Description

How to make authentic Boulettes Grecques with tender meatballs, zesty lemon orzo, and a creamy feta sauce that your family will adore.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Boulettes Grecques & Orzo Citronné:
1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 lean)
1.5 cups orzo pasta
6 oz 100% Greek block feta cheese, crumbled
3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1/2 cup full-fat plain Greek yogurt
1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs
Flavor Builders & Aromatics:
1 small red onion, finely minced (about 1/2 cup)
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 large lemons (zest of 2, juice of 1-2)
1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Seasonings & Oils:
1.5 teaspoons dried oregano
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (plus more for cooking)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

Mix Meatballs: Combine ground beef, minced red onion, garlic, chopped mint and parsley, oregano, Panko, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Gently mix until just combined; overmixing makes them tough. This is the base for your Boulettes Grecques.
Form Boulettes: Roll the mixture into small, uniform meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter. Arrange them on a plate. This ensures even cooking and perfect presentation for your Boulettes Grecques & Orzo Citronné avec Crème de Feta.
Make Feta Cream: In a small bowl, combine crumbled feta cheese, full-fat Greek yogurt, and the juice of one lemon. Whisk or emulsify until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning. This Crème de Feta adds a luxurious touch.
Cook Meatballs & Orzo: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides, then remove. Add orzo to the same skillet, toast briefly, then add chicken broth and zest of one lemon. Simmer until al dente.
Finish Orzo: Once orzo is cooked and most liquid absorbed, stir in the remaining lemon zest and juice. Return the browned meatballs to the skillet with the orzo, gently folding them in to warm through. Ensure everything is hot.
Plate Dish: Divide the lemon orzo and Boulettes Grecques among serving plates. Spoon a generous dollop of the creamy feta sauce over each portion. Garnish with fresh parsley or mint for vibrant color and flavor.
Serve Warm: Serve your delicious Boulettes Grecques & Orzo Citronné avec Crème de Feta immediately. This comforting meal is perfect for family dinners. Enjoy the tender meatballs, zesty orzo, and rich feta sauce that will remind you of Yiayia’s kitchen.

Notes

Gently mix the meatball mixture until just combined to ensure tender, not tough, Boulettes Grecques.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ideally separating feta cream from orzo.

Make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free Panko breadcrumbs and gluten-free orzo pasta for dietary needs.

Serve warm, garnishing with fresh mint or parsley, and a generous dollop of feta cream. Pairs well with a Greek salad.

For an incredibly silky feta cream, whisk in a tablespoon or two of hot orzo cooking water to achieve a luxurious consistency.

**Allergy Information:** Dairy, Gluten