The Best Greek Meatballs and Orzo Skillet Recipe for Family Dinners

Juicy Greek meatballs transport our taste buds to Mediterranean landscapes with their aromatic blend of herbs and spices.

Mediterranean cuisine shines through this vibrant, comforting dish that marries robust ground meat with delicate pasta.

Fragrant herbs like oregano and mint infuse each tender morsel with incredible depth and complexity.

Zesty garlic and bright lemon zest provide a tangy counterpoint to the rich, savory protein.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly this one-pan meal comes together, crafting simple ingredients into something truly spectacular.

Creamy orzo serves as the perfect canvas, absorbing all the delicious pan juices and elevating the entire meal.

Combined with traditional Greek seasonings, this skillet creates a symphony of flavors that will make your dinner extraordinary.

What Makes This Orzo Skillet Pure Comfort

• Burst of Mediterranean Flavors: Dive into a vibrant dish that captures the essence of Greek cuisine with its bold combination of herbs, olives, and tangy feta cheese.
• Quick and Easy One-Pan Wonder: Enjoy a hassle-free meal that comes together in under 30 minutes, minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavor with a single skillet.
• Texture-Rich Comfort Food: Experience the perfect balance of juicy, well-seasoned meatballs nestled on a bed of creamy, tender orzo with a delightful crunch from kalamata olives.
• Versatile Weeknight Meal Solution: Impress your family or guests with a restaurant-quality dinner that's simple enough for busy weeknights yet sophisticated enough for special occasions.

Your Ingredients for a Greek-Inspired Feast

• Ground Beef, Ground Lamb: Robust base for meatballs with rich flavor and tender texture.
• Egg: Binding agent that helps hold meatballs together.

• Garlic, Onion: Foundational flavor enhancers with deep, savory notes.
• Fresh Parsley, Fresh Mint: Bright herbs that add freshness and traditional Greek character.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings for balanced taste.
• Olive Oil: Cooking fat for browning meatballs and toasting orzo with rich Mediterranean essence.
• Chicken Broth: Liquid for cooking orzo and adding additional depth.
• Orzo Pasta: Quick-cooking grain that serves as a hearty base for the dish.
• Roasted Red Peppers: Sweet, smoky element adding color and complexity.
• Lemon Juice: Bright acid to balance and lift overall flavors.
• Kalamata Olives: Briny, salty component with authentic Greek profile.
• Feta Cheese: Tangy, crumbly topping that provides creamy contrast.

How to Simmer Meatballs with Cozy Vibes

Step 1: Prepare Meatball Mixture

Mix ground meat, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Gently combine ingredients with your hands. Avoid overmixing to keep meatballs tender.

Step 2: Shape Meatballs

Lightly oil your hands to prevent sticking. Roll the meat mixture into uniform balls, about 1-inch in diameter. Place shaped meatballs on a clean plate.

Step 3: Brown Meatballs

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place meatballs in the hot skillet. Cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even browning on all sides. Remove meatballs and set aside, covering to keep warm.

Step 4: Toast Orzo

In the same skillet, add additional olive oil and minced garlic. Add orzo and stir continuously for 2-3 minutes until lightly golden and fragrant.

Step 5: Cook Orzo Mixture

• Chicken broth
• Roasted red peppers
• Lemon juice

Simmer and stir until orzo becomes tender and liquid is mostly absorbed, about 10-12 minutes.

Step 6: Add Final Touches

• Kalamata olives
• Fresh herbs

Top the orzo with browned meatballs. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and additional fresh herbs over the dish. Serve hot directly from the skillet.

Tips for Saucy, Tender, Flavor-Packed Bites

• Perfect Meatball Technique: Wet your hands with olive oil before shaping to prevent sticky mixture from clinging to your fingers.
• Browned Flavor Boost: Ensure skillet is hot before adding meatballs to create a golden-brown crust that seals in juicy flavors.
• Orzo Cooking Secret: Stir frequently while toasting to prevent burning and achieve an even, nutty golden color.
• Liquid Balance: Add chicken broth gradually and watch orzo's absorption rate to maintain ideal creamy-but-not-mushy texture.
• Herb Freshness Hack: Sprinkle fresh herbs just before serving to preserve their vibrant color and maximize aromatic intensity.

Store and Reheat Without Drying the Pasta

• Refrigerate: Store leftover meatballs and orzo in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, these delicious Greek bites will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Microwave: Reheat individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming. Add a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying out and maintain the skillet's original moisture.
• Stovetop: Gently warm the meatballs and orzo in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally. This method helps preserve the texture and prevents overcooking, keeping your meal tasting just as delicious as when first prepared.

