Ground Beef Orzo: Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transform your weeknight dinners! Forget boring, bland meals; this recipe is a flavor explosion waiting to happen. I'm thrilled to share this incredibly versatile and satisfying dish that's quickly become a staple in my own kitchen.
Orzo, a tiny, rice-shaped pasta, has roots stretching back to ancient Italy, where it was prized for its delicate texture and ability to absorb flavors beautifully. While its origins are European, this Ground Beef Orzo recipe takes inspiration from global comfort food traditions, blending savory ground beef with the delightful chewiness of orzo pasta.
What makes this dish so irresistible? It's the perfect balance of textures and tastes. The rich, savory ground beef, seasoned to perfection, mingles with the tender orzo, creating a symphony of deliciousness in every bite. People adore this dish because it's quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights. Plus, it's incredibly adaptable! Feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables, herbs, and spices to create a truly unique and personalized meal. Whether you're looking for a hearty family dinner or a comforting solo meal, this Ground Beef Orzo is guaranteed to hit the spot.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend recommended for flavor)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Preparing the Ground Beef and Vegetables:
- Brown the Ground Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease. Getting a good sear on the beef adds a lot of flavor, so don't be afraid to let it brown nicely.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and red bell pepper to the skillet with the browned beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes. You want the onions to become translucent and the peppers to lose some of their crispness.
- Add the Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter. The aroma of garlic cooking is one of my favorite things!
- Incorporate the Tomatoes: Pour in the diced tomatoes (undrained) and tomato sauce. Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. I usually start with about 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper, then adjust as needed.
- Simmer the Sauce: Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes, to allow the flavors to meld. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor will be. This is a great time to prep any other ingredients or just relax while the sauce does its thing.
Cooking the Orzo:
- Add the Broth: Pour the beef broth into the skillet with the meat sauce. Stir to combine. Make sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet – that's where a lot of flavor is!
- Incorporate the Orzo: Add the orzo pasta to the skillet. Stir well to ensure the orzo is submerged in the liquid.
- Simmer Until Orzo is Cooked: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and the liquid has been absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom of the skillet. Keep an eye on it, as cooking times can vary depending on your stove and the type of orzo you're using.
- Check for Doneness: The orzo should be cooked through but still slightly al dente. If the orzo is cooked but there's still too much liquid in the skillet, remove the lid and continue to simmer for a few more minutes, stirring frequently, until the excess liquid has evaporated. If the orzo is not quite cooked and the liquid has been absorbed, add a little more beef broth, about 1/4 cup at a time, and continue to simmer until the orzo is tender.
Finishing and Serving:
- Stir in Parmesan Cheese: Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. The cheese will melt into the sauce, creating a creamy and delicious texture.
- Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Taste the ground beef orzo and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes to taste.
- Garnish (Optional): Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired. This adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
- Serve: Serve the ground beef orzo hot, with extra grated Parmesan cheese on the side. A side salad or some crusty bread would be a great addition to the meal.
Tips and Variations:
- Use Different Ground Meat: You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, ground chicken, or even ground sausage. Adjust the cooking time as needed.
- Add More Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the dish, such as chopped carrots, celery, zucchini, or mushrooms. Add them along with the onions and bell peppers.
- Spice it Up: For a spicier dish, add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can also use a spicy Italian sausage instead of ground beef.
- Make it Creamy: For a creamier dish, stir in a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt just before serving.
- Add Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme can add a lot of flavor to the dish. Add them towards the end of cooking.
- Make it Vegetarian: Substitute the ground beef with lentils or crumbled tofu for a vegetarian version. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
- Slow Cooker Option: Brown the ground beef and sauté the vegetables as directed. Then, transfer everything to a slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients (except the Parmesan cheese) and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the Parmesan cheese just before serving.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
- Freezing: This dish can also be frozen for longer storage. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as a main course for a quick and easy weeknight meal.
- Serve with a side salad or crusty bread.
- Pack it for lunch.
- Bring it to a potluck or picnic.
Nutritional Information (approximate, per serving):
Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes.
