Ingredients
Scale
- Ground beef (80/20) 1 pound
- Orzo pasta 1 cup
- Feta cheese 4 ounces
- Lemon 1 large
- Fresh dill 1/4 cup, chopped
- Olive oil 2 tablespoons
- Garlic cloves 2, minced
- Chicken broth 4 cups
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, combine ground beef, half the dill, half the minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Gently mix until just combined. Form into small meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter).
- Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides, then remove from the skillet and set aside. Do not cook through.
- Step 3: Add the remaining garlic to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add orzo and toast for 1 minute. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is cooked through and the liquid is absorbed.
- Step 4: Return the meatballs to the skillet with the orzo. Squeeze the juice of half the lemon over the mixture. Simmer for another 5 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through.
- Step 5: While the meatballs and orzo are simmering, prepare the feta cream. In a food processor or blender, combine feta cheese and the juice of the remaining half of the lemon, and 2 tablespoons of water. Blend until smooth and creamy. Add more water if needed to reach desired consistency.
- Step 6: Serve the Greek meatballs and lemon orzo topped with a dollop of feta cream and a sprinkle of the remaining fresh dill.
Notes
- Store leftover meatballs and orzo separately from the feta cream in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat the meatballs and orzo gently in a skillet with a splash of broth or water to prevent sticking, and avoid overheating the feta cream to maintain its texture.
- Garnish with extra lemon zest and a drizzle of olive oil for an extra burst of freshness and flavor that complements the feta cream.
- Don't overmix the meatball mixture to keep them tender; gently combine the ingredients until just incorporated for the best texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
