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One Pot Meatball Orzo Bake

One Pot Meatball Orzo Bake
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The One Pot Meatball Orzo Bake is a comforting and flavorful dinner that combines juicy meatballs with tender orzo pasta, all baked together in a rich tomato sauce. This easy one-pot recipe saves time on preparation and cleanup while delivering a hearty, family-friendly meal that’s nutritious and delicious.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatballs

  • 1 lb ground meat (beef, pork, or a mixture)
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Sauce and Pasta

  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
  • 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta (uncooked)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meatballs: In a mixing bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Roll the mixture into bite-sized meatballs. Brown them in olive oil over medium heat until they develop a golden crust, locking in juices and deepening flavor.
  2. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add chopped onions and minced garlic. Cook until translucent and fragrant, building the aromatic base for the sauce.
  3. Add Liquids and Orzo: Pour in crushed tomatoes and broth, stirring to combine. Add the uncooked orzo and browned meatballs directly into the pot, ensuring everything is evenly submerged in liquid and sauce.
  4. Simmer and Bake: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and cover the pot. Simmer until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top, then place the pot briefly under a broiler or in a hot oven to create a golden, bubbling crust.

Notes

  • Don’t skip browning meatballs to build flavor and ensure juicy interiors.
  • Use a wide pot to allow even cooking and prevent overcrowding the meatballs.
  • Keep the lid on while simmering to lock in steam and cook orzo perfectly.
  • Adjust liquid as needed to avoid dryness depending on pot type and orzo.
  • Let the dish rest a few minutes after cooking to allow flavors to meld.

Nutrition

Keywords: one pot, meatball bake, orzo pasta, comfort food, easy dinner, family meal, baked pasta, Italian

Find it online: https://juliaglam.com/one-pot-meatball-orzo-bake/