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Baked Orzo and Meatballs Recipe: A Hearty One-Pan Meal

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Delight in this baked orzo and meatballs recipe! Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, it’s the ultimate one-pan dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2pounds ground chicken, turkey, or other preferred ground meat
  • 1 tablespoonDijon mustard
  • 1shallot, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoongarlic powder
  • 1 tablespoonItalian seasoning
  • 2 teaspoonsdried rosemary
  • 1 teaspoonsmoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cupgrated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoonsolive oil
  • 1 tablespoonfinely chopped lemon peel
  • 1 tablespoonfresh dill, chopped
  • Red chili flakes, to taste
  • 1pound orzo pasta, uncooked
  • 1/4 cupdry white wine (optional)
  • 1/2 cupheavy cream or full-fat coconut milk
  • 3 cupsfresh baby spinach, chopped
  • 1 cupshredded mozzarella or provolone cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 450°F (232°C).
  2. Prepare the Meatballs:
  3. In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, Dijon mustard, chopped shallot, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, rosemary, smoked paprika, Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt and black pepper.
  4. Mix well until evenly combined. Shape into tablespoon-sized meatballs (around 15-16 meatballs).
  5. Bake the Meatballs:
  6. In a 9×13-inch baking dish, arrange the meatballs. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with lemon peel, chopped dill, and red chili flakes.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes until the meatballs start to crisp. Reduce the oven temperature to 400°F (204°C).
  8. Add the Orzo and Spinach:
  9. Add the uncooked orzo pasta to the dish with the meatballs. Pour in 2 cups of water and the white wine (if using). Stir gently to combine and season with salt and pepper.
  10. Layer the chopped spinach over the mixture without stirring.
  11. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the orzo has absorbed most of the liquid but remains slightly moist.
  12. Finish with Cream and Cheese:
  13. Stir the orzo and meatballs together, then mix in the cream or coconut milk.
  14. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese evenly on top.
  15. Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the sauce is bubbling. If any excess oil pools on the surface, carefully drain it off.
  16. Garnish and Serve:
  17. Top with fresh dill, basil, or microgreens before serving. Enjoy your creamy baked orzo and meatballs!

Find it online: https://www.kitchensara.com/baked-orzo-and-meatballs-recipe-a-hearty-one-pan-m/