When the weekday rush has you craving a delicious, wholesome meal without the fuss, our “Prep-Ahead Greek Meatball & Orzo Delight” is here to transform your weeknight dining experience. This recipe’s secret weapon? Prep-ahead meatballs! Whip up a batch, store them in the freezer or fridge, and when you’re ready for a quick and easy protein packed protein weeknight dinner, simply pair them with orzo. Say goodbye to kitchen chaos and hello to a Greek-inspired meal that’s quick, convenient, and oh-so-tasty.

Ingredients:

For the Meatballs:

• 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound ground turkey or chicken
• 1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh leaf parsley
• 3 tablespoons grated onion
• 1 clove garlic, grated or minced
• Zest of a lemon
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste
• 2 ounces feta cheese, crumbled

For the Orzo:

• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, grated or minced
• 1 cup uncooked orzo
• 2 1/2 cups Pacific Foods Organic Low Sodium Chicken Broth
• Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup diced roasted red peppers
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 cup chopped kalamata olives (optional)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh flat leaf parsley
• Extra feta cheese for garnish

Instructions:

1. Meatball Mastery: Start with the prep-ahead magic of meatballs. In a mixing bowl, combine ground turkey or chicken, panko breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, grated onion, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, egg, dried oregano, ground coriander, ground cumin, ground cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Be cautious not to overmix. To shape the meatballs, coat your hands with a touch of olive oil and roll approximately a tablespoon-sized amount of the mixture into a ball.
2. Sizzle and Brown: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, adding a tablespoon of olive oil. Once the skillet is hot, swirl the oil to coat the bottom. Add the meatballs and cook for approximately 8-10 minutes, turning them often for even browning.
3. Prepare for Later: Once your meatballs are perfectly cooked, you have options. You can either cool them and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to complete your meal (3-4 days), or you can freeze them for up to three months. Or you can create the rest of your meal right away.
4. Thaw Ahead: When you’re ready to savor this dish at a later date, take the meatballs out of the refrigerator or freezer. If frozen, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight.
5. Orzo Orchestration: In a medium skillet over medium heat, add 2 teaspoons of olive oil, garlic, and the orzo. Stir together and toast the orzo for about a minute. Pour in the chicken broth, roasted red peppers, and lemon juice. Stir everything together and bring it to a boil.
6. Warm Welcome: Place the meatballs on top of the orzo to gently warm them up while the orzo is cooking.
7. Final Touch: Cook until the orzo is tender, about 7-8 minutes. Stir the orzo often to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the skillet. When the orzo is just right, stir in the kalamata olives (optional) and fresh herbs. Sprinkle with feta and extra herbs when serving.

In Conclusion

Our “Prep-Ahead Greek Meatball & Orzo Delight” is the weeknight game-changer you’ve been waiting for. With the convenience of make-ahead meatballs, you’re only moments away from a delightful, healthy, protein-packed Greek-inspired meal. The kitchen chaos is replaced with the magic of Mediterranean flavors, offering you a quick and easy dinner option. Embrace the ease and savor the taste. Enjoy!