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Plate of Greek Turkey Meatballs served with lemon herb rice 1

Greek Turkey Meatballs Over Lemon Herb Rice

These Greek turkey meatballs served over lemon herb rice are a delightful weeknight meal that feels comforting and flavorful without much effort. The combination of lemon and dill brightens the dish, making it perfect for a quick dinner or inviting friends over.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 1 lb ground turkey Lean and light
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs For binding
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese Adds flavor and texture
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley For freshness
  • 1 clove garlic, minced For flavor
  • 1 tsp dried oregano Adds a Mediterranean flavor
  • 1 tsp salt To taste
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper To taste
  • 1 large egg, beaten Binder for the meatballs
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking) For frying the meatballs
For the Lemon Herb Rice
  • 1 cup long-grain rice Use any preferred long-grain variety
  • 2 cups chicken broth For cooking the rice
  • 1 tbsp olive oil For sautéing the rice
  • 1 whole lemon, zest and juice Adds brightness to the dish
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill For flavor
  • to taste salt and pepper For seasoning

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and beaten egg. Mix well and form into meatballs.
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the meatballs until browned and cooked through.
Cooking the Rice
  1. In a pot, heat olive oil and add the rice. Sauté for a couple of minutes.
  2. Add the chicken broth, lemon zest, lemon juice, dill, and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until the rice is tender.
Serving
  1. Serve the meatballs over the lemon herb rice.

Notes

Don’t overmix the turkey — treat it gently and form the meatballs loosely to keep them tender. Leftover rice can be turned into a hearty breakfast or used in other cuisines.