Greek Meatballs With Herb and Lemon Orzo

May 09, 2023May 9, 20230 1
Greek Meatballs With Herb and Lemon Orzo Recipe
in Entree

Prep

20 min

Cook

25 min

Ready In

45 min

Level

Easy

Rating

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
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Ingredients

1 1/3 cups orzo pasta
salt
pepper
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons chopped of fresh mint
2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
2 garlic cloves , minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup olive oil
2 slices hearty sandwich bread , torn into pieces
1/3 cup plain yogurt ( ATK recommends against using Greek yogurt )
1 1/2 lbs lean ground beef
1 small red onion , grated
2 ounces feta cheese , crumbled

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe
4
Calories
578
Sugar
3g
Fat
33g
Greek meatballs with herb and lemon orzo is a dish that will take your taste buds on a trip to the Mediterranean. This dish features lean ground beef meatballs flavored with fresh mint and dill and tangy feta cheese. The meatballs are served on a bed of lemon and herb-infused orzo pasta that gives the dish a refreshing taste. This recipe is perfect for those looking for a lighter alternative to traditional meatballs without sacrificing on taste. Serve this dish with a side of your favorite vegetables for a complete and healthy meal.

Instructions

1.Cook the orzo in salted boiling water according to package directions. When done, drain and set aside.
2.In a medium bowl mix together lemon zest, lemon juice, mint, dill, garlic, and olive oil. Add salt and pepper to taste.
3.In a large bowl, tear the bread into small pieces and add the yogurt. Combine to form a paste. Add in the ground beef, grated onion, salt, and pepper. Mix the ingredients until just combined. Add feta cheese and mix again.
4.Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Form the meat mixture into balls of about 2 tablespoons each.
5.In a large non-stick oven-safe skillet, heat 1/4 cup olive oil over medium heat. Add meatballs and brown on all sides, about 5 minutes.
6.Transfer skillet to oven and bake meatballs until cooked through, 10 to 15 minutes.
7.Mix together the cooked orzo and herb mixture. Plate the meatballs on top of the orzo and serve immediately.

PROS

Greek meatballs are a healthier alternative to traditional beef meatballs and are packed with flavorful herbs.
Orzo is a great alternative to rice or pasta, adding some variety to your weekly meals.
This recipe is easy to make and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

CONS

While lean meat is a great source of protein, be sure to watch your portion sizes as these meatballs are still high in calories.
Feta cheese is a high-fat cheese and should be consumed in moderation.
Orzo is a form of pasta and, like other pastas, should be eaten in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Lean ground beef is a great source of protein and is also rich in nutrients like zinc and vitamin B12. Orzo is a good source of thiamin and niacin which are key nutrients in maintaining a healthy nervous system. Herbs like mint and dill have anti-inflammatory properties and are also high in antioxidants.

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