Get ready to transport your taste buds to the sunny shores of Greece with this irresistible Greek Turkey Meatballs with Lemon Rice Skillet recipe! Imagine tender, juicy meatballs packed with Mediterranean flavors, nestled on a bed of zesty lemon-infused rice that will make your dinner guests beg for seconds. This isn't just another boring weeknight meal - it's a culinary journey that combines protein-packed ground turkey, tangy feta cheese, and bright lemon notes that will have everyone at your table asking for the recipe!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Greek
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon oregano
- 1 cup rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- Juice of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that your meatballs cook evenly and thoroughly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, crumbled feta cheese, egg, and oregano. Use your hands or a spatula to mix the ingredients until they are well combined, but be careful not to overmix as this can make the meatballs tough.
- Once the mixture is well combined, shape it into meatballs, about 1 to
- 5 inches in diameter. You should be able to make approximately 16-20 meatballs depending on the size.
- Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased to prevent sticking. Make sure to leave some space between each meatball for even cooking.
- Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. You can check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer; it should read 165°F (74°C).
- While the meatballs are baking, prepare the lemon rice. In a medium saucepan, add the rice and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid. Avoid lifting the lid too often, as this can release steam and affect cooking.
- Once the rice is cooked, remove it from the heat and let it sit covered for an additional 5 minutes. This will help the rice fluff up.
- After the resting period, fluff the rice with a fork and stir in the juice of 1 lemon. This will add a bright, fresh flavor to the rice.
- Once the meatballs are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
- To serve, place a generous portion of the lemon rice on each plate and top with the baked turkey meatballs. You can garnish with additional crumbled feta cheese or fresh herbs like parsley or dill if desired.
- Enjoy your Greek Turkey Meatballs with Lemon Rice Skillet as a delicious and healthy meal!
Tips
- For the most tender meatballs, avoid overmixing the ingredients - this can make them tough and dense.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure your meatballs reach the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- For extra flavor, try toasting your breadcrumbs lightly before mixing them into the meatball mixture.
- Don't skip letting the rice rest after cooking - this helps create that perfect fluffy texture.
- For a crispy exterior, you can briefly broil the meatballs for 2-3 minutes after baking.
- Fresh herbs like parsley or dill make an excellent garnish and add a pop of color and freshness.
- If you want to make this dish ahead of time, the meatballs and rice can be prepared separately and reheated just before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 95mg
