Speedy Meatball and Orzo Bake

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a proper hug in a bowl? Seriously, have you ever wondered what to do with those frozen meatballs lurking at the back of your freezer? Well, Weeknight Meals Are Made for this crazy delicious Meatballs And Orzo bake.

This dish is packed with flavour, simple to make, and oh-so-satisfying!

Brief Overview

This recipe takes inspiration from classic Italian American comfort food. It’s perfect for anyone who fancies a quick and easy weeknight dinners option.

It takes about 40 minutes to make, from start to finish and serves 4-6 hungry people.

Main Benefits

Beyond the amazing taste, this is a nutritional winner!. Packed with protein and satisfying carbs. It’s great for a family gathering or simply a quick family meals option that’ll have everyone fighting for seconds.

What makes this recipe special is that it’s so customisable!

Speedy Meatball and Orzo Bake: Your New Best Mate

Let's be honest, sometimes cooking feels like a chore. But what if I told you could whip up something seriously tasty with minimal effort? This Baked orzo recipe is all about using shortcuts to create a meal that tastes like you spent hours slaving away in the kitchen.

It’s one of those amazing Italian meatball recipes . Think of it as a One-pot pasta bake that's ready in under an hour.

If you are craving those Comfort food recipes then this is perfect for you. You know, the kind of dish that makes you want to curl up on the sofa with a glass of wine.

You’ll need pre-cooked meatballs, but trust me, it shaves off a ton of time. If you are feeling fancy then you can make your own Sausage Meatballs , which will elevate this dish to a whole new level.

Also, don't forget some cheese, because everything is better with melted cheese. You could throw in some Sundried Tomatoes for extra flavour, or spice it up with red pepper flakes.

This 40 minute meals is the perfect solution to hectic weeknights. Are you ready to get your bake on?

Ingredients & Equipment for your Speedy Meatball and Orzo Bake

Right then, let's talk grub! For this Speedy Meatball and Orzo Bake , we're aiming for minimal fuss. This means easy-to-find ingredients and equipment.

Honestly, if you've got a baking dish and a spoon, you're pretty much set.

Main Ingredients: The Starters

• Meatballs : 1 lb (450g) pre-cooked Italian style meatballs. Aim for meatballs about 1 inch in diameter. You can totally make your own sausage meatballs, but pre-made ones save serious time.
• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon. Any decent olive oil will do.
• Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped (1 cup or 150g). Yellow or white works best.
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced. Fresh is always better, trust me!
• Crushed Tomatoes: 28 oz (794g). Good quality crushed tomatoes make a difference, but don't break the bank.
• Tomato Sauce: 15 oz (425g). Plain old tomato sauce.
• Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon. Essential for that Italian vibe.
• Dried Basil: 1/2 teaspoon. Another key flavour.
• Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (optional). For a bit of a kick.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste. Seasoning is crucial!
• Orzo Pasta: 1 cup (200g) dry. The little rice shaped pasta.
• Chicken Broth: 1 cup (240ml). Low sodium is ideal.

Topping: Cheesy Goodness

• Mozzarella Cheese: 1 cup (113g) shredded. Pre-shredded is fine for convenience.
• Parmesan Cheese: 1/4 cup (25g) grated. Adds a lovely salty tang.
• Fresh Basil: 2 tablespoons chopped, for garnish. Makes it look fancy! Sundried Tomatoes are a great addition too!.

Seasoning Notes: Flavour Power

The magic here lies in the oregano, basil, and garlic combo. It's classic Italian. If you're feeling adventurous, a pinch of fennel seeds would be amazing.

Don't have oregano? Marjoram is a good substitute. A dash of balsamic vinegar adds a lovely depth of flavour, especially if you want to make Italian meatball recipes.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

• Large skillet or Dutch oven. Anything that can go from stovetop to oven.
• 9x13 inch baking dish. Standard size, nothing fancy.
• Mixing Spoon. For stirring, obviously.
• Measuring cups and spoons. Accuracy matters!

If you don't have a Dutch oven, a large oven safe skillet works great. Easy weeknight dinners shouldn’t require special equipment! I remember when I first started cooking, I was intimidated by all the fancy gadgets.

Honestly, you can make amazing comfort food recipes with just the basics. The benefits of the baked orzo recipe are the simplicity, and ready in 40 minute meals .

Weeknight Meals Are Made for simple and quick dishes. This One-pot pasta bake with Meatballs And Orzo is one of the best Quick family meals you can prepare.

Speedy Meatball and Orzo Bake: Weeknight Winner!

Honestly, sometimes you just need proper comfort food, you know? Not faffing about with complicated recipes. That’s where this Speedy Meatball and Orzo Bake comes in.

It's proper tasty and dead easy. This dish is perfect for easy weeknight dinners because it's ready in only 40 minute meals .

Think of it as a Mediterranean hug in a bowl!

