Ground Lamb with Orzo

Savor the comforting flavors of the Mediterranean with this Ground Lamb with Orzo recipe, a hearty one-skillet meal that’s both simple and impressive. Succulent ground lamb is browned to perfection and paired with the aromatic duo of garlic and onion, enhanced by warm spices like cinnamon, oregano, and a hint of red pepper flakes for subtle heat. The dish comes together as tender orzo absorbs the rich flavors of a tomato and chicken broth base, creating a creamy, risotto-like texture. Topped with tangy crumbled feta and fresh parsley, this recipe is ready in just 45 minutes and perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or casual entertaining. Serve this Mediterranean-inspired meal with a side of crusty bread or a crisp salad for a complete, satisfying feast.

Nutriscore Rating: 64/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound ground lamb
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 0.5 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes (canned)
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup orzo
• 0.5 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil.

Step 2

Once the oil is hot, add the ground lamb and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed.

Step 3

Add the diced onion to the skillet and sauté until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 4

Stir in the minced garlic, tomato paste, dried oregano, ground cinnamon, and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 5

Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and the chicken broth. Stir to combine.

Step 6

Bring the mixture to a simmer and stir in the orzo. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the orzo is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed.

Step 7

Season the dish with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 8

Remove from the heat and stir in half of the crumbled feta cheese.

Step 9

Serve the ground lamb and orzo hot, garnished with the remaining feta cheese and chopped parsley.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1358.1 grams (1358.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2358

Total Fat 144.90g	186%
Saturated Fat 58.00g	290%
Polyunsaturated Fat 9.00g
Cholesterol 535mg	178%
Sodium 4991mg	217%
Total Carbohydrate 113.60g	41%
Dietary Fiber 13.20g	47%
Total Sugars 28.10g
Protein 147.70g	295%

Vitamin D 18IU	91%
Calcium 854mg	66%
Iron 16mg	89%
Potassium 3262mg	69%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 55.5%

Protein: 25.1%

Carbs: 19.3%