Zesty Greek Meatballs & Orzo Skillet Recipe: A Flavorful Family Hit

Weeknight dinners demand quick, delicious solutions that pack a flavor punch, and these savory Greek meatballs and orzo skillet deliver exactly what you need.

Tender, herb-infused meatballs nestle perfectly among golden orzo, creating a Mediterranean-inspired feast in one pan.

Garlic, oregano, and a hint of lemon zest dance through each bite, promising an authentic taste of Greece.

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and speed, with minimal cleanup and maximum satisfaction.

Fresh parsley and crumbled feta cheese add brightness and richness to the final presentation.

Robust and comforting, this skillet meal turns an ordinary evening into a culinary adventure that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 420 kcal

Servings: 5

What You’ll Need to Make Greek Meatballs and Orzo Skillet

• Ground Beef: Provides rich, hearty foundation for tender meatballs with robust flavor.
• Breadcrumbs: Helps bind ingredients and creates perfect light, airy texture.
• Egg: Acts as natural binder to hold meatball structure together smoothly.

• Garlic, Onion: Infuse deep, savory undertones that elevate overall taste profile.
• Dried Oregano, Fresh Parsley: Deliver classic Greek Mediterranean herbal freshness and brightness.

• Olive Oil: Essential for sautéing and adding smooth, rich Mediterranean character.
• Chicken Broth: Creates moisture and intensifies depth of flavor in orzo.
• Lemon Juice: Provides zesty, tangy notes that cut through richness.

• Feta Cheese: Adds creamy, salty crunch with authentic Greek essence.
• Kalamata Olives: Introduces briny, intense Mediterranean flavor complexity.
• Roasted Red Peppers: Contributes sweet, smoky undertones and vibrant color.

Equipment Checklist for Greek Meatballs and Orzo Skillet Success

• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining and mixing meatball ingredients.
• Skillet: Heavy-bottomed pan for browning meatballs and cooking orzo.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients.
• Sharp knife: Useful for chopping herbs and garlic.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities.
• Cutting board: Clean surface for preparing ingredients.

How to Cook the Perfect Greek Meatballs and Orzo Skillet

• Meatball Fusion

Blend ground meat with aromatic spices, carefully mixing ingredients until just combined. Craft uniform spheres using lightly oiled palms, ensuring each ball is compact and smooth.

• Sizzling Skillet Magic

Heat olive oil in a large pan, creating a golden landscape for the meatballs. Brown them carefully, developing a rich caramelized exterior while maintaining a juicy interior. Set aside and keep warm.

• Orzo Transformation

In the same skillet, toast delicate orzo pasta with fragrant garlic, releasing nutty undertones. Pour in rich chicken broth, vibrant roasted peppers, and a splash of bright lemon juice. Simmer gently until orzo reaches perfect tenderness.

• Mediterranean Symphony

Introduce briny kalamata olives and fresh herb medley to the orzo, creating layers of flavor. Nestle the golden meatballs atop the creamy pasta, then crown with crumbled feta cheese and a sprinkle of additional herbs for a burst of freshness.

Pro Tips & Flavor Ideas for Greek Meatballs and Orzo Skillet

• Prepare meatballs and orzo mixture in advance, storing them separately in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before serving to maintain optimal texture and taste.
• Replace ground meat with plant-based alternatives like lentils, quinoa, or beyond meat crumbles to create a delicious vegetarian version of this Mediterranean-style skillet.
• Add crumbled chickpeas or swap feta for additional protein sources like grilled chicken or shredded rotisserie meat to create a more substantial meal with extra nutritional value.
• Use different grains like quinoa or rice instead of orzo, ensuring you adjust liquid quantities and cooking times to match the specific grain's requirements for perfect texture.

Serving Greek Meatballs and Orzo Skillet with Style

• Pair with Zesty Salad: Toss a crisp Greek salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, and a light vinaigrette to complement the rich meatballs.
• Create Mediterranean Feast: Serve alongside warm pita bread, tzatziki sauce, and a small portion of hummus for a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal.
• Enhance with Wine Pairing: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Agiorgitiko or a crisp white Assyrtiko to elevate the flavors of the Greek meatballs and orzo.
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle extra chopped parsley, dill, or mint over the dish for a burst of fresh flavor and vibrant green color.

Storing and Reheating Greek Meatballs and Orzo Skillet the Right Way

• Refrigerate Smartly: Store leftover meatballs and orzo in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, keeping the dish fresh and delicious.
• Freeze for Future Meals: Separate meatballs and orzo before freezing. Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers, lasting up to 2 months for quick weeknight dinners.
• Reheat with Care: Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture and prevent drying out. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly.
• Prep Ahead Strategy: Assemble meatballs and chop herbs the night before. Store separately in the refrigerator to save time during busy weeknight cooking.

Rustic Greek Meatballs And Orzo Skillet Recipe

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4.8 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Succulent Greek meatballs nestled in a hearty orzo skillet bring Mediterranean flavors to life. Herbs, feta, and zesty tomato sauce combine for a satisfying meal that transports diners straight to Greece.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb (1 pound) ground turkey or chicken
• 1 egg
• 2 oz (56 grams) feta cheese, crumbled
• Extra feta cheese for garnish
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp ground coriander
• ½ tsp ground cumin
• ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ cup fresh leaf parsley, chopped
• 2 tbsps fresh dill, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh flat leaf parsley, chopped
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 3 tbsps grated onion
• 2 cloves garlic, grated or minced
• Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste
• ⅓ cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 cup uncooked orzo
• 2 ½ cups low sodium chicken broth
• 3 ½ tbsps olive oil
• 2 tbsps fresh lemon juice
• ½ cup roasted red peppers, diced
• ¼ cup kalamata olives, chopped

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Instructions

1. Meat Preparation: Gently combine ground meat with garlic, breadcrumbs, eggs, parsley, salt, and pepper, ensuring thorough and even mixing without overworking the mixture.
2. Meatball Formation: Roll meat mixture into uniform spheres about 1.5 inches in diameter, lightly lubricating hands with olive oil to prevent adherence.
3. Searing Meatballs: Preheat cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat, drizzle with olive oil, and strategically place meatballs to develop a rich, golden-brown crust, rotating every 2-3 minutes until fully cooked and internal temperature reaches 160°F.
4. Orzo Foundation: In the same skillet, toast orzo grains with additional olive oil, introducing minced garlic to enhance aromatic complexity, then deglaze with chicken broth, roasted red peppers, and lemon juice.
5. Flavor Infusion: Reduce heat and simmer orzo for 8-9 minutes, stirring intermittently until liquid is absorbed and pasta reaches al dente texture, then incorporate kalamata olives, oregano, and parsley to amplify Mediterranean character.
6. Final Assembly: Nestle browned meatballs atop the orzo mixture, crown with crumbled feta cheese, and garnish with fresh herbs, creating a visually appealing and flavor-rich presentation.

Notes

• Meat Mixing Mastery: Gently blend ingredients to avoid tough, dense meatballs and ensure even seasoning distribution.
• Meatball Sizing Precision: Maintain consistent 1.5-inch diameter for uniform cooking and attractive presentation.
• Golden Brown Secret: Use medium-high heat and rotate meatballs every 2-3 minutes to achieve perfect exterior caramelization.
• Orzo Toasting Technique: Stir dry orzo continuously to develop rich, nutty flavor before adding liquid ingredients.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 460 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg