Description
This Sloppy Joe Orzo recipe with mini meatballs is a hearty, comforting one-pan meal that combines flavorful ground beef meatballs with tender orzo pasta simmered in a savory tomato-based sauce. Enhanced with bell peppers, onions, and a blend of ketchup, soy sauce, and spices, this dish is topped with melted colby jack cheese and served with tangy pickles or quick pickled onions for a delicious twist on the classic Sloppy Joe.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 pound ground beef
- Kosher salt and ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (divided)
Orzo and Sauce
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup yellow onion, diced
- 3 cups chicken broth (more if needed)
- 1 1/2 cups orzo
- 3 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (can substitute coconut aminos)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon coconut sugar
- 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Toppings
- 1/2 to 3/4 cup colby jack cheese, shredded
- Burger pickles and/or quick pickled onions (for serving)
Instructions
- Make Mini Meatballs: Use your hands to grab small amounts of the ground beef mixture to form mini meatballs and set them on a plate. Heat a large cast iron skillet or braiser over medium-high heat and drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add the mini meatballs, sear for about 5 minutes while moving them occasionally, and season with salt and pepper. Remove the meatballs from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: Keep the pan at medium-high heat and add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. Sauté the diced green bell pepper, yellow onion, and 1 tablespoon minced garlic, stirring occasionally until the vegetables soften, approximately 3 to 4 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: Add 3 cups of chicken broth, orzo, ketchup, soy sauce, tomato paste, coconut sugar, dijon mustard, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, kosher salt, ground black pepper, and the seared mini meatballs back into the skillet. Stir everything thoroughly to combine the flavors.
- Simmer: Cover the pan and allow the mixture to simmer gently for 13 to 15 minutes, or until the orzo is fully cooked. Stir occasionally and scrape the bottom of the pan to prevent sticking. If the liquid reduces too much, add small splashes of broth as needed to maintain moisture.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded colby jack cheese evenly over the top of the dish, cover the pan again, and let it warm for 1 to 2 minutes until the cheese melts.
- Serve: Plate the Sloppy Joe Orzo and garnish with burger pickles and/or quick pickled red onions according to your preference. Enjoy this flavorful and comforting meal!
Notes
- Use a cast iron skillet for best searing and even heat distribution.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Adjust seasoning and spice levels to your taste by adding hot sauce or cayenne pepper.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, replace meatballs with plant-based meat alternatives and use vegetable broth.
- Quick pickled onions can be made by soaking sliced red onions in vinegar with sugar and salt for 15 minutes.
- Ensure to stir occasionally while simmering to prevent the orzo from sticking or burning at the bottom.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
