Description
This Savory Ground Beef Orzo recipe combines tender ground beef with flavorful herbs and orzo pasta, simmered in a rich tomato and beef broth sauce. Finished with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, it’s a comforting one-pan meal perfect for any weeknight.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, with juice
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sauté them until the onion becomes translucent, releasing a fragrant base for the dish.
- Cook the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart and cook until fully browned and no pink remains. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
- Add Orzo Pasta: Stir the orzo pasta into the cooked beef mixture to coat the pasta and blend the flavors evenly.
- Add Liquids: Pour in the canned diced tomatoes with their juices and the beef broth. Stir well to combine everything uniformly. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Season the Dish: Add dried oregano, dried basil, smoked paprika, along with salt and pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly to distribute the seasonings through the orzo and beef.
- Simmer Covered: Reduce heat to low and cover the skillet. Let it cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid without sticking to the pan.
- Finish with Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it melts, enriching the dish with a creamy texture and savory flavor.
- Garnish and Serve: Serve the orzo hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh taste.
Notes
- Drain the ground beef fat carefully to avoid excess grease in the final dish.
- You can substitute beef broth with vegetable broth for a lighter flavor.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when seasoning.
- Orzo cooking times may vary slightly; check tenderness to avoid overcooking.
- Leftovers store well for up to 3 days refrigerated and reheat gently with a splash of broth or water.
