Description
These Baked Ricotta Lemon Meatballs are tender, zesty, and bursting with Mediterranean flavor. Paired with orzo and a hint of lemony freshness, they make a light yet satisfying dinner that feels both elegant and comforting.
Ingredients
1 lb ground chicken or turkey
1/2 cup ricotta cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/3 cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
Zest of 1 lemon
2 tbsp lemon juice
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp olive oil (for baking)
**For serving:**
1 cup cooked orzo
1 tbsp olive oil
Extra lemon juice and zest
Crumbled feta or Parmesan (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, ricotta, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
3. Form into 1 1/2-inch meatballs and place on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Drizzle lightly with olive oil.
5. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until golden and cooked through.
6. Meanwhile, cook orzo according to package directions; drain and toss with olive oil and a squeeze of lemon juice.
7. Serve meatballs over the lemony orzo and sprinkle with feta or Parmesan.
8. Garnish with fresh herbs and extra zest for a bright finish.
Notes
Use turkey or chicken for a lighter version — both stay moist thanks to ricotta.
Add spinach or finely chopped basil to the mixture for extra color and flavor.
For a creamy sauce, toss the orzo with a bit of Greek yogurt or a spoon of ricotta.
These meatballs are great for meal prep — they reheat beautifully and pair well with grains or greens.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs with orzo
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 460mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
Keywords: baked ricotta lemon meatballs, lemon chicken meatballs, mediterranean orzo, light dinner recipe, healthy baked meatballs, zesty orzo bowl