These Greek Meatballs and Gravy are moist and juicy and totally flavor-packed! Easy enough for weeknight dinner, yet fancy enough for weekend guests!
I made these Greek Meatballs with Gravy when our son Sean was home earlier this summer. I guess I started making them a few years back after Sean was already out on his own because he said he had never tried them.
When I began describing the meatballs and the sauce, he said, I don’t think I’m going to like those.
Total Tom (Mr. Picky) comment.
Not the usual Sean thing to say. He’s my more adventurous one when it comes to trying new things.
Now Casey wouldn’t discrimminate even though he’s a clone of Tom when it comes to eating. But when it comes to meatballs, Casey’s all over it.
So when I told Sean the meatballs were flavored with feta, oregano, mint, garlic and a bit of red pepper flakes, he was like…
Feta? I don’t think I like feta.
Mint? In meatballs?
Cinnamon in the sauce? I don’t think so.
SMH.
Let’s just say, five meatballs in one sitting later, as usual, Mom was right. (Did you have any doubt guys?)
Hope you’re just as adventurous as Sean and give these total flavorballs and gravy a try! Enjoy!
If you’re a fan of Greek flavors, try my Greek Couscous Salad, my Greek Omelet Egg Bake or my Falafel Platter with Tzatziki Sauce.
A Few Cook’s Notes for Greek Meatballs and Gravy Recipe:
I used 1/2 lb. ground beef and 1/2 lb. ground pork for my meatballs. You can also use just plain ground beef.
I added a 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes which I thought gave these meatballs enough spice.
These meatballs and gravy are perfect served with warm flatbread and a side salad or with a side of rice.
Greek Meatballs and Gravy
Print Recipe Pin RecipeIngredients
Greek Meatballs
- 3 Tbsp. olive oil, for frying
- 1/2 lb. ground beef
- 1/2 lb. ground pork
- 1/2 cup plain panko crumbs
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 Tbsp. fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
- 1 Tbsp. dried oregano
- 1 Tbsp. dried mint
- 1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
Gravy
- 3 Tbsp. olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 Tbsp. tomato paste
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 Tbsp. dried oregano
- 1/8 tsp. ground cinnamon
- 1 28-oz. can crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 Tbsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice
- salt and pepper, to taste
- fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
Greek Meatballs
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, panko, feta, parsley, oregano, mint, red pepper flakes, garlic, milk, eggs, salt and pepper. Mix well. Divide mixture into 20 balls.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Cook meatballs in batches until evely browned, about 7-8 minutes. Transfer meatballs to plate lined with a paper towel. Discard remaining oil.
Gravy
- Heat 3 Tbsp. olive oil in same large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook, stirring constantly, for one minute. Stir in the tomato paste and bay leaves and cook for 2 minutes. Add oregano, cinnamon, crushed tomatoes and broth. Cook, stirring often until the mixture thickens, about 20 minutes. Add lemon juice and salt and pepper to taste. Add the meatballs to the sauce and continue to cook for 5 minutes. Garnish with parsley.
Gravy recipe is adapted from Saveur Magazine
Alexandra @ It's Not Complicated Recipes
MaryAnn, this looks and sounds SO good! I love meatballs, and I love Greek flavours :) Delicious. I am going to make this for my family soon, and I know they will adore it. xx
Mary Ann
Sean absolutely LOVED them Alex! Hope you give them a try!
Lisa
This recipes looks and sounds wonderful. I am going to give it a try.
Mary Ann
It’s such a flavorful dish! Hope you guys enjoy it!
Kelsie | the itsy-bitsy kitchen
These sound delicious! I love Greek flavors!
Mary Ann
Me too Kelsie! And now, so does Sean! Lol!
Matt - Total Feasts
What a cool combination of flavour, mint and feta I love so these are going on my ‘to make’ list. They sound so flavourful!
Mary Ann
You’re going to love them Matt! My son couldn’t get enough. I love when Mom is right! (Like most of the time! Lol!)
Leanne @ Crumb Top Baking
My husband loves meatballs and I make a batch every few weeks to freeze for various recipes. I’m always looking to change things up a bit with different herbs and spices, and the mint and cinnamon would definitely be a change. It all sounds lovely together. And we’re huge fans of feta, so bring it on!
