Description
Ground Beef Orzo is a hearty and flavorful one-pan meal combining savory browned ground beef, tender orzo pasta, and a rich tomato sauce infused with herbs and garlic. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for busy weeknights and comes together in just 45 minutes, delivering a comforting and satisfying dinner for the whole family.
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
Garnishes (optional)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook it, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned all over. Drain off any excess grease to keep the dish from becoming too oily.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the finely chopped onion and diced red bell pepper to the skillet with the browned ground beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens and turns translucent, about 5 to 7 minutes, bringing out their natural sweetness.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about one minute until fragrant. Take care not to burn the garlic, as that will give a bitter taste to the dish.
- Incorporate Tomatoes and Herbs: Pour in the canned diced tomatoes with their juices and the tomato sauce. Add dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes if using. Season the mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, then mix everything thoroughly.
- Add Orzo and Broth: Stir in the orzo pasta along with the beef broth. Raise the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Check and Finish Cooking: After 15 minutes, check the orzo for doneness. If it’s still too firm, continue simmering for a few more minutes. If needed, add a splash more beef broth to prevent the dish from drying out.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the orzo mixture and adjust the seasoning by adding more salt, pepper, or herbs as desired to suit your palate.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the ground beef orzo hot, optionally topped with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley for a nice flavor and colorful presentation.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option, but adjust cooking times accordingly as they cook faster.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the ground beef and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth, adding extra vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
- Use low-sodium beef broth to better control the salt level in the dish.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
