Ground Beef Orzo is a dish that combines savory ground beef with tender orzo pasta, creating a comforting meal that warms the heart and delights the taste buds. Imagine the aroma of garlic sizzling in a pan, mingling with the rich scent of spices and the bubbling broth that envelops the orzo like a warm blanket on a chilly evening. hearty cabbage roll soup.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it Together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- Can I use other types of meat in ground beef orzo?
- What vegetables pair best with ground beef orzo?
- Can I make ground beef orzo ahead of time?
- 📖 Recipe Card
This delightful dish brings back memories of family gatherings, where laughter fills the air and everyone digs in with gusto. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners when you need something quick yet satisfying or for cozy weekends spent enjoying each other’s company. Trust me; every bite promises an explosion of flavors that will leave you craving more.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Ground Beef Orzo is incredibly easy to whip up, making it perfect for busy evenings
- The flavor profile is rich and satisfying, sure to please even the pickiest eaters
- Its vibrant colors make it a visual delight on any table
- Enjoy it as a main course or as a side dish at your next gathering
I remember the first time I made Ground Beef Orzo; my kids devoured it within minutes, leaving me wondering if I should have made a double batch. For more inspiration, check out this beef and cheese chimichangas recipe.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish: delicious pumpkin waffles.
- Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef for a healthier option, but don’t shy away from some fat for added flavor.
- Orzo Pasta: This tiny pasta shape cooks quickly and absorbs flavors beautifully.
- Onion: A finely chopped onion adds sweetness and depth; opt for yellow or sweet onions for best results.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic elevates the dish with its aromatic intensity; feel free to adjust based on your love for garlic.
- Beef Broth: Use low-sodium beef broth to control salt levels while adding richness to the dish.
- Diced Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes add acidity and freshness; choose varieties with herbs for an extra kick.
- Spices: Paprika, oregano, and black pepper create a savory blend; feel free to experiment with your favorites! savory red beans and rice.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds creaminess and enhances flavor; don’t skip this step!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Gather your ingredients because it’s time to dive into cooking!
Sautéing Aromatics: Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic until fragrant.
Browning the Meat: Increase heat slightly and add ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula for even cooking—this should take about 7-10 minutes.
Add Tomatoes and Spices: Stir in diced tomatoes along with paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let this simmer together for 5 minutes so flavors can meld beautifully.
Cook the Orzo: Pour in beef broth and bring to a boil. Add orzo pasta and reduce heat to low. Cover the skillet and let everything cook until orzo is tender—this usually takes around 10 minutes.
Finishing Touches: Once orzo is cooked, stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Taste before serving—you might want more cheese!
Serve & Enjoy!: Garnish with fresh herbs if desired, scoop generous portions into bowls, and watch as everyone dives into this comforting meal.
Enjoying Ground Beef Orzo is more than just about eating; it’s about creating memories around the dinner table filled with laughter—and maybe some playful arguments over who gets seconds!
You Must Know
- Ground beef orzo is not just a meal, but a delightful experience
- The warmth of spices fills your kitchen with an inviting aroma, making dinner feel like a cozy hug
- Its texture and flavor combinations are perfect for any occasion, from casual weeknights to festive gatherings
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve maximum flavor, start by browning the ground beef first, then add aromatics before incorporating the orzo. This order allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables, such as spinach or bell peppers, for added nutrition and color. A sprinkle of cheese at the end adds creaminess.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth to restore moisture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To make this dish extra special, consider using homemade broth instead of water; it enhances flavor significantly
- Also, don’t skip the seasoning—taste as you go!
- Lastly, let it sit off heat for a while to develop deeper flavors
I remember one evening when I served ground beef orzo during a family gathering. Everyone raved about it, especially my uncle who usually sticks to pizza and wings! crispy baked chicken wings.
FAQ
Can I use other types of meat in ground beef orzo?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken also works well with this recipe.
What vegetables pair best with ground beef orzo?
Spinach, zucchini, and bell peppers complement this dish beautifully for added nutrition.
Can I make ground beef orzo ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare it in advance and refrigerate; just reheat before serving for best results.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
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Ground Beef Orzo
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Ground Beef Orzo is a heartwarming dish that combines savory ground beef and tender orzo pasta, enveloped in a rich broth. With its aromatic blend of spices and fresh ingredients, this comforting meal is perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings. Quick to prepare and bursting with flavor, it promises to delight even the pickiest eaters.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic until fragrant.
- Increase heat slightly and add ground beef; cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula (7-10 minutes).
- Stir in diced tomatoes, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Pour in beef broth, bring to a boil, then add orzo. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook until orzo is tender (about 10 minutes).
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy; taste before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (245g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