Pairings That Fit the Greek Flavor Mood

• Pair with Crisp Greek White Wine: Enhance the meal's Mediterranean flavors by serving a chilled Assyrtiko or Moschofilero, whose bright acidity cuts through the richness of the meatballs and complements the tangy feta.
• Match with Refreshing Greek Salad: Create a balanced plate by adding a classic horiatiki salad with ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and extra feta, which adds freshness and texture to the hearty skillet.
• Serve with Warm Pita Bread: Provide a perfect accompaniment for soaking up the flavorful orzo sauce, allowing diners to enjoy every last drop of the delicious Mediterranean-inspired dish.
• Finish with Tzatziki Sauce: Offer a cool, creamy yogurt-based dip on the side, which provides a tangy contrast to the savory meatballs and adds an extra layer of traditional Greek flavor.

Skillet Variations That Keep Things Fresh

• Mediterranean Lamb Fusion: Swap ground beef for ground lamb, add mint leaves, and include diced cucumber for a fresh, herbaceous profile that transports you to Greek islands.
• Spicy Aegean Kick: Incorporate red pepper flakes into meatball mixture, use harissa-infused broth, and garnish with pickled pepperoncini for a fiery Mediterranean experience.
• Vegetarian Greek Comfort: Replace meatballs with roasted chickpea balls seasoned with similar Greek spices, maintain orzo base, and add extra vegetables like zucchini and spinach for protein-rich alternative.
• Quick Skillet Wrap Version: Serve entire mixture inside warm pita bread, drizzle with tzatziki sauce, and roll for a portable, handheld meal perfect for busy weeknights.

Greek Meatballs And Orzo Skillet Recipe

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• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling Greek meatballs nestled in a hearty orzo skillet bring Mediterranean magic to dinner tables. Garlic, herbs, and tangy feta create a simple yet irresistible meal that will transport diners straight to Greece’s sunny coastline.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Protein:

• 1 pound ground turkey or chicken
• 1 egg
• 2 ounces (56 grams) feta cheese, crumbled
• Extra feta cheese for garnish

Herbs, Spices, and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon ground coriander
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ cup chopped fresh leaf parsley
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh flat leaf parsley
• Zest of a lemon
• 3 tablespoons grated onion
• 2 cloves garlic, grated or minced
• Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste

Grains, Liquids, and Additional Ingredients:

• ⅓ cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 cup uncooked orzo
• 2 ½ cups low sodium chicken broth
• 3 ½ tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• ½ cup diced roasted red peppers
• ¼ cup chopped kalamata olives

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly blend ground meat with minced garlic, breadcrumbs, eggs, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper using gentle hand-mixing techniques, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
2. Roll mixture into uniform spherical meatballs approximately 1.5 inches (3.8 centimeters) in diameter, lightly coating hands with olive oil to prevent sticking.
3. Heat large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat, drizzle with olive oil, and carefully place meatballs to achieve golden-brown exterior.
4. Rotate meatballs every 2-3 minutes to ensure consistent browning, cooking for approximately 8-10 minutes until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
5. Transfer meatballs to clean plate, covering loosely with aluminum foil to retain warmth.
6. In same skillet, add additional olive oil and introduce dry orzo, stirring continuously to toast grains and release nutty aroma.
7. Incorporate minced garlic, cooking until fragrant, then pour chicken broth, roasted red peppers, and freshly squeezed lemon juice.
8. Reduce heat, simmer orzo for 8-9 minutes, stirring occasionally until liquid absorbs and pasta becomes tender.
9. Fold in chopped kalamata olives, fresh oregano, and chopped parsley, creating harmonious Mediterranean flavors.
10. Nestle browned meatballs atop orzo mixture, generously sprinkle crumbled feta cheese, and garnish with additional fresh herbs.

Notes

• Gentle mixing prevents tough meatballs, ensuring a tender and juicy texture.
• Oiling hands while shaping prevents sticking and helps create uniform-sized meatballs.
• Browning meatballs in the same skillet builds deep flavor layers through caramelization.
• Toasting orzo enhances its nutty taste and helps it absorb more liquid during cooking.
• Kalamata olives and feta add authentic Greek tang and saltiness to the dish.
• Fresh herbs brighten the entire skillet, creating a vibrant and aromatic final presentation.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 385 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 520 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 125 mg