One Skillet Greek Meatballs and Lemon Rice.

One Skillet Greek Meatballs and Lemon Rice. Quick, easy, colorful, and delicious! Pan seared meatballs made with herbs, shallots, garlic, and spices are cooked together with buttery, lemon-toasted rice pilaf. These skillet meatballs are finished with garlic tahini and a generous scoop of Tzatziki sauce. A Greek-inspired dinner that’s SO GOOD – everyone will love it!

Every year around this time, I crave Greek-inspired dishes. Basically, if I can think of a dish that can be served with Tzatziki, I’m all in. Since we’re all fans of a good meatball dish (they’re always a crowd-pleaser), I came up with the idea of skillet meatballs packed with fresh spring herbs and spices, then paired with bright, lemony rice. It’s fresh, flavorful, and feels just right for the season.

The flavors sounded really nice together, so I asked my cousin Abby about the idea. She quickly agreed that I should indeed make some herby garlic meatballs, so I did just that!

Isn’t it crazy, I used to think meatball dishes were not for me. I’m so happy I finally gave them a try!

I really wanted to keep the recipe simple and not overcomplicate it. This is simply an easy yet delicious skillet and rice dinner!

The meatballs are filled with fresh springtime herbs. We love basil and dill, and I added the yummiest mix of spices. The recipe came together quickly, and ended up being so delicious!

I chose to use ground lamb mixed with ground chicken to make my meatballs. You can use beef, chicken, or lamb. My mom prefers either all beef or all chicken, but my oldest brother loves when I use lamb. He says it is his favorite. Use what you know you will enjoy the most! Create a recipe you’ll love!

Now, let’s talk about the details

Ingredients

• ground beef or lamb (or a mix)
• shallots
• garlic
• an egg
• panko bread crumbs
• basil leaves
• dill
• smoked paprika
• cumin
• chipotle chili powder
• salt and black pepper
• salted butter
• orzo
• rice
• lemon juice

For serving

• sesame seeds
• Tzatziki sauce
• garlic tahini

Special Tools

A Dutch oven, sauté pan, or skillet with a lid. Just make sure you pan has a lid.

Steps

Step 1: Mix the meatballs

To make the meatballs, use whatever type of ground meat you enjoy most. Mix the meat with a small chopped shallot, garlic, an egg, panko breadcrumbs, fresh basil, dill, smoked paprika, cumin, chipotle, salt, and pepper.

I like to use my hands to mix this all up!

Step 2: cook the meatballs

Next, use a big skillet or saute pan with a tight lid to sear the meatballs until they are browned all over.

The fat in the meat should render and help brown the meatballs beautifully! But you’ll need a little oil at first, I would just use a little butter.

Step 3: add the rice

Next, add the 4 tablespoons of butter, then add dry orzo and dry rice. I love to use jasmine or basmati rice.

Using a combination of pasta and rice makes this more like a Rice-A-Roni or a rice pilaf bake. It’s such a nice addition. It’s perfect if you have an almost empty box of orzo just sitting in the pantry waiting to be used. Something I always seem to have.

Allow the rice and orzo to toast a bit. Now add water and fresh lemon juice. Cover and let everything cook for a bit. The meatballs will finish cooking with the rice. It works out so well!!

Step 4: serve

To serve, I love to make a lemon garlic tahini. It’s simply tahini mixed with lemon juice, garlic, and toasted sesame seeds. If necessary, add a little water to thin this out.

Don’t forget my beloved tzatziki sauce!! Oh, and I always add fresh basil with a sprinkle of sea salt. Delish! This dish is healthy and full of the yummiest flavors!

Looking for other skillet dinners? Here are my favorites: 

One Skillet Louisiana Style Chicken and Rice

One Skillet White Chicken Chili Bake

Lemon Butter Dijon Chicken and Orzo with Feta Sauce.

Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Rice Casserole

Lastly, if you make this One Skillet Greek Meatballs and Lemon Rice, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And, of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!