Greek Meatballs and Orzo Skillet

For a delicious and easy weeknight dinner, this Greek Meatballs and Orzo Skillet is the perfect solution. Combining savory meatballs with flavorful orzo, this dish is packed with Mediterranean flavors and can be made in just 40 minutes. Here’s how to prepare it:

Ingredients:

For the Meatballs:

• 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound ground turkey or chicken
• 1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh leaf parsley
• 3 tablespoons grated onion
• 1 clove garlic, grated or minced
• Zest of a lemon
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 ounces feta cheese, crumbled

For the Orzo:

• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, grated or minced
• 1 cup uncooked orzo
• 2 1/2 cups Pacific Foods Organic Low Sodium Chicken Broth
• Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup diced roasted red peppers
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 cup chopped kalamata olives
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh flat leaf parsley
• Extra feta cheese for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Meatballs:
   • In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey or chicken, panko breadcrumbs, parsley, grated onion, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, egg, dried oregano, ground coriander, ground cumin, ground cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Gently mix with your hands until well combined. Shape the mixture into meatballs using oiled hands.
2. Cook the Meatballs:
   • Heat 1 1/2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning to brown all sides. Once cooked, remove the meatballs from the skillet and cover to keep warm.
3. Prepare the Orzo:
   • In the same skillet, add 2 teaspoons of olive oil and the grated garlic. Toast the garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the uncooked orzo and stir to coat in the oil. Pour in the chicken broth, roasted red peppers, and lemon juice. Bring to a simmer and cook until the orzo is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed, about 10-12 minutes.
4. Combine and Serve:
   • Stir in the kalamata olives, fresh dill, and parsley into the orzo. Nestle the cooked meatballs on top of the orzo in the skillet. Garnish with extra crumbled feta cheese and additional fresh herbs if desired.

Additional Details:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 4-6

This Greek Meatballs and Orzo Skillet is a delightful and satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. The combination of tender meatballs, flavorful orzo, and fresh herbs makes for a comforting dish that everyone will love. Serve it with a side of Greek salad or some warm pita bread for a complete Mediterranean-inspired dinner. Enjoy!