Easy Tomato Orzo and Turkey Goat Cheese Meatballs

Have you tried orzo before?! It’s basically like the pasta rice, and one of my favorite pastas to cook. It’s fabulous in pasta salads or simple pastas loaded with fresh veggies. But today I’m taking that traditional spaghetti and meatball recipe and making it non-traditional with tomato orzo and turkey goat cheese meatballs!

For our meatballs, we mix together lean ground turkey with breadcrumbs, crumbled goat cheese, minced garlic, lots of spices, and a few tablespoons of chimichurri (you can sub store-bought pesto if you’d like), then bake them into juicy little flavor bombs.

While the meatballs are baking, we sauté minced garlic, diced onions, and diced carrots together with olive oil, salt, and pepper until soft and fragrant. Next, we stir in canned crushed tomatoes, coconut milk, Italian seasoning, and dry ORZO. Let this cook until the orzo is al dente and the sauce has thickened, then add in the baked meatballs and SERVE. YUM.

INGREDIENTS

For the meatballs:

• 1 lb lean ground turkey
• ⅓ cup breadcrumbs
• 2 oz crumbled goat cheese
• 4 garlic cloves minced
• 2 tbsps chimichurri sauce, see notes for recipe // can sub store bought pesto
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Healthy pinch of salt and pepper

For the orzo:

• ¼ cup butter
• 4 cloves of garlic minced
• 1 sweet onion diced
• 2 cups diced carrots
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Healthy pinch of salt and pepper
• 1 (28oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15oz)can of coconut milk
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 6 oz dry orzo
• for serving: grated Parmesan, minced basil, and slices of freshly baked bread

How to make Tomato Orzo and Turkey Goat Cheese Meatballs

Step 1:

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2:

Add all meatball ingredients to a medium bowl, then combine using your hands and mix until everything is evenly distributed. Then form the mixture into 1-inch-sized meatballs. Arrange meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, then bake in the oven until insides are no longer pink, about 20-25 minutes.

Step 3:

Heat butter in a Dutch oven or large deep skillet over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic, diced onions, diced carrots, Italian seasoning, and a healthy pinch of salt and pepper. Toss to coat, then saute until garlic and onions are fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 4:

Next, add in crushed tomatoes, coconut milk, chicken broth, and dry orzo, then stir well. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and let simmer (uncovered) for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is al dente and sauce has thickened.

Step 5:

Finally, add in the cooked meatballs, then give it a few stirs. Divide between bowls and serve with grated Parmesan, minced basil, and a slice or two of your favorite fresh bread!

Recipe Notes

Optional chimichurri sauce (makes about 1 cup):

1 bunch fresh parsley, minced
½ cup olive oil
2 tbsps red-wine vinegar
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp crushed red pepper
½ tsp salt
½ tsp ground pepper

Direction

Add all chimichurri ingredients to the bowl of your food processor, then pulse until smooth and ingredients are completely incorporated.

KITCHEN EQUIPMENT NEEDED

• Oven
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Large skillet or Dutch oven
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Knife and cutting board
• Garlic press (optional)
• Ladle or serving spoon

WHAT TO EAT WITH THIS TOMATO ORZO AND TURKEY GOAT CHEESE MEATBALLS

The first time I made Tomato Orzo and Turkey Goat Cheese Meatballs, I had no pesto, no marinara, just a hungry family and a pound of ground turkey.

I crossed my fingers, added what I had, and hoped for the best. To my surprise, the flavors still came beautifully! Even my picky eater asked for seconds.

Now it’s a weeknight staple. I usually serve it with Butternut Squash Stuffing (Gluten Free) on the side or a big scoop of Carrot Gnocchi for cozy vibes.

For something lighter, we pair it with Peach Caprese Salad with Grilled Chicken. And for dessert? Always a treat, either Fresh Michigan Cherry Pop-Tarts or a Simple Lemon Cake.

FAQ

What are these Turkey Goat Cheese Meatballs made of?

This recipe is made with ground turkey, goat cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic, chimichurri (or pesto), and spices for the meatballs. The orzo is cooked in a tomato and coconut milk sauce with carrots, onions, and garlic.

What do Turkey Goat Cheese Meatballs look like?

It tastes savory from the goat cheese. The meatballs are juicy, while the orzo is rich.

Can I use a different meat?

Yes, ground chicken or beef works well in these goat cheese meatballs.

What if I don’t like goat cheese?

You can replace goat cheese with feta or cream cheese for these goat cheese meatballs.

Are goat cheese meatballs spicy?

Nope.

Can I use regular milk instead of coconut milk?

Yes, but the sauce will be less creamy and have a different taste.

Can I freeze the goat cheese meatballs?

The meatballs freeze well, but orzo might become mushy.

Can I use another pasta?

Yes.

Is this dish healthy?

It’s full of lean protein, veggies, and has a creamy base without heavy cream.

How do I store leftovers?

Put leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge. Eat within 3 days.