Baked Meatballs with Orzo in Roasted Pepper Sauce

Baked Meatballs with Orzo in Roasted Pepper Sauce

4 servings
50 minutes. Baked Meatballs with Orzo in Roasted Pepper Sauce. Beef meatballs with ricotta, pasta and eggplant roasted pepper tomato sauce.

Ingredients

  • 200 g/7 oz orzo
  • 150 g/5 oz grated mozzarella
  • 1 eggplant

    sliced into small cubes

  • 1 can crushed tomatoes

    400 g/15 oz

  • 1 small jar roasted bell peppers

    liquid drained, 280 g/10 oz

  • 3 garlic cloves

    minced

  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 shallot

    finely chopped

  • 250 ml/1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tsp each: smoked paprika

    dried oregano, dried thyme, dried basil, chili flakes

  • salt + black pepper
  • fresh thyme

    for sprinkling

  • olive oil
  • 500 g/1.1 pounds ground beef
  • 1 egg
  • 3 tbsp bread crumbs
  • 2 tbsp milk
  • 3 tbsp ricotta or heavy cream
  • 1 tsp each: smoked paprika

    dried oregano, cumin

  • 1 garlic clove

    minced or grated

Directions

  1. 1

    In a high speed blender add crushed tomatoes, broth, roasted peppers and tomato paste. Blend until smooth.

  2. 2

    Place the breadcrumbs and milk in a large bowl and mix well to combine. Set aside for 5 minutes.

  3. 3

    In the meantime, cut the eggplant, slice the shallot and mince the garlic.

  4. 4

    Add the beef, egg, garlic, ricotta, seasoning, salt and pepper to the breadcrumbs. Mix just until combined, using your hands. Roll the meat into balls.

  5. 5

    In a large oven-proof skillet, heat 3 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Brown meatballs on all sides, remove from skillet.

  6. 6

    In the same skillet, add shallot and garlic, cook for 2-3 minutes until soft. Add 3 tbsp olive oil, then the eggplant cubes. Cook for 5 minutes, and add in orzo. Stir and cook for 1 minute.

  7. 7

    Stir in tomato sauce, salt, pepper and the seasoning. Bring to a boil, cover and simmer on very low heat for 8 minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly. Stir from time to time with a wooden spoon.  If needed, add a little bit of water.

  8. 8

    In the meantime, preheat the oven to 200°C/400°F.

  9. 9

    Add meatballs to the sauce, simmer for 5 minutes or until the orzo is al dente. Sprinkle with mozzarella and fresh thyme. Place in the oven until the mozzarella is melted and golden, about 10 minutes. Serve!

Baked Meatballs with Orzo in Roasted Pepper Sauce

Baked Meatballs with Orzo in Roasted Pepper Sauce

4.6(46)50 min4 servings

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Ratings & Reviews

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Based on 46 ratings

servingdumplings.com
4.6(46 reviews)
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About this Recipe

Craving a comforting, hearty meal that's both deeply flavorful and surprisingly simple to prepare? These Baked Meatballs with Orzo in Roasted Pepper Sauce deliver a family-friendly dinner straight from your oven.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe shines by combining tender, flavorful beef meatballs with the rich, aromatic depth of a roasted pepper tomato sauce. Baking the meatballs ensures they stay juicy while infusing the entire dish with a beautiful savory profile. The creamy ricotta in the meatballs adds a wonderful richness that sets them apart from ordinary versions.

What to Expect

Prepare for a truly satisfying experience. Each bite offers a succulent, melt-in-your-mouth beef meatball, subtly enhanced with ricotta, egg, breadcrumbs, and a blend of smoked paprika, oregano, and cumin. These rest within a vibrant sauce crafted from roasted bell peppers, crushed tomatoes, shallots, and garlic, seasoned with a medley of dried herbs and a hint of chili flakes. The orzo pasta cooks up perfectly, soaking in all those incredible flavors, creating a complete and balanced dish that feels both robust and elegantly put together. The eggplant cubes add an extra layer of texture and savory depth to the sauce.

Customization & Variations

Feel free to adjust the heat level by increasing or decreasing the chili flakes in the sauce to your preference. If you don't have ricotta on hand for the meatballs, the recipe notes that heavy cream can be used as an alternative for a similar rich texture. For a different flavor profile, consider swapping the fresh thyme garnish for fresh basil or parsley. You can also vary the amount of mozzarella for a cheesier or lighter finish.

Serving & Context

This robust dish is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a relaxed weekend gathering. Serve it straight from the baking dish, perhaps with a simple green salad and some crusty bread to sop up every last drop of that incredible sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions