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Baked Antelope Meatballs with Orzo and Melted Mozzarella
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Baked Antelope Meatballs with Orzo and Melted Mozzarella

Baked antelope meatballs with orzo are an easy wild game comfort food. Juicy meatballs finished in marinara with tender pasta and melted mozzarella.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time35 minutes
Total Time54 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: ground antelope meatballs
Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground antelope
  • 10 Ritz crackers, crushed
  • 1 egg
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 2 tbsp ricotta cheese
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 3 cups marinara sauce
  • 1/2 cup cottage cheese
  • 4-6 slices mozzarella cheese
  • Grated Parmesan cheese, for topping

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 400°F.
  • In a bowl, combine the ground antelope, crushed crackers, egg, garlic, ricotta cheese, basil, thyme, oregano, onion powder, and salt. Mix gently until just combined. Roll into 12 meatballs.
  • Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper and bake for 15 minutes.
  • While the meatballs bake, heat an oven-proof skillet over medium-low heat. Add the butter and orzo pasta, then stir in the marinara sauce and cottage cheese. Cook for 12–14 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender.
  • Remove the meatballs from the oven and nestle them into the skillet. Top with sliced mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.  
  • Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbling, about 10 minutes. For a golden, slightly crisp top, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end.
  • Serve the antelope meatballs with a crisp green salad and slices of sourdough bread.

Notes

  • Substitute Meats: Ground venison or elk works just as well in place of antelope. These lean meats stay tender if you avoid overmixing.
  • Breadcrumb Alternative: Crushed crackers replace breadcrumbs and keep the meatballs moist and flavorful.
  • Cheese Options: Swap mozzarella for provolone or fontina for a different melt and flavor profile.
  • Make Ahead: Bake meatballs ahead of time and finish in the skillet with orzo and sauce when ready to serve.
  • Serving Suggestion: Pair this hearty Italian-inspired wild game meal with a crisp green salad and slices of sourdough bread for a complete dinner.