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Creamy Baked Orzo With Meatballs is a must-try recipe!

Creamy Baked Orzo With Meatballs

Creamy Baked Orzo with Meatballs is a heartwarming dish that combines the tender texture of orzo pasta with savory meatballs, rich marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, this recipe is not only simple to prepare but also guarantees satisfaction for both kids and adults alike. The creamy sauce envelops the orzo and meatballs, creating a delightful meal that brings comfort and joy to the table. With easy preparation steps and versatile serving options, you’ll love making this dish again and again.

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 6

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef or turkey
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper; mix well.
  3. Form into small meatballs (about 1 inch).
  4. Brown the meatballs in a skillet over medium heat until cooked through; set aside.
  5. In the same skillet, toast orzo for 2-3 minutes. Add marinara sauce and heavy cream; simmer for about 5 minutes.
  6. Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish; nestle meatballs into the orzo and top with mozzarella.
  7. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes; remove foil and bake another 10-15 minutes until cheese is golden.
  • Author: Natalia
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 550
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 680mg
  • Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 44g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 26g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: For added flavor, use fresh herbs like basil for garnish. Experiment with different cheeses such as provolone or fontina for variety. To enhance nutrition, consider adding cooked vegetables like spinach or zucchini.