Meatballs In Lemon Sauce (Greek Keftedes)

Looking for a delicious and flavorful dish that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion? Look no further than these Meatballs In Lemon Sauce, also known as Greek Keftedes. With a blend of ground pork and beef, seasoned with aromatic herbs and spices, and topped with a tangy lemon sauce, this dish is sure to impress your taste buds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Great flavors: The combination of ground pork and beef, along with herbs and spices, creates a rich and savory flavor profile.
- Quick prep time: With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can have these meatballs ready in no time.
- Perfect for meal prep: These meatballs are great for meal prepping as they can be easily stored and reheated without losing their delicious taste.
Ingredient Notes:
For The Meatballs:
- Olive oil
- Ground pork
- Lean ground beef
- Egg
- Crustless bread
- White wine
- Onion
- Garlic cloves
- Ground cumin
- Dried oregano
- Dried parsley
- Fine sea salt
- Ground pepper
For The Sauce:
- Butter
- All-purpose flour
- Hot water or stock (vegetable, beef, or chicken)
- Lemon juice
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- In a bowl, combine ground pork, ground beef, egg, bread, white wine, onion, garlic, cumin, oregano, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs and brown them in a skillet.
- In a separate pan, melt butter, add flour, then gradually stir in hot water or stock and lemon juice to make the sauce.
- Pour the sauce over the meatballs and simmer until cooked through.
Helpful Tips:
- For added flavor, sprinkle extra dried oregano and parsley on top before serving.
- You can use chicken or turkey as a substitute for pork and beef in the meatballs.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Use a combination of ground pork and beef for a more balanced flavor.
- Make sure to brown the meatballs before adding the sauce for a richer taste.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve these Meatballs In Lemon Sauce with a side of rice, roasted vegetables, or a Greek salad. Pair with a glass of white wine or a refreshing lemonade for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Tips:
To store, place the meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. Add a little extra lemon juice for a fresh flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I freeze these meatballs?
- Yes, you can freeze the cooked meatballs for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
- Yes, you can use fresh parsley and oregano in place of dried for a more vibrant flavor.
- Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
- Yes, you can make the sauce ahead and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- Can I use a different type of meat for the meatballs?
- Feel free to use ground chicken, turkey, or lamb for a different twist on this recipe.
Conclusion:
These Meatballs In Lemon Sauce are a delightful and savory dish that is sure to become a family favorite. With a blend of flavors and a tangy sauce, this recipe is perfect for any occasion. Try it out and let us know how it turns out!
PrintMeatballs In Lemon Sauce (Greek Keftedes)
Delight in these Greek-style meatballs, known as Keftedes, smothered in a tangy lemon sauce. The combination of tender meatballs and zesty sauce creates a burst of Mediterranean flavors that will satisfy any craving.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients
For The Meatballs:
- olive oil
- 200 grams ground pork
- 400 grams lean ground beef
- 1 large egg
- 100 grams crustless bread
- 125 ml white wine
- 100 grams onion, minced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano + extra to serve
- 2 teaspoon dried parsley or fresh minced
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt + extra for the sauce
- ½ teaspoon ground pepper + extra for the sauce
For The Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups hot water or stock (vegetable, beef, or chicken)
- 8–10 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatballs: Combine all meatball ingredients in a bowl. Form small meatballs and set aside.
- Cook the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a pan and brown the meatballs on all sides. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Make the Lemon Sauce: In the same pan, melt butter, add flour, then gradually whisk in hot water or stock. Stir in lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Combine Meatballs and Sauce: Return meatballs to the pan, simmer in the sauce until cooked through.
- Serve: Sprinkle with oregano and parsley before serving.
Notes
- You can serve these meatballs over rice or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious lemon sauce.
- Feel free to customize the seasoning of the meatballs to suit your taste preferences.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
Keywords: Greek recipe, meatballs, lemon sauce, Mediterranean flavors