Meat Balls, Tarpon Springs(Keftedes)
Tender Greek-style meatballs seasoned with oregano and garlic, simmered in tomato sauce, perfect for family dinners or gatherings with vibrant flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a deep bowl, combine ground beef, grated onion, canned tomatoes, eggs, oregano, crushed garlic, salt, pepper, bread crumbs, and lemon juice, adding water if needed for a very soft mixture.
- Knead to blend all ingredients thoroughly.
- Let the mixture stand for 15 minutes.
- Shape the mixture into lightly 2-inch balls.
- Roll the meatballs in flour and brown in hot oil until cooked through and golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more flavorful meatball, consider adding fresh herbs like parsley or mint. If you don’t have spiced bread crumbs, plain ones can be used with a pinch of extra seasoning. To ensure even cooking, make sure the oil is hot before adding the meatballs. For a lighter version, try using ground turkey instead of beef.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the meatballs with a side of Greek Rice for a complete meal or alongside a fresh salad. They also pair beautifully with Filled Eggplant for a delightful Mediterranean feast. Consider drizzling with a tangy yogurt sauce or serving with marinara for dipping to enhance their flavor.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, place the cooled meatballs in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Meat Balls, Tarpon Springs(Keftedes) contains roughly 853 calories, with 30g protein, 202g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (371% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1897mg per serving (82% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bake the meatballs instead of frying them?
Yes, you can bake the meatballs for a healthier option. Preheat your oven to 400°F and place the shaped meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment. Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until cooked through, turning halfway for even browning.
What can I use instead of canned tomatoes?
If you don’t have canned tomatoes, you can use fresh tomatoes. About 4-5 medium tomatoes, diced, will work well. Alternatively, crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce can be used, adjusting the amount of water or other liquids in the recipe to maintain the right consistency.
How do I know when the meatballs are cooked through?
The meatballs are cooked through when they reach an internal temperature of 160°F. You can also cut one open to check that it is no longer pink in the center. Browning them until golden will also indicate they are nearly done.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).