Description

Meatballs with Lemon-Garlic Orzo is a flavorful and comforting one-pan meal featuring juicy, seasoned meatballs served over tender orzo pasta in a bright lemon-garlic sauce. This easy dinner recipe combines hearty protein with fresh, zesty flavors for a perfectly balanced dish.

Ingredients

For the meatballs:

Ground beef or a mix of beef
Breadcrumbs
Egg
Garlic, minced
Onion, finely chopped
Salt
Black pepper
Italian seasoning

For the orzo:

Olive oil
Orzo pasta
Chicken broth
Garlic, minced
Lemon juice
Lemon zest
Butter
Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley

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Instructions

In a bowl, mix ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, onion, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning until just combined. Form into small meatballs.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and cook meatballs until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, sauté garlic until fragrant.
Add orzo and toast for 1–2 minutes.
Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Cook until orzo is tender and most liquid is absorbed, stirring occasionally.
Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, butter, and Parmesan cheese until creamy.
Return meatballs to the skillet and simmer briefly to heat through.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Notes

Do not overmix the meatball mixture to keep them tender.Add extra broth when reheating to loosen the orzo.Adjust lemon to taste for more or less brightness.Toasting orzo adds extra depth of flavor.