Keftedes Lemon Sauce: Amazing 1-Hour Greek Meatballs

Name: Keftedes Lemon Sauce: Amazing 1-Hour Greek Meatballs
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: Olive oil for frying; 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, plus extra for garnish; 2 teaspoons dried or fresh parsley, minced; 1 teaspoon fine sea salt, plus extra for the sauce; ½ teaspoon ground pepper, plus extra for the sauce; 4 tablespoons butter; 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 500 ml hot water or stock (vegetable, beef, or chicken); 8-10 tablespoons lemon juice

by Fatima Garcia

•

22 de January de 2026

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Keftedes lemon sauce has a special place in my heart, evoking memories of warm family gatherings and the incredible aroma filling my Yiayia’s kitchen. I can still picture her carefully forming those oval meatballs, the scent of oregano and cumin mingling in the air. This dish is more than just food; it’s a taste of home, a comforting embrace. I’ve found that this Greek meatballs lemon sauce recipe is surprisingly simple, making it a perfect weeknight meal that feels both special and incredibly satisfying. It’s truly an easy keftedes lemon sauce that everyone will adore. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Keftedes Lemon Sauce

The taste is absolutely divine – tender meatballs bathed in a rich, tangy, velvety lemon sauce.
It’s surprisingly quick to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights with its reasonable prep time.
It offers a healthier option, using lean meats and fresh ingredients for a balanced meal.
This dish is incredibly budget-friendly, making authentic Greek flavors accessible for any family.
It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, making it ideal for family dinners or entertaining guests.
The lemon sauce for Greek meatballs is so comforting and satisfying, you’ll want to make it again and again.
You’ll love the versatility of this lemon sauce for Greek meatballs; it pairs wonderfully with rice, potatoes, or a simple salad.
It’s an easy way to bring a taste of the Mediterranean right to your table.

Ingredients for Keftedes Lemon Sauce

Gathering these Keftedes sauce ingredients lemon is the first step to making this flavorful dish. You’ll need a good base for the meatballs, and then we’ll create that heavenly sauce. These ingredients come together to make a truly flavorful keftedes lemon sauce.

200 grams ground pork
400 grams lean ground beef
1 large egg – acts as a binder for the meatballs
100 grams crustless bread – soaked in wine for moisture
125 ml white wine – for soaking bread and adding depth
100 grams onion, minced
4 garlic cloves, minced
½ teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
2 teaspoons dried or fresh parsley, minced
1 teaspoon fine sea salt, plus extra for the sauce
½ teaspoon ground pepper, plus extra for the sauce
4 tablespoons butter
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour – to thicken the sauce
500 ml hot water or stock (vegetable, beef, or chicken)
8-10 tablespoons lemon juice – for that signature zesty kick
Olive oil for frying

How to Make Keftedes Lemon Sauce

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking sheet.
Step 2: Tear the crustless bread into smaller pieces and let it soak in the white wine for a couple of minutes until softened.
Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground pork, ground beef, egg, minced parsley, dried oregano, ground cumin, minced onion, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
Step 4: Add the wine-soaked bread to the meat mixture, crumbling it with your hands to integrate it fully. This helps create a tender texture for the keftedes.
Step 5: Knead the mixture thoroughly until all ingredients are uniformly incorporated, ensuring a cohesive base for your meatballs.
Step 6: Form approximately 15 oval-shaped meatballs, aiming for each to weigh about 65-70 grams. Arrange them on the prepared plate.
Step 7: Chill the formed meatballs in the refrigerator for about an hour. This step is crucial to help them firm up and maintain their shape during cooking, ensuring your Greek meatballs lemon sauce looks as good as it tastes.
Step 8: Heat a generous splash of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the meatballs on each side until nicely browned, allowing at least 4 minutes per side before turning them gently with two forks.
Step 9: Transfer the seared meatballs to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Step 10: In a sauté pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring continuously with a wooden spatula until the mixture turns a sandy color and smells wonderfully toasted.
Step 11: Gradually pour in the hot water or stock and the lemon juice, stirring well to prevent any lumps from forming. This creates the luscious lemon sauce for the keftedes.
Step 12: Return the seared meatballs to the simmering sauce. Cover the pan with a lid and let it simmer gently for about 20 minutes. Turn the meatballs once during cooking and scrape the bottom of the pan occasionally to prevent sticking. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary. This is where the magic happens for your Greek meatballs lemon sauce.
Step 13: Serve the finished Greek meatballs lemon sauce warm, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh dried oregano and plenty of freshly ground black pepper.

Pro Tips for the Best Keftedes Lemon Sauce

These little tricks will elevate your dish from good to absolutely unforgettable. Mastering the best keftedes lemon sauce is all about attention to detail.

For the meatballs, don’t overwork the mixture. Gently combine everything to keep them tender.
Chilling the meatballs before searing helps them hold their shape beautifully in the sauce.
When making the roux for the sauce, ensure your flour is lightly toasted; this removes the raw flour taste.
Taste and adjust the lemon juice and salt in the sauce at the end. It’s your chance to perfect that zesty keftedes lemon sauce.

What’s the secret to perfect Keftedes Lemon Sauce?

