Get ready to transform your dinner routine with a mouthwatering dish that combines the best of Italian comfort food in one incredible pan! Imagine tender, juicy meatballs nestled in a creamy, cheesy orzo that's so irresistible, your family will be begging for seconds before the first bite is even finished. This Creamy Baked Orzo with Meatballs is not just a meal - it's a culinary experience that promises to elevate your weeknight dinner from ordinary to extraordinary!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Mix thoroughly using your hands until well combined.
- Form the beef mixture into small, uniform meatballs approximately 1-
- 5 inches in diameter. This should yield about 16-20 meatballs.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides, about 5-6 minutes total. They do not need to be fully cooked through at this stage.
- In the same baking dish, spread the uncooked orzo pasta in an even layer. Pour marinara sauce and heavy cream over the orzo, stirring gently to combine.
- Arrange the browned meatballs on top of the orzo mixture, nestling them slightly into the sauce.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the dish.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the orzo is tender, meatballs are fully cooked, and cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired.
Tips
- Meat Mixing: When combining meatball ingredients, use your hands but don't overmix. Overworking the meat can make meatballs tough and dense.
- Browning Technique: Ensure your skillet is hot before adding meatballs. This creates a delicious golden crust that locks in flavor.
- Cheese Selection: Use freshly grated Parmesan and mozzarella for the best melting and flavor profile.
- Orzo Consistency: Stir the orzo gently in the sauce to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Foil Coverage: Covering the dish initially helps cook the orzo and keep the meatballs moist.
- Resting Time: Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow the sauce to set and flavors to meld.
- Optional Garnish: Fresh chopped parsley or basil can add a bright, fresh finish to this rich dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 650kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 38g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Cholesterol: 140mg
