If you’re craving a Mediterranean-inspired dinner bursting with color and flavor, look no further than this Greek Meatballs and Orzo Skillet: A Flavor-Packed One-Pan Meal! Juicy, herby meatballs nestle into a bed of tender orzo and mingle with briny olives, sweet cherry tomatoes, and a shower of tangy feta. The whole skillet is finished with fresh herbs and a bright kiss of lemon, making every bite lively and comforting. The best part? It all comes together in about 40 minutes, uses just one pan, and even picky eaters can’t resist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every component of this Greek Meatballs and Orzo Skillet: A Flavor-Packed One-Pan Meal plays a special role to ensure layers of flavor and an inviting presentation. Even the simple ingredients sing when combined—the key is fresh herbs, bold aromatics, and a handful of Mediterranean favorites.
- Ground beef or lamb: The savory base of your meatballs—choose lamb for extra authenticity, or beef for a classic family favorite.
- Breadcrumbs: Help bind the meatballs and keep them irresistibly tender.
- Egg: Acts as the glue that holds the meatballs together.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic kicks up the flavor, delivering that signature Mediterranean aroma.
- Fresh parsley: Brings color, freshness, and a burst of herbal brightness in every bite.
- Dried oregano: Adds earthy, peppery notes that are quintessentially Greek.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning the meatballs to perfection.
- Olive oil: For browning the meatballs and enhancing those deep, crave-worthy flavors.
- Red onion: Sautéed for a mellow, sweet undertone in the orzo.
- Orzo pasta: Acts as the hearty, tender base that soaks up every drop of flavor.
- Chicken or vegetable broth: Infuses the orzo with savory goodness and prevents dryness.
- Cherry tomatoes: Offer juicy pops of sweetness and color.
- Kalamata olives: Sliced for that classic, briny punch only olives can provide.
- Lemon zest: Brightens up the skillet and enlivens every forkful.
- Lemon juice: Adds fresh acidity to balance the richer elements.
- Feta cheese: Crumbled on top for tang, creaminess, and a touch of indulgence.
- Fresh dill or parsley (optional): For a verdant finish and extra fragrance when serving.
How to Make Greek Meatballs and Orzo Skillet: A Flavor-Packed One-Pan Meal
Step 1: Mix and Shape the Meatballs
Start by gathering a large mixing bowl and adding your ground beef or lamb, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Gently mix everything with your hands or a big spoon, being careful not to overwork the meat—it keeps the meatballs tender. Once combined, roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and set them aside. This is where the flavor journey truly begins!
Step 2: Brown the Meatballs
Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in a single layer, making sure not to crowd the pan (you may need to do this in batches). Brown them on all sides, which takes about 6 to 8 minutes—don’t rush this step, as a good crust means amazing flavor later on! Once golden and delicious, transfer the meatballs to a plate so you can work on the base.
Step 3: Sauté the Veggies and Toast Orzo
In the same skillet (don’t clean it out; those flavorful bits are gold), add your diced red onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until it softens and smells sweet. Pour in the uncooked orzo and give it a quick stir, letting the pasta toast gently for about a minute to build extra depth and nutty character.
Step 4: Simmer with Broth, Tomatoes, and Olives
Add the chicken or vegetable broth to the skillet and bring it to a gentle simmer. Return the browned meatballs to nestle in among the orzo, and scatter in the halved cherry tomatoes plus sliced Kalamata olives. Cover the skillet and let everything cook together for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally so the orzo doesn’t stick. You’ll end up with tender pasta, beautifully flavored meatballs, and a sauce worth swooning for.
Step 5: Brighten and Finish
When the orzo is perfectly cooked and the liquid is mostly absorbed, stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice for a pop of citrus. Sprinkle the crumbled feta over the top and let it soften just a touch from the heat. A flourish of fresh dill or parsley right before serving ties in freshness and vivid green color.
