tasting healthy food without compromise.
⭐ Final Thoughts: Why You’ll Love Greek Meatballs Baked
Flavorful, versatile, and easy to prepare, these Greek meatballs baked in the oven are a true weeknight hero and dinner party favorite. With their crispy edges, juicy interiors, and bold Mediterranean flavor, they’re satisfying without being heavy—and they play well with nearly any side dish you can imagine.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd, prepping for the week, or just indulging in some Greek dinners at home, this recipe delivers every time.
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