Comfort meets culinary magic in this hearty baked orzo with tender, perfectly seasoned meatballs.
Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this baked orzo delight delivers every single time.
Juicy meatballs nestled among creamy pasta create a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.
Each bite promises a rich, satisfying experience that feels both homey and gourmet.
Mediterranean-inspired seasonings infuse depth into every morsel of this comforting dish.
The combination of pasta and protein makes this recipe a complete meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Dive into this delectable creation and transform an ordinary evening into a memorable dining experience.
Keeping Leftover Baked Orzo Just Right
Quick Batch Cooking: Whip up double the recipe and divide into individual meal containers for easy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week. Refrigerated portions stay delicious for 3-4 days when sealed tightly.
Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Transfer cooled orzo and meatball dish into freezer-safe containers. These meals hold perfectly for up to 2 months, offering convenient future dining options. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
Smart Reheating Technique: Warm refrigerated or thawed portions in microwave with splash of extra broth to restore moisture. For best texture, cover dish and heat at 50% power to prevent orzo from becoming dry or rubbery.
Ingredient Flexibility: Replace meatballs with rotisserie chicken, ground turkey, or plant-based protein alternatives. Switch broth types based on dietary preferences or ingredient availability without compromising overall dish quality.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Calories: 412 kcal
Servings: 7
Baked Orzo with Savory Meatballs – Ingredient List
For Base Ingredients:
Orzo: Delicate pasta that absorbs flavors beautifully, choose high-quality Italian-style pasta for best texture.
Broth: Provides deep flavor and moisture, select low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth for balanced seasoning.
Tomato Soup: Creates rich, creamy base, opt for smooth, well-seasoned variety without chunks.
For Protein Components:
Meatballs: Hearty protein centerpiece, select pre-made or homemade with a blend of beef and pork for maximum flavor.
For Flavor Enhancers:
Cherry Tomatoes: Adds bright, fresh burst of sweetness, choose ripe, vibrant red tomatoes for maximum juiciness.
Garlic: Intensifies overall dish complexity, select fresh cloves for most robust taste.
Parmesan Cheese: Provides salty, nutty depth, choose freshly grated for superior melting quality.
Butter: Creates silky, rich finish, use unsalted for better control of dish's saltiness.
Fresh Basil: Introduces aromatic freshness, select bright green leaves without wilting.
Olive Oil: Adds smooth, fruity undertone, choose extra virgin for best quality.
Must-Have Items for Making Baked Orzo & Meatballs
Large baking dish (9×13 inches): Essential for mixing and baking all ingredients together.
Oven: Crucial for baking the orzo and meatballs to perfection.
Measuring cups: Helps accurately measure broth and tomato soup.
Cutting board: Needed for chopping garlic and basil.
Sharp knife: Used for halving cherry tomatoes and chopping herbs.
Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring ingredients during baking and mixing final touches.
Cheese grater: Useful if grating fresh Parmesan cheese.
Instructions for Crafting Baked Orzo with Meatballs
Comfort Orzo Bake
Oven Warmup Prepare your oven by heating it to a toasty 425 degrees. This will create the perfect environment for our delicious one-pan meal.
Ingredient Symphony Combine orzo, broth, tomato soup, meatballs, and cherry tomatoes in a large baking dish. The ingredients will mingle and develop deep, rich flavors during cooking.
First Bake Slide the dish into the oven and let it work its magic for about 25 minutes. This initial cooking allows the orzo to start absorbing all the delicious liquid and blend with the meatballs.
Texture Check Give the dish a gentle stir to ensure even cooking. If the orzo seems too firm, let it continue baking for another 10 minutes. The goal is a creamy, perfectly cooked pasta.
Flavor Finale Pull the dish from the oven and stir in garlic, Parmesan, and butter until everything melts together beautifully. Garnish with fresh basil and a drizzle of olive oil for a restaurant-worthy finish.
Add-On Ideas for Baked Orzo Flavor
Quick Flavor Boosters: Swap standard beef meatballs with spicy Italian sausage meatballs for an extra kick of flavor.
Cheese Lovers' Twist: Mix different cheeses like mozzarella, provolone, or pecorino romano with the Parmesan for a more complex cheese profile.
Veggie Power-Up: Incorporate additional vegetables like diced zucchini, spinach, or roasted bell peppers directly into the orzo mixture for more nutrition and color.
Budget-Friendly Swap: Replace fresh cherry tomatoes with canned diced tomatoes during off-season times or when fresh produce is expensive, maintaining the same delicious tomato essence.
Best Ways to Serve Baked Orzo and Meatballs
Cheese Lover's Paradise: Sprinkle extra Parmesan on top for a delightful cheesy crust that adds richness and depth to every bite, perfect for cheese enthusiasts.
