Description
This hearty Meatball Orzo Skillet recipe combines tender homemade meatballs with perfectly cooked orzo pasta simmered in a rich tomato sauce. Enhanced with garlic, Parmesan, and fresh herbs, it’s a comforting one-pan meal ready in under an hour, ideal for busy weeknights or casual dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef or pork
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Orzo and Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried basil (or 1 tablespoon fresh basil)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground beef or pork, breadcrumbs, egg, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly and form into small, 1-inch meatballs.
- Brown the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs and cook until browned on all sides, about 6-8 minutes. Remove browned meatballs from the pan and set aside.
- Toast the Orzo: In the same skillet, add orzo pasta and toast it for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning and enhance flavor.
- Add Sauce and Simmer: Stir in crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, and dried basil, then bring the mixture to a simmer. Add cherry tomatoes and return the meatballs to the skillet, nestling them into the orzo and sauce.
- Cook the Dish: Cover skillet and let simmer gently for 15-18 minutes until orzo is tender and meatballs are fully cooked through. Stir occasionally to avoid sticking.
- Finish and Serve: Remove skillet from heat. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and additional grated Parmesan cheese. Serve hot for a comforting and flavorful meal.
Notes
- You can swap ground beef or pork with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
- Using fresh basil instead of dried will enhance the fresh herb flavor.
- Make sure to stir occasionally during simmering to prevent the orzo from sticking to the pan.
- For added spice, consider adding red pepper flakes when toasting the orzo.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently on the stovetop.
