Introduction
Are you looking for a quick, easy, and super tasty meal that doesn’t leave you with a sink full of dirty dishes? Then you’re going to love this Orzo Pasta One-Pot: 30-Minute Meatball & Veggie Wonder! This meal is perfect for busy weeknights. It’s made with tender meatballs, colorful veggies, and soft orzo pasta—all cooked in just one pot.
That means less time cooking and cleaning, and more time enjoying a warm, comforting dinner with your family. Even better? It only takes 30 minutes from start to finish! Whether you’re a beginner cook or just in a hurry, this recipe is a no-fail winner.
Ingredients – Orzo Pan with Meatballs
Here’s what you’ll need to make this one-pot wonder:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Pasta and Veggies:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup chopped zucchini
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup orzo pasta (uncooked)
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan (for topping)
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Step-by-Step Process – Orzo Pan with Meatballs
Let’s walk through the steps together. This is really simple, and it comes together fast.
Step 1: Make the Meatballs
- In a large bowl, mix the ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Use your hands or a spoon to combine everything well.
- Then, roll the mixture into small meatballs—about the size of a walnut.
Step 2: Brown the Meatballs
- In a large pot or deep pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides. This takes about 5–6 minutes.
- They don’t need to be fully cooked yet—just golden on the outside. Remove them and set them aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Veggies
- In the same pot, add the chopped onion and garlic. Cook for about 2 minutes.
- Then add the carrots, zucchini, and bell pepper. Cook for another 3–4 minutes, until they start to soften.
Step 4: Add Orzo, Broth, and Sauce
Now add the orzo pasta, chicken broth, tomato sauce, and Italian seasoning to the pot. Stir well.
Bring everything to a light boil.
Step 5: Return Meatballs & Simmer
- Add the browned meatballs back into the pot.
- Lower the heat and cover the pot. Let everything simmer gently for 12–15 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and the meatballs are fully cooked.
Step 6: Add Finishing Touches
- Once it’s done, sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese on top.
- You can also add fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
Step 7: Serve & Enjoy
Scoop into bowls and serve hot. That’s it! You’ve got a warm, hearty, and healthy meal ready in no time.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 480 |
| Protein | 28g |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Dietary Fiber | 5g |
| Sugars | 6g |
| Fat | 20g |
| Saturated Fat | 6g |
| Cholesterol | 90mg |
| Sodium | 720mg |
| Calcium | 150mg |
| Iron | 3mg |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use store-bought meatballs instead of homemade?
Yes! If you’re short on time, feel free to use frozen or pre-made meatballs. Just brown them in the pot the same way and continue with the recipe.
Q2: Can I use different vegetables?
Absolutely. This recipe is super flexible. You can use peas, spinach, mushrooms, or whatever veggies you have in your fridge.
Q3: Is orzo the same as rice?
No, it looks like rice, but it’s actually a small pasta. It cooks faster and gives a creamy texture in one-pot meals.
Q4: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can make it earlier in the day and reheat it later. Just add a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much.
Q5: Is this dish freezer-friendly?
It can be frozen, but the orzo might get a little mushy after defrosting. For best results, enjoy it fresh or within a couple of days.
Final Thoughts
- The Orzo Pasta One-Pot: 30-Minute Meatball & Veggie Wonder is more than just a quick dinner—it’s a full, satisfying meal packed with flavor and goodness. It checks all the boxes:
- Easy to make
- One-pot cleanup
- Full of veggies and protein
- Ready in just 30 minutes
Whether you’re cooking for your family, your friends, or just yourself, this dish is sure to impress without the stress. Plus, it’s fun to make and easy to customize with your favorite ingredients. So grab your pot, roll those meatballs, and get cooking—dinner will be on the table in no time!
