Description
Ground Beef Orzo is a flavorful and easy one-pan dish combining savory browned ground beef, tender orzo pasta, and a rich tomato sauce infused with herbs. This comforting meal comes together in about 45 minutes, making it perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner that requires minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Oil
- 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
Tomato Base
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
Pasta and Broth
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups beef broth
Seasonings
- 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 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 to keep the dish from becoming too fatty.
- 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, making sure not to burn it as garlic can turn bitter quickly.
- Add tomato and seasonings: Incorporate 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 your taste.
- Add orzo and broth: Stir in the orzo pasta and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan and let it simmer gently.
- Simmer until cooked: Cook the covered mixture for 15-20 minutes, checking after 15 minutes. The orzo should be tender and most of the liquid absorbed. If the orzo is still firm, continue cooking a few more minutes, adding a splash more beef broth if it looks dry.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the dish and add extra salt, pepper, or herbs if desired to perfectly suit your preferences.
- Serve: Spoon the ground beef orzo onto plates and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley if you like for added flavor and freshness.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
- For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and replace ground beef with cooked lentils or plant-based meat substitutes.
- If you prefer, stir in some spinach or kale during the last 5 minutes of cooking for added greens.
- Adding red pepper flakes is optional and can be adjusted based on your heat preference.
- Leftovers keep well in the fridge for 2-3 days and can be reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
