One Pan Greek Baked Orzo with Meatballs Recipe

### 🍝 One Pan Greek Baked Orzo with Meatballs Recipe 🇬🇷

This **One Pan Greek Baked Orzo with Meatballs** is a delightful and easy-to-make dish that combines savory meatballs with tender orzo pasta and Mediterranean flavors. Perfect for a family dinner or meal prep!

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### **Ingredients:**

– **500g / 1 lb ground beef** 🥩
– **1 egg** 🥚
– **1 onion, grated** 🧅
– **2 garlic cloves, minced** 🧄
– **1 tsp dried oregano** 🌿
– **Salt and pepper** 🧂
– **2 tbsp olive oil** 🫒
– **400g / 14 oz orzo** 🍝
– **1 can diced tomatoes** 🍅
– **500ml / 2 cups chicken stock** 🍗
– **1 tsp dried thyme** 🌱
– **100g / 3.5 oz feta cheese, crumbled** 🧀

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### **Instructions:**

#### 1. **Make the Meatballs:**
– In a bowl, combine **ground beef**, **egg**, **grated onion**, **minced garlic**, **dried oregano**, **salt**, and **pepper**. Mix until well combined.
– Form the mixture into small meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter).

#### 2. **Brown the Meatballs:**
– In a large skillet, heat **olive oil** over medium heat.
– Add the meatballs and brown on all sides. Once browned, remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.

#### 3. **Prepare the Orzo:**
– In the same skillet, add **orzo**, **diced tomatoes** (with their juice), **chicken stock**, and **dried thyme**. Stir well and bring to a simmer.

#### 4. **Combine and Bake:**
– Return the browned meatballs to the skillet, nestling them into the orzo mixture.
– Cover the skillet with a lid or aluminum foil, and transfer to a preheated oven at **180°C / 350°F**.
– Bake for **30 minutes**, or until the orzo is tender and the meatballs are cooked through.

#### 5. **Garnish and Serve:**
– Remove from the oven, sprinkle with **crumbled feta cheese**, and serve warm.

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### **Prep & Nutritional Info:**

– **Prep Time:** 15 minutes
– **Total Time:** 45 minutes
– **Servings:** 4-6
– **Calories:** Approximately 400-500 calories per serving (calories may vary based on specific ingredients).

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### **Tips for Success:**

– You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
– Add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers to the orzo for extra nutrition.
– For added flavor, consider including fresh herbs like parsley or basil when serving.

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### **Final Thoughts:**

This **One Pan Greek Baked Orzo with Meatballs** is a comforting and hearty meal that brings the flavors of Greece to your table with minimal cleanup. Enjoy it with a side salad or some crusty bread! 🍽️✨