Baked Orzo Delight with Savory Meatballs Recipe for Hearty Meals

Baked orzo delight brings comfort and warmth to your kitchen with its rich, hearty flavors.

Mediterranean-inspired dishes often combine pasta and protein in creative ways that surprise hungry diners.

Small pasta shapes like orzo create a delightful texture that absorbs surrounding seasonings perfectly.

Tender meatballs nestled among creamy pasta promise a satisfying meal that feels both elegant and rustic.

Herbs and spices mingle throughout this one-pan wonder, creating complex layers of taste in every single bite.

Cooking becomes an adventure when you blend traditional techniques with innovative ingredients and bold combinations.

Imagine serving a dish that reimagines simple components into something truly memorable and delicious.

How to Make Baked Orzo with Savory Meatballs

Step 1: Combine Base Ingredients

Toss the uncooked orzo into the baking dish. Pour in your chosen broth and tomato soup. Add whole or halved meatballs and slice cherry tomatoes in half. Mix everything gently to ensure even distribution.

Step 2: Initial Baking Session

Slide the dish into a preheated oven at 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Let it bake for 25 minutes, allowing the flavors to mingle and the orzo to start absorbing the liquid.

Step 3: Check and Stir

Pull out the dish and give everything a good stir. This helps the orzo cook evenly and prevents sticking. If the mixture looks dry, splash in a bit more broth.

Step 4: Final Baking Stage

Return the dish to the oven. Bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.

Step 5: Add Finishing Touches

Remove the dish from the oven. Sprinkle minced garlic over the top. Crumble Parmesan cheese and dot with butter. Stir until the cheese melts and creates a creamy texture.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Tear fresh basil leaves and scatter them over the dish. Drizzle with a light stream of olive oil. The aroma will be irresistible!

Cooking Tips for Baked Orzo and Meatballs

• Liquid Precision: Measure broth and tomato soup carefully to achieve the perfect moisture level for orzo, preventing dryness or sogginess.
• Meatball Distribution: Spread meatballs evenly throughout the dish to ensure consistent flavor and heat distribution during baking.
• Stirring Strategy: Gently mix the orzo halfway through cooking to promote uniform texture and prevent bottom-layer sticking.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Allow residual heat to melt Parmesan and butter naturally for a smooth, creamy finish without additional cooking.
• Fresh Herb Enhancement: Add basil just before serving to maintain its vibrant color and maximize its aromatic impact on the dish.

Storing and Reheating Orzo and Meatball Leftovers

• Refrigerate: Transfer cooled orzo and meatballs into an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheat in Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F. Place leftovers in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave Option: Sprinkle a few drops of water or extra broth over the orzo to maintain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until completely warmed.

Serving Ideas for Baked Orzo with Meatballs

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Complement the hearty meatballs and rich tomato base with a medium-bodied Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese, which cuts through the dish's richness and enhances its savory flavors.
• Serve with Crisp Green Salad: Balance the warm, comforting orzo with a light arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette, adding refreshing acidity and textural contrast to the meal.
• Match with Garlic Bread: Elevate the dining experience by serving crusty garlic bread alongside the dish, perfect for soaking up the flavorful tomato and broth mixture.
• Finish with Citrus Sorbet: End the meal with a zesty lemon or orange sorbet to cleanse the palate and provide a bright, cool finish after the rich and hearty main course.

Flavor Variations for Baked Orzo with Meatballs

• Mediterranean Magic: Swap meatballs with grilled chicken and add kalamata olives, feta cheese, and spinach for a Greek-inspired version that brings Mediterranean flavors to your table.
• Spicy Southwest Spin: Replace traditional meatballs with chorizo sausage, incorporate black beans, corn kernels, and swap Parmesan for pepper jack cheese to create a zesty southwestern-style dish.
• Vegetarian Garden Blend: Substitute meatballs with roasted seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant, and use vegetable broth to create a hearty plant-based alternative that doesn't compromise on taste.
• Seafood Fusion Feast: Trade meatballs for succulent shrimp or tender white fish, add saffron to the broth, and sprinkle with fresh dill for an elegant seafood-inspired version that elevates the classic recipe.

Baked Orzo with Meatballs Questions Answered

• Can I use a different type of pasta instead of orzo?

While orzo works best for this recipe, you can substitute with small pasta shapes like stelline or small shells. Just adjust cooking time and liquid ratio accordingly.

• How do I know if my meatballs are fully cooked?

