Pumpkin Orzo with Turkey Meatballs is a comforting and cozy 30-minute meal that kids, parents, and busy folks everywhere will love. AKA the perfect fall dinner!
This one pot pumpkin orzo absolutely transforms an ordinary package of frozen turkey meatballs into a meal everyone will look forward to sitting down to. It has a fall risotto vibe without the work.
Why pumpkin orzo works
- FAST ~ whip up this pumpkin orzo with turkey meatballs in just 30-40 minutes.
- SEASONAL ~ the flavors scream Fall, and just look at that gorgeous golden color!
- SIDE OR MAIN ~ this dish works as a main dish or as a side for fall gatherings or Thanksgiving ~ just omit the meatballs.
- SHORTCUT ~ frozen turkey meatballs make this meal so easy. Good frozen meatballs are flash-cooked and seasoned well; they’re one of my favorite shortcuts.
- BUDGET FRIENDLY ~ feeds 4 hungry people for under $15.
- PICKY-EATER-PROOF ~ call it ‘cheesy orange pasta’ and don’t announce the squash.
sourcing your frozen turkey meatballs
A great kitchen shortcut not only has to save time, it has to be delicious. My frozen turkey meatballs are from Whole Foods, but here are a few top rated brands:
make this pumpkin orzo work for you
- Turn it into a side. Make pumpkin orzo as a side for a Roast Chicken with Garlic or Thanksgiving dinner, just omit the meatballs and beef up the cheese. I’d use Gruyere for a holiday occasion.
- You can use any kind of meatball, sausage, or even chickpeas for a veggie version.
- Roast any winter squash (butternut, acorn, kuri, etc.) and use your own puree.
What it tastes like
- This is a savory blend of earthy pumpkin and sage, not sweet like pumpkin spice. The pumpkin puree gives the orzo a velvety texture, very much like risotto.
Why it works on a Tuesday
- Pumpkin orzo is a one pot 30-40 minute meal with zero chopping (use that garlic press!)
Green add-ins
- Stir in chopped spinach or kale at the end; peas for kids.
Add The View from Great Island as a Trusted Google Source
Cheesy Pumpkin Orzo with Turkey Meatballs
Ingredients
- 16 ounce package of frozen pre-cooked turkey meatballs
- 2 tsp olive oil or butter
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 cup dried orzo pasta
- 2.5-3 cups chicken stock, vegetable stock or water
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 1/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 Tbsp shredded fresh sage leaves, plus more for serving
- 1 Tbsp unsalted butter
- small pinch nutmeg
- salt to taste
- Balsamic vinegar for serving, optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven and cook the turkey meatballs according to the instructions on the package.*
- Meanwhile, sauté the 2 cloves garlic, finely minced in 2 tsp olive oil or butter for a minute or two – don't let it burn.
- Add the 1 cup dried orzo pasta to the pan and toast it in the oil and garlic, stirring constantly, until it begins to turn a light golden brown. This should only take a minute or two.
- Add the 2.5-3 cups chicken stock, vegetable stock or water, about 1 cup at a time, stirring while everything to come to a simmer. Continue stirring and adding liquid in batches until most of the liquid is absorbed (similar to making a risotto on the stovetop). Continue until you have used all of the liquid and the orzo is tender.
- Stir in the 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree, 1/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 2 Tbsp shredded fresh sage leaves, and small pinch nutmeg. Heat through and taste to add salt as needed. Add an additional splash of water or stock to loosen the orzo, if needed.
- Finish by melting in the 1 Tbsp butter.
- Serve the orzo topped with a few cooked turkey meatballs, a sprinkling of sage, parmesan cheese, and light drizzle of good quality balsamic vinegar.
Notes
Nutrition
more easy fall meals
Baked Brats in Caramelized Sauerkraut
Baked brats in caramelized sauerkraut is a wonderfully easy sausage casserole that feeds the family on a weeknight, or a crowd on game day, you decide. It's a classic German recipe that everybody adores!
Roast Chicken with Potatoes, Apples and Brown Cabbage
Roast Chicken with Potatoes, Apples and Brown Cabbage ~ this cozy Scandinavian chicken dinner recipe is the ultimate hygge meal
Butternut Squash Risotto
Butternut squash risotto is a comforting and creamy risotto with roasted squash, Italian sausage, and fragrant sage, made in the Instant Pot or on the stove top.
Chinese Burning Noodles
Burning Noodles are a simple and delicious Sichuan noodle bowl made in 30 minutes!
Miso Glazed Salmon
Upgrade everyday salmon with a mouthwatering miso glaze. My simple miso glazed salmon recipe is packed with savory umami with a hint of sweet.
Coffee Rubbed Chicken Thighs
Juicy coffee rubbed chicken thighs are easy to make and bring a bold new flavor profile to the dinner table!
Mushroom Carbonara with Gruyere and Hazelnuts
Mushroom Carbonara with Gruyere and Hazelnuts is a cozy 30 minute dinner with restaurant flavor. It'll be your favorite (almost) meatless meal!
Wow!