Lamb Meatballs and Orzo

Boldly spiced and deeply satisfying, this Lamb Meatballs and Orzo recipe is the ultimate Mediterranean-inspired comfort food. Juicy lamb meatballs are infused with fragrant cumin, coriander, fresh parsley, and garlic, then simmered in a rich tomato sauce seasoned with a hint of cinnamon for a warming depth of flavor. Paired with tender orzo pasta that soaks up every drop of the luscious sauce, this one-pot wonder is as effortless as it is delicious. Ready in under an hour, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights yet impressive enough to serve to guests. Finish with a sprinkle of crumbled feta and fresh mint for a burst of brightness, and enjoy a hearty, flavor-packed meal that everyone will love. Keywords: lamb meatballs recipe, orzo pasta, Mediterranean dinner, one-pot meal, easy lamb recipes.

Nutriscore Rating: 66/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 500 grams ground lamb
• 60 grams breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 15 grams fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
• 400 grams crushed tomatoes
• 600 milliliters chicken or vegetable stock
• 250 grams dry orzo pasta
• 0.25 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 50 grams feta cheese, crumbled (optional, for garnish)
• 10 grams fresh mint, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground lamb, breadcrumbs, egg, 2 minced garlic cloves, parsley, cumin, coriander, 1 teaspoon of salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.

Step 2

Using your hands, form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and set them aside on a plate.

Step 3

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches and sear them on all sides until browned, about 5-6 minutes. Remove the meatballs and set them aside.

Step 4

In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the remaining minced garlic and ground cinnamon, cooking for another minute until fragrant.

Step 5

Add the crushed tomatoes and chicken or vegetable stock to the skillet. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 6

Return the meatballs to the skillet, nestling them into the tomato sauce. Cover and cook on low heat for 10 minutes.

Step 7

Stir in the dry orzo, making sure it is fully submerged in the sauce. Cover again and cook on low heat, stirring occasionally, for 12-15 minutes or until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.

Step 8

Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed.

Step 9

Serve the lamb meatballs and orzo hot, garnished with crumbled feta cheese and fresh mint, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2095.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3208.6

Total Fat 152.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 55.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 11.3g
Cholesterol 720.6mg	0%
Sodium 9353.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 269.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 20.8g	0%
Total Sugars 28.0g
Protein 181.2g	0%

Vitamin D 89.4IU	0%
Calcium 682.3mg	0%
Iron 22.7mg	0%
Potassium 3459.4mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 43.2%

Protein: 22.8%

Carbs: 34.0%