Description
Ground Beef Orzo is a hearty and comforting one-pan meal featuring tender orzo pasta simmered with flavorful ground beef, tomatoes, and aromatic herbs. This easy recipe comes together in about 45 minutes, making it perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner. Topped with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, it offers a deliciously balanced blend of textures and tastes that the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Oils
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend recommended for flavor)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
Tomatoes and Liquids
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 2 cups beef broth
Pasta and Seasonings
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Garnish (Optional)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Brown the 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 Vegetables: Add the chopped onion and diced red bell pepper to the skillet with the browned ground beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Mix in the undrained diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes if using. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Add Orzo and Broth: Stir in the orzo pasta and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer: Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the orzo is tender and the liquid has been absorbed. Check the orzo at 15 minutes for doneness; if still firm, continue cooking a few more minutes, adding additional beef broth as needed.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or herbs to your liking.
- Serve: Serve the ground beef orzo hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- For extra creaminess, stir in a splash of cream or a dollop of sour cream before serving.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the red pepper flakes to taste.
- Can be made ahead and reheated; add a little broth if the dish dries out upon reheating.
- Substitute ground turkey for a leaner option, keeping in mind the flavor and fat content will vary.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the ground beef and use vegetable broth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
