Ground Beef Orzo

Ground beef orzo is a comforting dish that hits the spot any night of the week. It’s a delightful one-pan meal that combines seasoned ground beef with tender orzo pasta, all simmered in a rich broth with tomatoes and spices. I first stumbled upon this recipe on a busy weeknight, and it quickly became a family favorite. Not only is it quick to prepare, but it also pleases both kids and adults alike with its robust flavors and hearty texture.

What Makes This Recipe Special

This ground beef orzo is not just another weeknight meal; it’s a symphony of flavors and textures that come together in just about 30 minutes. It’s budget-friendly, making it a perfect option for families looking to feed hungry mouths without breaking the bank. The dish is versatile—great for a cozy family dinner, an easy meal prep, or even as a comforting dish during the holiday season.

"This meal has quickly become a staple in our home. It’s simple, yet so satisfying. I love how everyone devours it!” – A satisfied cook

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking It

Creating this meal is straightforward and rewarding. You’ll start by sautéing onions and garlic, then introducing flavorful ground beef to the mix. Once that’s browned, you’ll add orzo and broth, letting everything simmer together to absorb the rich flavors. By the end, you’ll have a satisfying dish that can be served hot and topped with grated Parmesan.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create your hearty ground beef orzo, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef: The star protein of this dish.
• 1 cup orzo pasta: A small, rice-shaped pasta that cooks quickly.
• 1 onion, diced: Adds depth with its sweetness.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic gives an aromatic bite.
• 4 cups beef broth: This forms the flavorful base for the dish.
• 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz): For acidity and moisture.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that complements the flavors.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for enhancing flavors.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing the aromatics.
• Parmesan cheese, grated: A delicious finishing touch.

For a twist, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option, or use vegetable broth and omit the meat for a vegetarian version.

Cooking Steps

1. Sauté Aromatics: In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
2. Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the pan. Cook until it is browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat, if necessary.
3. Combine Ingredients: Stir in the orzo, diced tomatoes, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
4. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the orzo is cooked and the liquid is mostly absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. Serve: Top with grated Parmesan cheese before serving hot.

Best Way to Serve

This ground beef orzo dish is delightful on its own; however, you can elevate the meal with a simple side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a refreshing contrast. As a comforting option, serve it in deep bowls, perfect for scooping up with a spoon, and encourage everyone to top their portions with extra Parmesan for that added creaminess.

Storage Tips

If you find yourself with leftovers (though I doubt it!), allow the dish to cool before storing. Place it in an airtight container in the fridge, where it will last for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. You can also freeze the dish for up to 3 months; just make sure to let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Pro Chef Tips

• Flavor Boost: Add a splash of balsamic vinegar or a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick.
• Ingredient Additions: For added nutrition, toss in some spinach or kale during the last few minutes of simmering.
• Texture Variation: Swap out some or all of the orzo for a different pasta shape or even quinoa for a nutty flavor.

Creative Twists

There are endless ways to personalize this ground beef orzo recipe. Feel free to experiment! Consider adding chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or even parmesan rinds to the simmer for additional flavor. For a Mediterranean twist, incorporate olives or feta cheese as toppings.

Your Questions Answered

How long does this dish take to prepare?

From start to finish, this ground beef orzo takes about 30 minutes to prepare—perfect for a quick dinner!

Can I make this dish in advance?

Yes! This dish stores well, so feel free to prepare it in advance and enjoy it later in the week.

What can I substitute for beef broth?

If you don’t have beef broth on hand, chicken broth or vegetable broth can work nicely as alternatives.

Is this recipe kid-approved?

Absolutely! The flavors are mild but delicious, making it appealing to even the pickiest of eaters.

With its cozy flavors and quick cooking time, this ground beef orzo is bound to become a beloved recipe in your household, just as it has in mine!

Ground Beef Orzo

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• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Beef

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Description

A comforting one-pan meal of seasoned ground beef and tender orzo pasta simmered in a rich broth with tomatoes and spices.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Parmesan cheese, grated

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Instructions

1. In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic; sauté until translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
2. Add ground beef to the pan; cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.
3. Stir in orzo, diced tomatoes, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, until orzo is cooked and liquid is mostly absorbed, stirring occasionally.
5. Top with grated Parmesan cheese before serving hot.

Notes

For a leaner option, substitute ground turkey or chicken. For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and omit the meat.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: One-Pan Cooking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: ground beef, orzo, one-pan meal, quick dinner, family favorite