Mary Ann
This will be such a delicious change up Leanne! The flavors are soooo different and delicious!
annie@ciaochowbambina
MMMMM- I love this twist on a traditional meatball! Whenever anyone asks my favorite foods – meatball is always on the list….this will definitely be making an appearance at our house!! Love it! Happy Monday!
Mary Ann
Hope you enjoy them Annie!
Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers
I have never met a meatball I didn’t love, so I’m definitely loving this Greek spin! That gravy looks so delicious :)
Mary Ann
I know, right?!! What’s not to love about meatballs??
Tobie
Cinnamon in the sauce is very Greek.
And delicious.
I can smell them????
Mary Ann
They’re so good Tobie! I’ve even converted Sean over!
Haylie / Our Balanced Bowl
Loved reading the backstory of these meatballs…let’s be honest, Mom is always right! LOL! I’m loving the flavor combination in these….so unique and I bet so bright and delicious! Definitely a must have for this Summer. Great recipe as always!
Mary Ann
Mom is always right Haylie! I think my boys are finally starting to believe that!
Marissa
We love meatballs in this house! And it is amazing how surprising ingredients like mint and cinnamon can add that extra “something”. I love that your son was game to try them and that “5 meatballs later”…lol! Yes, Mom is always right! :)
Mary Ann
He knows I’m always right Marissa! He just sometimes has a hard time admitting it! Lol!
Laura
Mary Ann! These look amazing! I cannot resist anything with this blend of spices, or with feta! Pinning so I can make ASAP! Thanks – a beautiful recipe that my fam will have the same skepticism as Tom, and also will love just as much!
Mary Ann
I love the flavors of Greek food so much Laura! I bet your family will love these as much as wed do!
Katherine | Love In My Oven
I am truly salivating! I love my Greek flavours and I LOVE my meatballs! I think I need to make a double batch of these and freeze half for an easy dinner win!
Mary Ann
They’re so easy and so full of flavor. Hope you enjoy them Katherine!
Alida | Simply Delicious
Such a wonderful dinner recipe. Is there anything better than meatballs?
Mary Ann
Nothing acccording to my son Casey! He LOVES meatballs! And I think Sean is finally on board too.
2pots2cook
No doubts dear Mary Ann ! No doubts. Exactly the same will happen in my house :-)
Mary Ann
Woohoo!! So hope you enjoy them!
Kathy @ Beyond the Chicken Coop
Mom is always right! I just don’t know if they will ever really figure that out! Sometimes it’s best not to tell them anything and just serve them and see what they do. When they devour it, you know it’s a hit! These meatballs really do look amazing and so does that sauce!
Mary Ann
Mom is always right Kathy! I was so happy Sean enjoyed these!
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
I wanna dive right in!! Talk about delicious! And love the flavours, especially the feta in there :) Pinned!! Hope you’re having a fab week, my friend!
Mary Ann
Thanks Dawn! Hope you are too!
Kevin
Meatballs are a favorite and these just might move to the top of that favorite list! These look amazing, can’t wait to try!
Mary Ann
Yay! Hope you enjoy them Kev!
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary
Let me just say I had absolutely ZERO doubts about these meatballs, Mare!!! The seasonings, herbs and ingredients in both the sauce and meatballs sounds so delicious I am drooling all over my keyboard!!!! Trust and believe I’ll be eating more than 5 of these in one sitting… just hand me the entire pan!!! I’m a hog like that. ;) Pinned!
Mary Ann
Lol! Thanks Chey!
Gerlinde
What a great recipe with such wonderful flavors . I love the mint , cinnamon and feta cheese. Pinned!
Mary Ann
You must try these Gerlinde! We just LOVE them. Different flavors!
Alice Thompson
Best Meatballs and sauce I have ever tasted. Followed recipe exactly and they were perfect. Sorry forgot to take a photo before they were demolished by my family! Just one question, can the cooked meatballs and sauce be frozen? (sometimes only two of us and hate halving recipes!!)
Mary Ann
Hi Alice! I’m so happy you enjoyed these. This happens to be our oldest son’s favorite dish here at the BHK! And yes, you can freeze any sauce and meatballs to enjoy at a later time. Thanks so much for taking the time to comment and for following along here at the BHK>
Alice Thompson
sorry forgot to leave rating!
Mary Ann
No worries! Thanks!