This recipe brings together the classic comfort of meatballs in tomato sauce with delicate orzo pasta. A simple bake ties it all together.

It creates a satisfying, quick family meals that's perfect for those busy weeknights. This one-pot pasta bake uses the technique that's mostly assembly and baking.

It needs very little complex technique, because it is a proper "bung it in the oven" kind of dish.

Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row!

• Essential mise en place: Finely chop one medium onion (about 1 cup). Mince two cloves of garlic. Measure out one cup of dry orzo pasta and one cup of low-sodium chicken broth. Shred one cup of mozzarella and grate one-quarter cup of Parmesan. Chop two tablespoons of fresh basil.
• Time saving organization tips: Get pre-cooked Italian style meatballs. This will save you loads of time. Chop the onion and garlic while the meatballs are warming up a bit.
• Safety reminders: Be careful when transferring the hot dish from the oven to the countertop. Ouch!

step-by-step Process: Let's Get Cooking!

1. Preheat: First, get your oven to 375° F ( 190° C) . You want it nice and toasty.
2. Sauté Aromatics: Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes, or until softened. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until you can smell that gorgeous garlicky aroma.
3. Make the Sauce: Stir in 28 oz of crushed tomatoes, 15 oz of tomato sauce, one teaspoon of dried oregano, one-half teaspoon of dried basil, and one-quarter teaspoon of red pepper flakes (if you like a little kick). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring it all to a simmer.
4. Add Meatballs: Gently stir in the pre-cooked meatballs. Make sure they are nicely coated in the sauce. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring now and then.
5. Cook Orzo Briefly: Stir in the dry orzo pasta and chicken broth. Bring it back to a simmer, then take it off the heat. The orzo should be slightly undercooked.
6. Assemble and Bake: Pour the meatball and orzo mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle generously with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
7. Bake: Bake for 20- 25 minutes , or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown, and the orzo is cooked through. The bubbling cheese looks so good!
8. Garnish and Serve: Take it out of the oven and let it stand for a few minutes before garnishing with fresh basil. Serve hot and enjoy your Meatball And Orzo dish!

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Bake!

• Don't overcook the orzo: Remember, it will finish cooking in the oven. Overcooked orzo is a big no-no.
• Brown the meatballs (optional): For extra flavour, brown those sausage meatballs in the skillet before adding them to the sauce. It adds a depth of flavour that's just amazing!
• Common mistake to avoid: Not seasoning enough! Make sure to taste the sauce and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. Salt is your best friend!

So there you have it a simple, satisfying Meatballs And Orzo bake that's perfect for italian meatball recipes . This comfort food recipes are something you can rustle up any night of the week.

Give it a go, and let me know what you think! You can even add Sundried Tomatoes to give it some more flavor!

Recipe Notes: Nailing the Weeknight Meatball and Orzo

Okay, so you're ready to make this Speedy Meatball and Orzo Bake, yeah? Awesome! Let's talk through a few extra bits to really nail this dish.

Honestly, it's so easy. This baked orzo recipe is a sure fire winner.

Serving Suggestions: Let's Get This On the Table!

• Plating & Presentation: I reckon a rustic look is best. Scoop a generous portion into a bowl. Then top with extra fresh basil. A drizzle of olive oil? Why not!
• Complementary Sides: A simple green salad is peng with a lemon vinaigrette. Some crusty bread for dunking in the sauce? Absolute winner! A glass of Chianti? Chef's kiss .

Storage Tips: Leftovers? Lucky You!

• Refrigeration Guidelines: This Comfort food recipes will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure it's in an airtight container.
• Freezing Options: You can freeze it. Let it cool completely first. Then, portion it out into freezer bags or containers. It'll keep for up to 2 months.
• Reheating Instructions: Microwave it until piping hot, or reheat it in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until warmed through. Add a splash of water or broth if it seems dry, yeah ?

Variations: Let's Get Creative!

• Dietary Adaptations: Going veggie? Easy peasy! Use plant based meatballs and vegetable broth. gluten-free? Use gluten-free orzo or rice.
• Seasonal Ingredient Swaps: In summer, add some fresh Sundried Tomatoes or courgette to the sauce. In autumn, try adding roasted butternut squash. Easy weeknight dinners , sorted!

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite!

• Simplified Nutrition: Each serving has about 450 calories , 25g protein , and a decent amount of fiber. But, this is an estimate.
• Key Health Benefits: This dish is packed with protein and carbs for energy. It also has lycopene from the tomatoes. Tomatoes are actually fruit, you know? Did you know more than 80% of consumers believe tomatoes are a vegetable?

Weeknight Meals Are Made for dishes like this one. This is one of the Italian meatball recipes that's quick, easy, and satisfying.

These 40 minute meals are super delicious and everyone will loves these Sausage Meatballs .

This Quick family meals One-pot pasta bake are super delicious and everyone will loves it. Try adding your own twist too! Have fun with it! Happy cooking!