One-Pot Mushroom Orzo with Spinach and Meatballs

Note from Jess

I’m becoming obsessed with one-pot dinners! As life gets busier and busier, one-pot meals are literally saving my sanity. Don’t get me wrong, I love to cook, but it requires time and energy that I don’t always have. Recipes like this One-Pot Coconut Curry Rice with Chicken and Spinach and Shrimp and Chicken Fried Rice feed my entire family in less than 45 minutes. My hope is that these one-pot recipes help you, too! Nothing better than getting dinner on the table quickly and with minimal clean up, right?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It’s made in one pot, which means minimal cleanup. Yay!
• It’s full of cozy, earthy flavors. Definitely comfort in a bowl.
• It tastes like creamy risotto but is way less work.
• Great for meal prep and leftovers.

Meatball Ingredients & Substitutions

Here’s a list of all the ingredients you’ll need, along with a few notes about each.

• Ground beef – I used 80% lean ground beef. If you don’t eat red meat, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead.
• Italian Style Breadcrumbs – I used panko Italian breadcrumbs. Any type will work. You can substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs if necessary.
• Milk – A little milk to help keep the meatballs moist. Any kind will do.
• Egg – An egg helps bind all the ingredients together.
• Salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder and dried parsley – To season the meatballs.

Mushroom Orzo Ingredients & Substitutions

Here’s a list of all the ingredients you’ll need, along with a few notes about each.

• Orzo – I love this type of pasta for one-pot recipes. A little goes a long way, kids love it, and it turns creamy without much effort. I use it all the time in dinners like my Broccoli Cheddar Orzo.
• Baby Bella Mushrooms – I prefer Baby Bellas for their earthiness and color. Button mushrooms can be substituted.
• Yellow onion – Onion is used for flavor and sweetness. I prefer a yellow onion, but a white one or a shallot could also be used.
• Garlic – Garlic adds sweetness and flavor.
• Beef stock – Beef stock helps cook the orzo. If you use ground beef for the meatballs, stick to beef stock. If you use ground chicken or turkey, use chicken or vegetable stock.
• Half & half – Adds a nice creamy element. Full-fat unsweetened coconut milk can also be used as a dairy-free option.
• Salt & pepper – To help season the entire dish.
• Thyme and rosemary – This combo of herbs is great for the cozy vibes of this dish. Italian seasoning would also work.
• Crushed red pepper – I found that a little heat is really nice in this recipe. Omit if you don’t like heat.
• Spinach – I like spinach for its color and nutritional elements. Kale or Swiss chard could also be used.
• Butter and olive oil – Both are used to fry the meatballs in. Butter adds richness.
• Lemon zest – Adding lemon zest at the end helps cut through the richness and adds a hint of freshness. It does not make the dish taste like lemon.
• Fresh parsley – Fresh parsley for color and again, a fresh element.
• Parmesan cheese – A sprinkle of parmesan adds a nutty, salty bite.

Tips for Success

• Read through the entire recipe before starting. Prepare all of the ingredients and cooking utensils as well. This will help prevent mistakes and make clean-up easier.
• Toast the orzo. It brings out a nutty flavor that makes a big difference.
• Don’t overcook the orzo. It should be creamy, not mushy.
• Make extra meatballs. They freeze beautifully. They can be used in my meatball sandwiches, just simmer them in jarred marinara or over pasta or enjoyed as is.

Variations

• Swap ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
• Stir in a handful of sun-dried tomatoes for a richer, Tuscan-inspired flavor. I do something similar in my Marry Me Chicken Orzo.
• Or skip the meatballs and top with grilled chicken or shrimp for something different. I love using shrimp in lighter meals like my Tomato Orzo Soup.
• Use chopped kale or Swiss chard for a different leafy green element.
• Add toasted pine nuts for crunch.

Final Thoughts

I think dinner just got easier! This is the kind of cozy dinner I know I’ll keep coming back to.

Between the simple prep, cozy flavors, and easy variations, it’s exactly the kind of dinner that works well on busy weeknights.

It’s hearty, comforting, and the kind of meal everyone actually wants to sit down and eat together.