Baked Meatballs with Orzo in Tomato Sauce
This hearty and comforting dish combines juicy homemade meatballs with tender orzo pasta, all baked in a rich and flavorful tomato sauce. Perfect for a cozy family dinner, this one-pan meal is easy to prepare and full of delicious Mediterranean-inspired flavors. The orzo absorbs the sauce beautifully while baking, creating a creamy, satisfying texture. Serve it with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal!
Time Required:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Ingredients:
For the Meatballs:
1 lb (450g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp olive oil (for browning)
For the Sauce and Orzo:
2 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 cup orzo pasta
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional, for topping)
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
Make the Meatballs:
In a bowl, mix ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Form into small meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter).
Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat and brown the meatballs for about 2-3 minutes per side. They don’t need to be fully cooked as they will finish in the oven.
Prepare the Sauce:
In the same pan, add olive oil and sauté the onion until soft.
Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Stir in diced tomatoes, broth, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes.
Assemble the Dish:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Pour the uncooked orzo into a greased baking dish.
Pour the tomato sauce over the orzo and stir to distribute.
Nestle the meatballs into the dish.
Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Final Touches:
Remove foil, sprinkle with mozzarella cheese (if using), and bake uncovered for another 10 minutes or until cheese is melted and the orzo is tender.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Baked Meatballs with Orzo in Tomato Sauce – Tips
Q: How do I prevent the meatballs from falling apart?
A: Make sure to use a binding agent like breadcrumbs and eggs. Mixing the meat mixture well and not overhandling it will help keep the meatballs firm.
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta instead of orzo?
A: Yes! Small pasta shapes like ditalini or pearl couscous can work, but you may need to adjust the liquid and cooking time.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs and sauce in advance and refrigerate them separately. When ready to bake, assemble the dish and add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Q: How do I know when the orzo is fully cooked?
A: The orzo should be tender but not mushy. If it’s too firm after the initial bake, you can add a bit more broth, stir, and return it to the oven for a few more minutes.
Q: Can I use store-bought meatballs?
A: Yes, store-bought frozen or fresh meatballs work too. If using frozen meatballs, thaw them first or adjust the baking time accordingly.
Q: How can I make this dish healthier?
A: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, reduce the cheese, and opt for whole wheat orzo for added fiber.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: Yes! Let the dish cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave with a splash of broth to keep it from drying out.
Nutrition Information – Baked Meatballs with Orzo in Tomato Sauce
(Per serving, based on 6 servings)
- Calories: ~450-500 kcal
- Protein: ~28g
- Carbohydrates: ~45g
- Fat: ~18g
- Saturated Fat: ~6g
- Fiber: ~4g
- Sugar: ~6g
- Sodium: ~700-900mg (varies based on broth and cheese)
How to Make It Lighter?
Use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
Swap white orzo for whole wheat orzo for extra fiber.
Reduce the cheese topping or use a lighter cheese alternative.
Use low-sodium broth and canned tomatoes to reduce sodium.