Ground Beef Orzo is a hearty, flavorful dish that combines tender orzo pasta with seasoned ground beef, fresh vegetables, and aromatic spices. This one-pan meal is perfect for busy weeknights and will quickly become a family favorite.
Why Youโll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for weeknight dinners.
- One-Pot Meal: Fewer dishes mean less cleanup, so you can spend more time enjoying your meal.
- Customizable: Add your favorite vegetables, spices, or even swap out the protein to suit your taste.
- Comforting and Satisfying: The creamy orzo and seasoned beef are a match made in comfort food heaven.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground beef
- Orzo pasta
- Onion
- Garlic
- Bell peppers
- Diced tomatoes
- Chicken or beef broth
- Olive oil
- Spices (e.g., paprika, oregano, salt, pepper)
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Directions
- Cook the Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Sautรฉ the Vegetables: Add diced onion, garlic, and bell peppers to the skillet. Cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Spices and Tomatoes: Stir in the spices and diced tomatoes, letting the mixture simmer for a few minutes to combine flavors.
- Cook the Orzo: Add the orzo to the skillet, followed by the chicken or beef broth. Stir well and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid (about 8-10 minutes).
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6 servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Protein Options: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based alternatives.
- Vegetables: Add zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms for extra nutrients and flavor.
- Cheesy Twist: Stir in shredded cheese or sprinkle Parmesan on top before serving.
- Spice It Up: Add crushed red pepper flakes or chili powder for a spicier version.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or water to restore creaminess. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
- Freezing: This dish freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, small pasta shapes like ditalini or small shells can work well, though cooking times may vary.
2. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Orzo is typically made from wheat, but you can use gluten-free orzo or substitute with rice for a gluten-free version.
3. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the ground beef for plant-based ground meat or cooked lentils and use vegetable broth instead of chicken or beef broth.
4. How do I prevent the orzo from sticking?
Stir the orzo occasionally while it cooks and ensure thereโs enough liquid in the skillet.
5. Can I add cheese to this dish?
Yes, adding cheese like Parmesan, mozzarella, or feta can enhance the flavor.
6. What type of ground beef should I use?
Lean ground beef (85% lean) is a great option to avoid excessive grease while maintaining flavor.
7. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it ahead and store it in the fridge. Reheat before serving, adding a splash of broth to refresh the texture.
8. Whatโs the best way to thaw frozen Ground Beef Orzo?
Thaw in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave.
9. Can I add wine to the recipe?
Yes, deglazing the pan with a splash of white or red wine after sautรฉing the vegetables can add depth to the flavor.
10. What herbs pair well with this dish?
Fresh parsley, basil, or thyme complement the flavors beautifully.
Conclusion
Ground Beef Orzo is a delicious and versatile meal thatโs perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner, a comforting family meal, or a make-ahead option, this dish delivers on all fronts. Customize it to your preferences and enjoy the simplicity of a one-pan wonder. Give it a tryโyouโll love every bite!
Print
Ground Beef Orzo
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pot, Sautรฉing
- Cuisine: American
Description
This creamy and hearty one-pot meal features ground beef and orzo pasta simmered in a flavorful tomato cream sauce. It’s an ideal choice for busy weeknights when you crave comfort food without the fuss.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 1 (14-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 3/4 cup beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Sautรฉ the Beef and Onions:
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook for 5-6 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned.
- Add the diced onion and continue cooking for another 5 minutes until the onion is softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and Italian seasoning; cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add Orzo and Liquids:
- Stir in the uncooked orzo, ensuring it’s well combined with the beef mixture.
- Pour in the tomato sauce, beef broth, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce; stir to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Incorporate Spinach and Cheese:
- Once the orzo is tender and the sauce has thickened, remove the pot from heat.
- Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and baby spinach until the spinach is wilted and the cheese is melted.
- Season and Serve:
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.
- Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of beef broth to reach the desired consistency.
- Serve with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
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