Greek Meatballs and Orzo Skillet: A Mediterranean Feast in One Pan

Greek Meatballs and Orzo Skillet is a one-pan wonder that brings together the rich flavors of Mediterranean cuisine with ease and convenience. This dish combines juicy, flavorful meatballs made from ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and aromatic herbs like oregano and garlic, all simmered alongside tender orzo in a savory broth. The addition of diced tomatoes and crumbled feta cheese gives the dish a delightful depth of flavor, while fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness. Whether you’re looking for a hearty weeknight meal or a flavorful dish to impress your guests, this Greek-inspired skillet meal has everything you need. The combination of protein-packed meatballs and comforting orzo makes for a satisfying and filling meal, while the use of just one skillet means minimal cleanup. Ready in just 40 minutes, this dish is a perfect balance of simplicity and Mediterranean flair, and it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. One-Pan Meal

This recipe is cooked entirely in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze while still delivering a full, flavorful meal.

2. Mediterranean Flavors

With the addition of feta cheese, oregano, and parsley, this dish captures the fresh and vibrant flavors of Greece, making it both delicious and aromatic.

3. Hearty and Satisfying

The combination of juicy meatballs and tender orzo makes for a hearty, filling dish that will satisfy your hunger and cravings.

4. Quick and Easy

In just 40 minutes, you can have a complete meal ready to serve, making it perfect for busy nights when you want something quick and delicious.

5. Customizable

You can easily tweak this recipe to your liking—add extra vegetables, swap out ground beef for lamb or turkey, or adjust the seasoning to suit your taste.

Ingredients

• Ground beef
• Breadcrumbs
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Egg
• Dried oregano
• Garlic powder
• Salt and pepper
• Orzo
• Chicken broth
• Diced tomatoes
• Crumbled feta cheese
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Variations

• Ground Meat Swap: Feel free to swap the ground beef with lamb, turkey, or chicken for a leaner or more traditional Greek version.
• Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian twist, use plant-based meatballs or omit the meatballs and add roasted vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers.
• Extra Veggies: Add spinach, olives, or roasted red peppers to the skillet for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Spicy Kick: If you like a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes or a pinch of chili powder to the meatball mixture.
• Cheese Alternatives: Swap feta cheese with ricotta or goat cheese for a slightly different flavor profile.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, egg, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until it is well combined.

Step 2: Shape the Meatballs

Shape the meat mixture into small meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, and set them aside.

Step 3: Brown the Meatballs

In a large skillet, heat some oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside.

Step 4: Cook the Orzo

In the same skillet, add the orzo, chicken broth, and diced tomatoes. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.

Step 5: Return the Meatballs to the Skillet

Once the orzo is simmering, add the browned meatballs back to the skillet. Cover and cook for about 15 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and the meatballs are cooked through.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top of the dish and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet: When browning the meatballs, make sure not to overcrowd the skillet. Cook the meatballs in batches if necessary to ensure they brown evenly.
• Use Fresh Breadcrumbs: If possible, use fresh breadcrumbs made from a crusty loaf of bread for the best texture and flavor.
• Control the Simmer: Be sure to simmer the orzo gently. If the broth is evaporating too quickly, you can add a splash of extra chicken broth or water.
• Make Meatballs Ahead: You can make the meatballs ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. This saves time when you’re ready to cook the dish.
• Flavor Boost: Add a squeeze of lemon juice or a drizzle of olive oil over the finished dish for extra flavor and freshness.

How to Serve

Greek Meatballs and Orzo Skillet is a complete meal on its own, but you can serve it alongside a light Greek salad, some crusty bread, or roasted vegetables to round out the meal. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or even meal prep for the week.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Greek Meatballs and Orzo Skillet in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It makes great leftovers and can be enjoyed the next day.

Freezing

You can freeze the dish for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. When ready to reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm on the stove, adding a little chicken broth if necessary.

Reheating

To reheat, simply place the leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce as it reheats.

FAQs

1. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes, you can use ground turkey or chicken in place of the ground beef for a leaner option.

2. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure that your orzo is also gluten-free.

3. Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs up to 24 hours ahead and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.

4. Can I add more vegetables to this dish?

Yes, adding vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach is a great way to enhance the dish and make it more nutritious.

5. What if I don’t have orzo?

If you don’t have orzo, you can substitute it with small pasta shapes like ditalini or couscous.

6. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh diced tomatoes in place of canned tomatoes. Just make sure to add a little extra broth to account for the difference in liquid content.

7. Can I freeze the Greek meatballs separately?

Yes, you can freeze the meatballs separately. Just cook them fully, let them cool, and freeze in a single layer before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container.

8. How can I make this dish spicier?

Add red pepper flakes or chopped chili peppers to the meatball mixture or the orzo for an extra kick of heat.

9. Can I use a different cheese instead of feta?

Yes, you can substitute feta with goat cheese, ricotta, or Parmesan, but the dish will have a different flavor.

10. How long does this recipe take to make?

The total time for this recipe is 40 minutes, with 15 minutes of prep time and 25 minutes of cooking time.

Conclusion

Greek Meatballs and Orzo Skillet is a delightful and easy-to-make dish that combines the rich flavors of Mediterranean cuisine in one pot. With juicy meatballs, tender orzo, savory chicken broth, and a sprinkle of feta cheese, it’s a meal that’s both satisfying and full of flavor. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner or making it ahead for meal prep, this dish is sure to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen. The best part? It’s quick to make, easy to customize, and requires minimal cleanup, making it ideal for busy weeknights or any time you crave a comforting, flavorful meal.

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