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–+ servings

Beef Meatballs in Creamy Orzo and Spinach

This quick, flavorful and hearty dinner will be a family favorite GO-TO
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Mediterranean
Servings 4 servings
Calories 331 kcal

Ingredients
  

To make the orzo

  • 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter
  • 1 Shallot thinly sliced
  • 1 cup Orzo
  • 1 cup White Wine Of drinkable quality (optional)
  • 2 cups Chicken Stock
  • ½ cup Whole milk Or Half and half
  • 1 cup Fresh spinach Washed and stems removed, roughly chopped
  • ¼ cup Grated parmesan cheese Plus more for serving
  • Freshly cracked black pepper
  • 25 Beef meatballs

Instructions
 

  • If using previously frozen meatballs, remove them from the freezer and let them come to room temperature, about 20 minutes
  • For the orzo, place a skillet over medium heat. Add the butter and let it melt. Add the shallots to the butter and season with a pinch of salt. Cook for about 1 minute. Stir in the orzo and incorporate with the melted butter
  • Pour in the white wine and add the thyme. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2 minutes.
  • Stir in the chicken stock. Bring to a simmer again, reduce the heat to medium-low, and cook for about 6 more minutes, stirring often.
  • Add in the milk, spinach and parmesan. Let the mixture simmer and slightly thicken while the spinach wilts. Add the meatballs and cover to let them warm with the orzo mixture.
  • Spoon the orzo into a shallow bowl and top with the meat balls, some freshly cracked black pepper, and a sprinkle of parmesan

Notes

While the meatballs bake, the orzo comes together quickly on the stovetop.  Start the orzo when the meatballs have about 15 minutes left in the oven
If the meatballs are already prepared, remove desired amount of meatballs from the freezer container and let them come to room temperature while you cook the orzo
Fresh or frozen spinach work well in this dish

Nutrition

Calories: 331kcalCarbohydrates: 37gProtein: 11gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 28mgSodium: 299mgPotassium: 332mgFiber: 1gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 282IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 114mgIron: 1mg
Keyword Beef Meatballs, Family Favorite, Quick and Easy
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