- Calories: Approximately 400-500
- Protein: 30-40 grams
- Fat: 20-30 grams
- Carbohydrates: 30-40 grams
Enjoy your delicious and comforting Ground Beef Orzo! I hope you love it as much as I do!
Conclusion:
This Ground Beef Orzo isn't just another weeknight dinner; it's a flavor explosion waiting to happen! Seriously, from the savory richness of the browned ground beef to the perfectly cooked orzo pasta, all simmered in that delicious, subtly spiced tomato sauce, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It's quick, it's easy, and it's packed with comforting flavors that will leave you wanting more. I truly believe this will become a staple in your recipe rotation, just like it has in mine. But what makes this Ground Beef Orzo a must-try? It's the versatility! You can easily adapt it to your own taste preferences and dietary needs. Feeling adventurous? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick. Want to sneak in some extra veggies? Throw in some chopped zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach during the last few minutes of cooking. The possibilities are endless!Serving Suggestions and Variations:
* As a Main Course: Serve it hot, straight from the pot, garnished with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of fresh parsley or dill. A side of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up all that delicious sauce. * As a Side Dish: This orzo also makes a fantastic side dish to grilled chicken, fish, or steak. It's a welcome change from the usual rice or potatoes. * Mediterranean Twist: Add crumbled feta cheese, Kalamata olives, and a squeeze of lemon juice for a Mediterranean-inspired version. * Cheesy Goodness: Stir in some shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese at the end for an extra cheesy and comforting dish. * Make it Vegetarian: Easily swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or lentils for a vegetarian option. You can also add more vegetables to compensate for the lack of meat. * Spice it Up: Experiment with different spices like cumin, coriander, or smoked paprika to create unique flavor profiles. * Leftovers: This Ground Beef Orzo is even better the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It's perfect for lunch or a quick and easy dinner. You can also freeze it for longer storage. I'm so excited for you to try this recipe! It's one of those dishes that's both satisfying and incredibly easy to make, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. I've poured my heart into perfecting this recipe, and I'm confident that you'll love it as much as I do. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get cooking! I promise you won't be disappointed. And once you've made it, please, please, please share your experience with me! I'd love to hear what you think, what variations you tried, and how you made it your own. Leave a comment below, tag me on social media, or send me an email. I can't wait to see your culinary creations! Happy cooking, and enjoy every delicious bite of this amazing Ground Beef Orzo! I am sure you will love it as much as my family does.Ground Beef Orzo: A Delicious and Easy One-Pan Recipe
Hearty ground beef orzo simmered in rich tomato sauce with vegetables, topped with Parmesan. Easy one-pot meal!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend recommended for flavor)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and red bell pepper to the skillet with the browned beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
- Incorporate the Tomatoes: Pour in the diced tomatoes (undrained) and tomato sauce. Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Simmer the Sauce: Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes, to allow the flavors to meld.
- Add the Broth: Pour the beef broth into the skillet with the meat sauce. Stir to combine.
- Incorporate the Orzo: Add the orzo pasta to the skillet. Stir well to ensure the orzo is submerged in the liquid.
- Simmer Until Orzo is Cooked: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and the liquid has been absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom of the skillet.
- Check for Doneness: The orzo should be cooked through but still slightly al dente. If the orzo is cooked but there's still too much liquid in the skillet, remove the lid and continue to simmer for a few more minutes, stirring frequently, until the excess liquid has evaporated. If the orzo is not quite cooked and the liquid has been absorbed, add a little more beef broth, about 1/4 cup at a time, and continue to simmer until the orzo is tender.
- Stir in Parmesan Cheese: Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese.
- Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Taste the ground beef orzo and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes to taste.
- Garnish (Optional): Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired.
- Serve: Serve the ground beef orzo hot, with extra grated Parmesan cheese on the side.
Notes
- Use 80/20 ground beef for the best flavor.
- Simmering the sauce longer will result in a richer flavor.
- Adjust cooking time for orzo as needed, depending on your stove.
- For a spicier dish, add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- For a creamier dish, stir in a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt just before serving.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or frozen for up to 2-3 months.