Fresh Herb Garden Garnish: Scatter additional fresh basil or flat-leaf parsley just before serving to bring a bright, aromatic freshness that cuts through the hearty meatball and orzo base.
Creamy Comfort Upgrade: Add a dollop of creamy ricotta or Greek yogurt on top to create a cool, tangy contrast to the warm, savory dish, enhancing the overall flavor profile and texture.
Zesty Side Companion: Serve alongside a crisp green salad with a light lemon vinaigrette to balance the rich, meaty flavors and provide a refreshing counterpoint to the main course.
Mouthwatering Baked Orzo Delight with Savory Meatballs combines Mediterranean flavors in one comforting dish. Hearty ingredients and rich seasonings create a memorable meal you’ll savor to the last delicious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
2–3 cups chicken meatballs (premade)
16 oz (454 g) DeLallo orzo
3 cups (710 ml) vegetable or chicken broth
2 cups (475 ml) ready-to-serve tomato soup
1 pint cherry tomatoes (halved)
½ cup (50 g) Parmesan cheese
1 clove garlic
2 tbsps (30 ml) butter
Fresh basil (for topping)
DeLallo Private Reserve Olive Oil (for topping)
Instructions
Preparation: Ignite the oven to a fiery 425 degrees, positioning a 9×13 inch baking dish as the stage for this culinary performance.
Layering Foundation: Spread uncooked orzo across the dish, nestling meatballs, cherry tomatoes, broth, and tomato soup into a harmonious landscape, ensuring each ingredient finds its perfect placement.
Initial Baking Cycle: Slide the ensemble into the preheated oven, allowing the ingredients to dance and meld for 25 minutes, creating a symphony of flavors and textures.
Mid-Cooking Intervention: Carefully extract the dish, gently stirring to promote even liquid absorption and prevent any orzo from becoming marooned in dry pockets.
Final Transformation: If orzo seems resistant, return to the oven for an additional 10 minutes, introducing extra broth to maintain moisture and tenderness.
Flavor Enhancement: Once orzo reaches peak perfection, remove from oven and introduce minced garlic, stirring to infuse an aromatic intensity throughout the dish.
Finishing Touches: Generously shower Parmesan cheese across the surface, incorporate butter for luxurious creaminess, and crown with fresh basil leaves and a sophisticated drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
Notes
Master Liquid Balance: Carefully monitor broth and liquid levels throughout cooking to prevent dry orzo; add extra broth in small increments if mixture looks too dry.
Precise Oven Timing: Watch closely during final 10 minutes to avoid overcooking; orzo should be tender but not mushy, maintaining a slight al dente texture.
Cheese Melting Technique: Add Parmesan near end of cooking to prevent burning and ensure smooth, creamy integration with the dish’s overall flavor profile.
Fresh Herb Enhancement: Incorporate basil leaves just before serving to preserve their vibrant color and maximize aromatic freshness, elevating the final presentation.
Recipe Development, Food Styling and Photography, Seasonal and Local Ingredients, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine, Culinary Education
Education
Portland Community College
Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and food safety. Gained hands-on experience in preparing diverse cuisines and understanding flavor profiles
Oregon Culinary Institute
Program: Baking and Pastry Certificate
Focus: Specialized education in baking fundamentals, pastry arts, and dessert presentation. Emphasized creativity and precision in crafting baked goods.
Jessica Martin is a talented food writer and recipe creator who specializes in seasonal cooking and approachable home baking.
Educated at Portland Community College with additional pastry training from Oregon Culinary Institute, Jessica’s culinary journey spans nearly a decade of creating and sharing flavorful recipes.
Her deep appreciation for local ingredients shapes each of her recipes, making them both accessible and inspiring. At Beard and Bonnet, Jessica uses her cheerful, down-to-earth writing to help readers effortlessly bring new tastes and creative dishes into their daily routines.
Jessica Martin
Recipe Developer & Food Writer
Expertise
Recipe Development, Food Styling and Photography, Seasonal and Local Ingredients, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine, Culinary Education
Education
Portland Community College
Oregon Culinary Institute
Jessica Martin is a talented food writer and recipe creator who specializes in seasonal cooking and approachable home baking.
Educated at Portland Community College with additional pastry training from Oregon Culinary Institute, Jessica’s culinary journey spans nearly a decade of creating and sharing flavorful recipes.
Her deep appreciation for local ingredients shapes each of her recipes, making them both accessible and inspiring. At Beard and Bonnet, Jessica uses her cheerful, down-to-earth writing to help readers effortlessly bring new tastes and creative dishes into their daily routines.