Meatball, pepper & orzo bake

Step by Step

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 180ºC, gas mark 4. Heat the oil in a large, lidded, ovenproof frying pan over a medium-high heat. Fry the meatballs for 5 minutes, turning regularly, until browned. Lift out of the pan and set aside.

Step 2

Reduce the heat to medium and add a splash more oil to the pan, if needed, then add the garlic and fry for 1 minute. Stir in the tomato purée and fry for 1 minute more, then finally add the quartered peppers and fry, stirring, for 2-3 minutes.

Step 3

Rinse the orzo well, then stir into the pan with the stock and season with salt. Return the meatballs to the pan, scatter over the mozzarella and grind over some black pepper. Cover and bake for 10 minutes, then remove the lid and bake for a final 10 minutes until the meatballs are cooked through and no pink meat remains. Let stand for 5 minutes before scattering with parsley, if using, and serving with green beans.