Meatballs should reach an internal temperature of 160°F. If using pre-cooked meatballs, ensure they’re heated through during the baking process.

• Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Replace meatballs with plant-based protein like chickpeas or vegetarian meatballs. Use vegetable broth instead of meat-based broth to maintain a similar flavor profile.

• How long can I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven, adding a splash of broth to prevent dryness.

Why You Should Try Baked Orzo with Meatballs

• This one-pan meal delivers maximum flavor with minimal kitchen work, making weeknight dinners a breeze.
• Combining meatballs, orzo, tomato soup, and Parmesan creates a rich, hearty dish that satisfies comfort food cravings with Mediterranean-inspired touches.
• The recipe allows flexible ingredients like different broths or meat variations, perfect for adapting to family preferences or pantry availability.
• From start to finish, this meal takes under 45 minutes, providing a delicious solution for busy households seeking a wholesome, filling dinner without extensive preparation.

Ingredients Needed for Baked Orzo with Meatballs

Main Ingredients:

• Orzo: Soft, small rice-shaped pasta that absorbs flavors well and creates a creamy texture.
• Broth: Provides moisture and depth of flavor for cooking the orzo, choice of chicken or vegetable recommended.

• Meatballs: Hearty protein component that adds richness and substance to the dish, pre-cooked or fresh meatballs work great.

• Tomato Soup, Broth: Helps cook orzo and creates a saucy, flavorful base, opt for low-sodium varieties.

• Garlic: Fresh chopped garlic adds aromatic depth and savory notes.
• Parmesan Cheese: Provides a salty, nutty finish that melts beautifully into the dish.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, creamy texture.

• Fresh Basil: Bright, fresh herb that adds color and a light, peppery flavor.
• Olive Oil: High-quality oil for drizzling that enhances overall flavor and adds a glossy finish.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Adds burst of freshness and slight acidity to the dish, halved for better distribution.

Baked Orzo Delight With Savory Meatballs Recipe

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• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Mediterranean-inspired baked orzo delight with savory meatballs combines hearty pasta and juicy protein in one comforting dish. Creamy textures and rich herb-infused flavors promise a satisfying meal you’ll savor from first bite to last.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2–3 cups premade chicken meatballs
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved

Grains and Base:

• 16 ounces (454 grams) DeLallo orzo
• 3 cups (710 milliliters) vegetable or chicken broth
• 2 cups (475 milliliters) ready-to-serve tomato soup

Seasonings and Finishing Ingredients:

• ½ cup (50 grams) Parmesan cheese
• 1 clove garlic
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) butter
• Fresh basil for topping
• DeLallo Private Reserve Olive Oil for topping

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Instructions

1. Preheat the culinary workspace to a sizzling 425 degrees, preparing a spacious 9×13 inch baking vessel for a delectable orzo adventure.
2. Artfully distribute uncooked orzo across the baking dish, creating a welcoming base for robust meatballs, vibrant cherry tomatoes, aromatic broth, and rich tomato soup.
3. Slide the symphonic mixture into the heated oven, allowing the ingredients to meld and transform for approximately 25 minutes, creating a harmonious culinary landscape.
4. Carefully extract the dish and gently stir the contents, ensuring each grain of orzo receives equal attention and liquid absorption.
5. Evaluate the orzo’s tenderness – if still slightly resistant, return to the oven for an additional 10-minute interlude, introducing more broth if the mixture appears parched.
6. Once perfectly cooked, unveil the dish from the oven’s warmth and introduce minced garlic, bringing an aromatic intensity to the ensemble.
7. Sprinkle generously with Parmesan cheese, allowing its nutty essence to cascade through the creation, and incorporate butter to enhance the velvety texture.
8. Complete the masterpiece by garnishing with delicate fresh basil leaves and a graceful drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, transforming the dish into a culinary work of art.

Notes

• Versatile one-pan meal that combines hearty meatballs with creamy orzo for a comforting dinner solution.
• Precise liquid ratios are crucial to achieve perfectly cooked, tender orzo without becoming mushy or dry.
• Customize the dish by choosing different types of broth like chicken, vegetable, or beef to match your flavor preferences.
• Check orzo’s doneness midway through cooking and add extra liquid if needed to prevent sticking or burning.
• Elevate the final presentation with freshly grated Parmesan and torn basil leaves for a restaurant-quality touch.
• Potential time-saving meal prep option: assemble ingredients ahead and refrigerate before baking for a quick weeknight dinner.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg