Get ready to elevate your dinner game with these mouthwatering Easy Greek Freak Meatballs! Bursting with savory flavors and a hint of Mediterranean magic, these meatballs are not just a meal; they’re an experience that will transport your taste buds straight to the sun-soaked shores of Greece. With just a handful of simple ingredients and a quick 30-minute prep and cook time, you’ll have a delicious dish that’s perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or even meal prep for the week. Trust us, once you try these tender, feta-studded delights, you’ll be coming back for seconds—and thirds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Greek
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, crumbled feta cheese, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Crack the egg into the mixture and use your hands to gently mix all ingredients until well combined. Be careful not to overmix, which can make the meatballs tough.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the mixture rest in the refrigerator for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld and make the mixture easier to shape.
- Using clean hands, roll the meat mixture into uniform-sized meatballs, approximately
- 5 inches in diameter. This recipe should yield about 12-16 meatballs.
- Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat. If desired, lightly spray or brush with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Carefully place the meatballs in the hot skillet, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, turning gently to brown evenly.
- Check the internal temperature of the meatballs with a meat thermometer. They should reach 160°F (71°C) to ensure they are fully cooked.
- Remove meatballs from the skillet and let rest on a paper towel-lined plate for 2-3 minutes to absorb excess oil.
- Serve hot with tzatziki sauce, in a pita, over rice, or alongside a fresh Greek salad.
Tips
- Choose Quality Ingredients: For the best flavor, opt for fresh ground beef and high-quality feta cheese. The better the ingredients, the tastier your meatballs will be!
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the ingredients, mix gently. Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs, so keep it light and fluffy.
- Rest the Mixture: Allowing the meat mixture to rest in the refrigerator for 10 minutes helps the flavors meld and makes it easier to shape the meatballs.
- Uniform Size: Aim for uniform-sized meatballs (about
- 5 inches in diameter) to ensure even cooking. Using a cookie scoop can help with this.
- Preheat the Skillet: Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the meatballs. This helps to achieve a nice browning on the outside while keeping them juicy inside.
- Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) for safe consumption.
- Serving Suggestions: These meatballs are incredibly versatile! Serve them with tzatziki sauce, in pita bread, over rice, or alongside a fresh Greek salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 110mg