The secret to a truly perfect and authentic keftedes lemon sauce lies in the balance of flavors and the texture. Using a mix of beef and pork, soaking the bread in wine, and ensuring the lemon sauce is velvety smooth are key. For more insights into perfecting Greek cuisine, you might find resources on traditional Greek cooking techniques helpful.

Can I make Keftedes Lemon Sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you absolutely can! You can form the meatballs and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. The sauce can also be made ahead and stored separately. If you’re looking for other make-ahead meal ideas, check out these easy dinner recipes.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Keftedes Lemon Sauce?

Avoid overmixing the meatball mixture, as this can lead to tough meatballs. Also, be careful not to scorch the flour when making the roux for the sauce; cook it gently until it’s just golden. Understanding the science behind cooking can help prevent these issues; learning about how to make a proper roux is beneficial.

Best Ways to Serve Keftedes Lemon Sauce

This dish is incredibly versatile and delicious served in so many ways. The tender meatballs and velvety sauce are perfect for a comforting weeknight meal or an impressive dinner party. Here are a few of my favorite serving suggestions to make your Greek meatballs lemon sauce shine.

Serve the keftedes piping hot, spooning plenty of that luscious lemon sauce over them. They are fantastic alongside fluffy basmati rice or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up every last drop of the sauce.
For a lighter option, pair them with a crisp Greek salad or some roasted vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers.
These meatballs are also wonderful as a hearty appetizer or even as a Keftedes dipping sauce lemon option for pita bread or crusty baguette slices. Simply present them in a communal bowl with toothpicks.

Keftedes Lemon Sauce: Amazing 1-Hour Greek Meatballs - Keftedes Lemon Sauce - additional detail

Nutrition Facts for Keftedes Lemon Sauce

When you’re enjoying this delicious Keftedes Lemon Sauce, it’s helpful to know what you’re consuming. This dish is packed with flavor from the savory meatballs and the bright, tangy sauce. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional information per serving, which typically includes about four meatballs and some sauce.

Calories: 420
Fat: 26.3 g
Saturated Fat: N/A
Protein: 29.4 g
Carbohydrates: 18.5 g
Fiber: N/A
Sugar: N/A
Sodium: N/A

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

How to Store and Reheat Keftedes Lemon Sauce

Properly storing and reheating your delicious Keftedes Lemon Sauce ensures you can enjoy its amazing flavor later. Once the meatballs and sauce have cooled down completely, transfer them into airtight containers. For refrigeration, they’ll stay fresh in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. If you’re planning for longer storage, these meatballs and their sauce freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. This makes having an easy keftedes lemon sauce on hand incredibly convenient. For tips on freezing food effectively, consult guides on safe food storage.

When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheating is simple. For refrigerated portions, gently warm them in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, covered, for about 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway. If reheating from frozen, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator first before using the stovetop or microwave method. Avoid high heat, as it can dry out the meatballs and alter the sauce’s velvety texture.

Frequently Asked Questions About Keftedes Lemon Sauce

What is keftedes lemon sauce?

Keftedes lemon sauce is a traditional Greek dish featuring savory meatballs (keftedes) simmered in a rich, velvety, and tangy lemon-infused sauce. It’s a comforting and flavorful meal that showcases classic Mediterranean ingredients.

How do I make keftedes lemon sauce?

To make keftedes lemon sauce, you first prepare seasoned meatballs from ground beef and pork, then sear them. Separately, you create a roux with butter and flour, then whisk in hot liquid and lemon juice to form the sauce. Finally, you add the seared meatballs to the sauce and simmer until cooked through, resulting in a delicious Greek meatballs lemon sauce. For more detailed instructions on making sauces, you can refer to this guide on sauce making techniques.

Can I use different types of meat for keftedes?

While the classic combination is beef and pork, you can certainly experiment. Some people enjoy using just ground beef, lamb, or even a mix of beef and veal. Just be mindful that different meats might require slight adjustments in cooking time or seasoning to achieve the perfect flavorful keftedes lemon sauce.

What are the best sides to serve with keftedes lemon sauce?

This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or even roasted potatoes are excellent for soaking up the delicious lemon sauce. A simple Greek salad with cucumber, tomatoes, and feta cheese offers a refreshing contrast, making it a complete and satisfying meal. You can find inspiration for side dishes on our food category page.

Variations of Keftedes Lemon Sauce You Can Try

Once you’ve mastered the classic recipe, you might want to explore some exciting Keftedes sauce variations lemon. These twists can cater to different dietary needs or simply offer new flavor profiles. Trying out these variations can help you discover your favorite way to enjoy this beloved Greek dish.

Lighter Version: For a healthier take, you can swap half the ground beef and pork for ground chicken or turkey. You can also reduce the butter in the sauce and use low-sodium chicken broth instead of water for a lighter base.
Spicier Kick: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture. You could also add a touch of cayenne pepper or a finely minced jalapeño to the sauce itself to give it a subtle warmth.
Herbacious Delight: Experiment by adding fresh herbs like mint or dill to the meatball mix. For an extra layer of flavor in the sauce, consider adding a sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme as it simmers, removing it before serving.
Baked Keftedes: Instead of searing, you can bake the meatballs. Arrange them on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes until browned. Then, transfer them to the prepared lemon sauce to finish cooking.

About the Author

Fatima Garcia