Delicious Ground Beef Orzo Recipe
Ground Beef Orzo is a delightful dish that brings together the heartiness of lean ground beef and the comfort of orzo pasta into a single pan. It’s the kind of meal that warms you up on a chilly evening or saves the day when you’re pressed for time. I’ve found myself reaching for this recipe often, especially after long days when I just want something nourishing and satisfying without a complicated clean-up. Trust me; it’s a crowd-pleaser that even your pickiest eaters will love!
What makes this recipe special
Why should you consider adding this Ground Beef Orzo to your weekly meal rotation? For starters, it’s incredibly quick to prepare—perfect for those busy weeknights when time isn’t on your side. This dish is not only budget-friendly, requiring just a handful of ingredients, but it also packs a punch in flavor. The combination of spices, fresh garlic, and Parmesan cheese elevates this simple recipe into something truly special. Plus, it’s a complete meal that the whole family can enjoy, making dinner both easy and fun.
"I made this for my family last week, and they couldn’t stop raving about it! It’s like a warm hug on a plate."
How this recipe comes together
This recipe is easy to follow and only takes about 30 minutes from start to finish! Here’s a quick overview of what to expect: you’ll start by sautéing onions and garlic until fragrant, then add the ground beef until browned. After mixing in the flavorful spices, you’ll introduce orzo and broth into the mix. Simply bring it to a boil, cover it, and let it simmer—this is where the magic happens!
What you’ll need
To create this delicious Ground Beef Orzo, gather these ingredients:
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups beef or vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Feel free to substitute lean turkey for the ground beef or use vegetable broth to keep it vegetarian.
Step-by-step instructions
- Start by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking for about 3-4 minutes until they’re softened.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart as it cooks, allowing it to brown for about 5-7 minutes. If there’s excess grease, drain it off.
- Stir in the tomato paste, paprika, and Italian seasoning, cooking for an additional 2 minutes until the aroma fills your kitchen.
- Pour in the broth and add the rinsed orzo. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
- Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring halfway, until the orzo is tender.
- Finally, remove the skillet from heat and mix in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and the dish becomes creamy.
Best ways to enjoy it
How you serve this comforting dish can enhance the experience! Consider garnishing your Ground Beef Orzo with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese for a pop of color and flavor. It pairs beautifully with a simple green salad for added freshness. A crusty loaf of garlic bread on the side wouldn’t hurt either, making it a well-rounded meal.
How to store
To keep your leftovers fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you prefer to freeze it, portion your orzo into freezer-safe bags, where it can stay good for about 2-3 months. Remember, when reheating, add a splash of broth or water to keep it from drying out during the process!
Helpful cooking tips
- For a bit of crunch, toss in some spinach or kale towards the end of cooking for an extra nutrient boost.
- If feeding a large crowd, you can easily double the recipe.
- Using high-quality beef broth will amplify the flavors, so always opt for a variety that you enjoy.
Creative twists
Feel adventurous? Here are some flavor variations to try:
- Swap out the ground beef for Italian sausage or add diced bell peppers for extra flavor.
- For a more Mediterranean flair, include olives or capers and finish with feta cheese instead of Parmesan.
- Experiment with different spices, like cumin or even chili powder, to create unique flavor profiles each time!
Your questions answered
-
How long does this dish take to prepare?
Overall, you can have this recipe ready in about 30 minutes! -
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply replace the ground beef with a meat alternative and use vegetable broth. -
How should I store leftovers?
Keep it in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge or freeze it for up to 3 months.
This Ground Beef Orzo recipe is not just a meal; it’s an experience worth sharing with family and friends. Dive in, and enjoy every comforting bite!
Ground Beef Orzo
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef or vegetable broth Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese Can be substituted with feta cheese for a Mediterranean twist.
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking for about 3-4 minutes until they’re softened.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart as it cooks, allowing it to brown for about 5-7 minutes. If there’s excess grease, drain it off.
- Stir in the tomato paste, paprika, and Italian seasoning, cooking for an additional 2 minutes until the aroma fills your kitchen.
Cooking
- Pour in the broth and add the rinsed orzo. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
- Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring halfway, until the orzo is tender.
- Remove the skillet from heat and mix in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and the dish becomes creamy.
