Za’atar Lamb Meatballs with One-Pan Orzo Pilaf
Za’atar Lamb Meatballs with One-Pan Orzo Pilaf pair tender, aromatic meatballs with buttery orzo that absorbs flavorful broth and rosemary. Tangy feta and bursts of pomegranate add a salty-sweet lift, while parsley and pepitas bring freshness and crunch. Serve this comforting skillet dinner on busy weeknights or for a casual gathering when you want big flavor with minimal cleanup.
- Prep15 mins
- Cook15 mins
- Serves4
- DifficultyMedium
easyChef Pro health score
Calculated from USDA-referenced nutrient data for the ingredients in Za’atar Lamb Meatballs with One-Pan Orzo Pilaf, not estimated by an AI model. The same recipe returns the same score every time.
- Glycemic ImpactFair
- 52 / 100
- Carb quality, not quantity. Higher is better.
- Nutritional DensityPoor
- 5 / 100
- Nutrients per calorie. Higher is better.
- Energy DensityFair
- 58 / 100
- Calories by weight. Higher means more food for fewer calories.
- NOVA Processed Culinary Ingredients
- 2 / 4
- Processing level, 1 (whole) to 4 (ultra-processed). Lower is better.
How it scores for each health goal
The same recipe scores differently against different goals, because the goal changes the calculation rather than filtering a list. Set your goal in easyChef Pro and every recipe is scored against it.
- 15
- Heart Health
- 58
- Metabolic
- 34
- Digestive
- 21
- Inflammatory
- 37
- Performance
- 35
- General Wellness
- 1
In a medium bowl, stir together bread crumbs, egg, garlic, za’atar, salt, and pepper. Using clean hands, gently mix in lamb. Shape the mixture into 16 meatballs, each about 1 1/2 inches.
- 2
Heat oil in a very large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides, 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer them to a plate and cover to keep warm. Pour off the grease, leaving 1 tablespoon of drippings in the skillet.
- 3
Add the onion to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until just softened, about 2 minutes.
- 4
Pour the broth into the skillet and use a wooden spoon or spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Bring to a boil over high heat. Stir in the orzo and rosemary. Return the meatballs to the skillet. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, covered, 9 to 10 minutes, or until the pasta is slightly firm and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the centers of the meatballs registers 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). If there is excess liquid, let stand 5 minutes before serving.
- 5
Top with feta and pomegranate arils. Garnish with parsley.
- Calories 742.05 kcal High 37%
- Protein 37.41 g Good Source 75%
- Carbohydrate 76.57 g 28%
- Total Fat 32.19 g High 41%
- Saturated Fat 11.82 g High 59%
- Trans Fat 0.0 g Low Source 0%
- Cholesterol 148.45 mg High 49%
- Sodium 782.38 mg High 34%
- Dietary Fiber 4.54 g Moderate 16%
- Total Sugars 5.22 g --
- Added Sugars 1.21 g Low Source 2%
- Calcium 113.16 mg Low Source 9%
- Iron 5.48 mg Good Source 30%
- Potassium 253.61 mg Low Source 5%
- Vitamin A 31.92 mcg Low Source 4%
- Vitamin C 0.54 mg Low Source 1%
- Vitamin D 0.27 mcg Low Source 1%
Values are per serving. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet.
- Eggs 🥚
- Milk 🥛
- Wheat 🌾
- Gluten
- Garlic 🧄
- Onions 🧅
About This Recipe
Za'atar Lamb Meatballs with One Pan Orzo Pilaf is made with 16 ingredients and serves 4. It takes about 30 mins and is rated medium. Key ingredients include Beef Broth, Black Pepper, Bread Crumbs, and Crumbled Feta Cheese. Each serving provides about 742.05 kcal, and is a good source of protein.
Recipe Questions
- What is Za’atar Lamb Meatballs with One-Pan Orzo Pilaf made of?
- The main ingredients are Beef Broth, Black Pepper, Bread Crumbs, Crumbled Feta Cheese, Eggs. The full list of 16 is above.
- How long does it take to make Za’atar Lamb Meatballs with One-Pan Orzo Pilaf?
- About 30 mins in total: 15 mins to prepare and 15 mins to cook.
- How many calories are in one serving?
- One serving provides about 742.05 kcal. The full nutrition breakdown is above.
- Is Za’atar Lamb Meatballs with One-Pan Orzo Pilaf easy to make?
- This recipe is rated medium, with 16 ingredients and 5 steps.
- Is Za’atar Lamb Meatballs with One-Pan Orzo Pilaf healthy?
- Za’atar Lamb Meatballs with One-Pan Orzo Pilaf has an easyChef Pro health score of 40/100. Per serving, it provides 742.05 calories and 37.41 g of protein, or 75% of the Daily Value. It is a good source of iron. Worth noting per serving: sodium at 782.38 mg (34% of the Daily Value) and saturated fat at 11.82 g (59% of the Daily Value). It contains Eggs, Milk, Wheat, Gluten, Garlic and Onions, so it may not be suitable for people with those allergies or dietary restrictions. Whether it fits your goals depends on your complete meal plan and nutritional needs. Remix it in easyChef Pro to adjust the ingredients and generate fresh nutrition and scores.
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