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Lemon Herb Meatballs with Orzo

Lemon Herb Meatballs with Orzo is a quick, easy, and delicious recipe that combines zesty meatballs with creamy orzo for a comforting family meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey) Use ground turkey for a healthier option.
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese Because cheese is life!
  • 1 whole egg To bind it all together.
  • 1 whole lemon (zest and juice) The star of the show!
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
  • to taste Salt and pepper
For the Orzo
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth Or water, if you're in a pinch.
  • 1/2 cup whipped feta For that creamy goodness.
  • for garnish Extra herbs A sprinkle of extra herbs for garnish.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While that heats up, mix your meatball ingredients in a bowl.
Baking Meatballs
  1. Once the mixture is well combined, roll them into small meatballs, about the size of a golf ball. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  2. Pop them in the oven for about 20 minutes, or until they’re golden and cooked through.
Cooking the Orzo
  1. While the meatballs are baking, bring your chicken or vegetable broth to a boil in a pot.
  2. Add the orzo and cook according to package instructions; this usually takes about 9-11 minutes.
  3. Don't forget to stir occasionally.
Serving
  1. Once the orzo is tender, drain any excess broth and return it to the pot.
  2. Gently fold in your whipped feta until it’s all creamy and dreamy.
  3. Serve the meatballs over a bed of luscious orzo and sprinkle with fresh herbs.

Notes

Meatball Size Matters: Adjust your baking time accordingly for smaller meatballs. Feta Swap: Cream cheese or ricotta can be used as alternatives. If the mixture is too sticky, add more breadcrumbs.