Description
Creamy Baked Orzo with Meatballs is a delicious one-pot meal that combines tender orzo pasta with homemade meatballs in a rich and creamy sauce, topped with melted cheese. This comforting dish is easy to make and perfect for a family dinner or special gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Orzo:
- 1 1/2 cups uncooked orzo
- 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup baby spinach, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Make the Meatballs: Combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Form into meatballs.
- Sear the Meatballs: Brown meatballs in a skillet, then set aside.
- Prepare the Orzo: Toast orzo in the skillet, add broth, cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Place meatballs in the orzo, top with spinach, cheeses, and bake covered.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, then broil for a golden top.
- Serve: Garnish with basil or parsley and enjoy!
Notes
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half or ground chicken.
- This dish reheats well for convenient leftovers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 740mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
