If you're on the lookout for a quick, flavor-packed meatball dinner idea that brings something a little different to the table, these Greek-style pork meatballs with oregano and feta are your answer. Juicy ground pork meatballs seasoned with earthy oregano, garlic, and onion, with briny bits of feta tucked inside, offer a savory, tangy, and herby bite that's deeply satisfying. These are not your typical Italian meatballs drowned in marinara — instead, they’re light, aromatic, and perfect for serving with lemony yogurt sauce, warm pita, or even on top of a vibrant Greek salad. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just want something different in your weekly rotation of ground pork recipes for dinner, this pork meatballs recipe is a winner.
Greek-Style Pork Meatballs with Oregano and Feta
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 35 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Greek
Mixing bowl For combining all the meatball ingredients.
Sheet pan or baking tray These meatballs bake beautifully in the oven, so a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil is ideal.
Oven A simple 400°F oven does the job for a baked meatball recipe that’s both crisp on the outside and tender inside.
Optional: Cast iron skillet If you want a quick sear before baking or prefer to pan-fry.
Tongs or spatula For flipping if you pan-sear.
Grater or zester For that hit of bright lemon zest.
For the meatballs
- 1 lb ground pork not too lean — 80/20 is perfect for juiciness
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese preferably Greek sheep’s milk feta
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano or 2 tbsp fresh
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs plain or panko
- 1 large egg beaten
- Zest of 1 lemon
Optional for serving
- Lemon wedges
- Greek yogurt or tzatziki
- Warm pita bread
- Chopped cucumbers cherry tomatoes, and olives
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Chop the red onion and parsley, mince the garlic, and crumble your feta cheese. Zest your lemon. Having everything ready makes the mixing step quicker and easier.
Step 2: Mix the Meatball Mixture
In a large bowl, combine ground pork, crumbled feta, chopped onion, garlic, parsley, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add the breadcrumbs, beaten egg, and lemon zest. Using your hands or a wooden spoon, gently mix everything until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; that can make the meatballs tough.
Step 3: Form the Meatballs
With lightly oiled hands, shape the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter. You should get about 16–18 meatballs.
Step 4: Bake the Meatballs
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between each. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until golden brown on the outside and fully cooked (internal temperature of 160°F).
Step 5: Serve
Serve your Greek pork meatballs hot, drizzled with lemon juice and accompanied by a side of Greek yogurt or tzatziki. They’re fantastic with warm pita, over a rice pilaf, or tucked into lettuce cups for a low-carb option.
Perfect Pairings
These meatballs are quite versatile and pair beautifully with both classic Mediterranean sides and fresh modern additions:
- Grains: Lemon herb rice, couscous, or bulgur wheat make excellent bases.
- Vegetables: A Greek salad of cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, and olives adds freshness and crunch.
- Sauces: Tzatziki is traditional, but a lemon-garlic aioli or even hummus would work well.
- Bread: Warm pita or grilled flatbread lets you turn these into handheld wraps — a great meatball dinner idea for sharing.
For drinks, consider a chilled white wine like Assyrtiko or even a light red like Pinot Noir. A sparkling water with lemon and mint is refreshing if you’re going non-alcoholic.
FAQs
1. Can I use a mix of beef and pork?
Absolutely! Beef and pork meatballs are a classic combo and can work beautifully in this recipe. The beef adds a richer flavor, while pork keeps things tender and juicy.
2. Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Yes — these are great for meal prep. You can mix and shape the meatballs up to a day ahead, then bake when ready. Cooked meatballs can also be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
3. Is this a good recipe for ground pork meatballs beginners?
Definitely. This is one of those ground pork recipes easy enough for weeknight cooking but impressive enough for guests. It’s a great way to get started with meatball recipes easy to prep but full of flavor.
4. Can I make these into smaller appetizer-sized meatballs?
Yes! Just roll them smaller and reduce the baking time to about 12–14 minutes. They’re perfect for parties served with toothpicks and a little bowl of dipping sauce.
5. Can I substitute the feta cheese?
If you’re not a fan of feta or want a milder option, try crumbled goat cheese or even a bit of grated parmesan. However, feta is really what gives these meatballs their Greek identity.
6. What kind of pork should I use?
Use regular ground pork with some fat — at least 15–20% — for the juiciest results. Super lean pork can dry out, especially when baked.
7. Can I cook these in a skillet instead of baking?
Yes, these work great as pan-fried meatballs. Heat a couple of tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet and cook over medium heat for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally until browned on all sides and cooked through. This method gives you a crispier crust if you prefer that texture.
More Meatball Ideas
If this recipe leaves you hungry for more meatball inspiration, here are a few styles and themes you can explore next:
- Asian pork meatballs with ginger, soy, and scallions
- Quick meatballs with spicy harissa and couscous
- Easy meatball trays with tomato and mozzarella for a Greek-Italian mashup
- Ground pork meatballs in lettuce wraps with Thai peanut sauce
- Baked meatball recipe variations with different herbs and fillings