How to Serve Greek Meatballs and Orzo Skillet: A Flavor-Packed One-Pan Meal
Garnishes
A shower of fresh dill, parsley, and an extra crumble of feta absolutely makes the colors and flavors pop. For bonus brightness, add a few lemon wedges on the side and maybe a quick drizzle of fruity olive oil just before serving. It’s these little finishing touches that make Greek Meatballs and Orzo Skillet: A Flavor-Packed One-Pan Meal feel extra special.
Side Dishes
This dish is fabulous on its own, but it truly shines with a cool cucumber-yogurt sauce (think tzatziki), a crisp Greek salad, or some warm, pillowy pita bread for scooping up every last bit. The flavors of the main event play beautifully with sides that are equally fresh or creamy.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the Greek Meatballs and Orzo Skillet: A Flavor-Packed One-Pan Meal family-style directly from the pan for a rustic, inviting vibe. For dinner parties, artfully plate individual servings and sprinkle each with extra herbs and olives. Leftovers also make a fun and hearty Mediterranean lunch bowl—just add a side of greens and you’re set!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making Greek Meatballs and Orzo Skillet: A Flavor-Packed One-Pan Meal a delicious next-day lunch that tastes as great as it did on night one.
Freezing
Both the meatballs and the skillet mixture freeze surprisingly well! Let everything cool completely, pack into a freezer-friendly container, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. For best results, freeze the meatballs and orzo separately if you’re planning ahead.
Reheating
To reheat, add a splash of water or broth to the skillet before warming gently over medium heat—this keeps the orzo from drying out. The microwave works, too, just use a microwave-safe bowl and cover loosely. Sprinkle with fresh herbs and feta when serving to revive that just-cooked magic.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead?
Absolutely! Greek Meatballs and Orzo Skillet: A Flavor-Packed One-Pan Meal works beautifully with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter but still flavor-packed option. Just be careful not to overcook the meatballs, since leaner meats dry out faster.
Is this meal gluten-free?
As written, the dish contains breadcrumbs and orzo, which aren’t gluten-free. To adapt, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and swap the orzo for a gluten-free small pasta like rice-shaped pasta or even rice itself.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Definitely! Use your favorite plant-based meatballs and vegetable broth. The rest of the flavors in the skillet stay true to the Greek spirit, so you’ll still get all the zest and comfort of the original.
What can I use instead of feta?
If you’re not a fan of feta or need a dairy-free version, try crumbled plant-based feta or a few dollops of creamy hummus. The salty, tangy element finishes the dish, so don’t leave it out entirely!
How do I prevent the orzo from sticking?
Make sure to stir the skillet occasionally while it simmers, especially near the bottom, and keep an eye on the liquid. If the orzo starts sticking, add a splash more broth or water and gently loosen any stuck bits with a wooden spoon.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend making Greek Meatballs and Orzo Skillet: A Flavor-Packed One-Pan Meal enough if you love vibrant, wholesome, and hassle-free dinners. It’s a showstopping, fuss-free weeknight option that brings the magic of the Mediterranean right to your table. Give it a try—you might just discover it’s your new comfort food classic!
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Greek Meatballs and Orzo Skillet: A Flavor-Packed One-Pan Meal Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Greek Meatballs and Orzo Skillet is a flavorful one-pan meal that combines juicy meatballs with orzo pasta, cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and tangy feta cheese for a taste of the Mediterranean in every bite.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef or lamb
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Skillet:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 small red onion, diced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- Fresh dill or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Form into 1-inch meatballs.
- Cook the Meatballs: Brown the meatballs in olive oil in a skillet, then set aside.
- Prepare the Skillet: Sauté red onion, add orzo and broth, then return meatballs to the skillet with tomatoes and olives.
- Cook the Dish: Cover and simmer for 10–12 minutes until orzo is tender and meatballs are cooked through.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and feta. Garnish with herbs and serve hot.
Notes
- You can use turkey or chicken in place of beef or lamb.
- For a vegetarian version, use plant-based meatballs and vegetable broth.
- Pair with cucumber yogurt sauce or warm pita bread.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
