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Romanian Meatballs (Chiftele) – Authentic & Flavorful Recipe
Chiftele, or Romanian Meatballs, are a delicious and traditional dish made with ground pork, grated potatoes, and fresh herbs. These meatballs are juicy, flavorful, and easy to prepare using different cooking methods – frying, baking, or air-frying. Perfect for serving with mashed potatoes, rice, or salads, and great for meal prepping! 🇷🇴🍽️
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb (500g) ground pork
- 2 medium potatoes, grated
- 1 large onion, finely chopped or grated
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 2 eggs
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions
Prepare the Potato Mixture:
- Heat 1 tbsp oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté onions and garlic until translucent.
- Stir in the grated potatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes until soft. Let cool.
Make the Meat Mixture:
- In a large bowl, mix the ground pork, eggs, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, dill, and parsley.
- Add the cooled potato mixture and mix everything well.
Shape the Meatballs:
- Form small, round meatballs or slightly flattened patties.
- Use a cookie scoop for uniform sizing.
Cook the Meatballs:
- Frying Method: Heat 2 tbsp oil in a skillet over medium heat, fry meatballs for 6-8 minutes until browned.
- Baking Method: Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C), place meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet, bake for 15-20 minutes.
- Air Frying Method: Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C), cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway.
Notes

Why You'll Love This Recipe 💖
✅ Super Easy to Make – No fancy ingredients required, just simple, wholesome components!✅ Authentic Romanian Flavor – A classic dish passed down through generations.
✅ Versatile Cooking Options – Fry them, bake them, or air-fry them!
✅ Make-Ahead Friendly – Perfect for meal prep and freezes beautifully.
🏆 Secret Tips for the BEST Chiftele
🔥 Use a grater for onions – This ensures the meatballs stay juicy!🥚 Adjust consistency – If too dry, add an extra egg; if too wet, add more breadcrumbs.
🌀 Don’t overmix – Mix gently to keep them tender!
🥩 Try different meats – A mix of pork, beef, or lamb enhances flavor.
🍽️ How to Serve Romanian Meatballs
Chiftele can be served in many delicious ways:- With Mashed Potatoes 🥔 – The ultimate comfort meal!
- With Rice 🍚 – Simple and satisfying.
- With a Side Salad 🥗 – A lighter, healthier option.
- In a Sandwich 🥖 – Stuff them in a crusty bun with a garlic sauce!
❄️ How to Store & Freeze Romanian Meatballs
Refrigeration:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezing:
1️⃣ Place meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet.2️⃣ Freeze for 1 hour, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. 3️⃣ Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheating:
- Microwave: 1-2 minutes on high.
- Oven: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
- Air Fryer: Reheat at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes.
❓ FAQ
Q: Can I use ground chicken or turkey?A: Absolutely! But keep in mind that lean meats might result in drier meatballs. Consider adding a little olive oil or grated zucchini for extra moisture. Q: Can I make these gluten-free?
A: Yes! Swap breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour. Q: What other veggies can I add?
A: You can replace potatoes with grated zucchini or carrots for a slightly different texture and taste.