why make this recipe
This Ground Beef Orzo Recipe cooks fast and fills the whole family. It uses simple ingredients you may already have. It gives a warm, creamy bowl with meat and pasta in one pan. It is low fuss and good for weeknights.
introduction
This recipe mixes browned ground beef, orzo, tomato paste, and broth into a quick, tasty meal. You can pair it with a green salad or bread. For other easy ground beef ideas, see hamburger steak recipe for another simple dinner idea.
how to make Ground Beef Orzo Recipe
You brown the onion, garlic, and ground beef, add seasonings and tomato paste, then pour in broth and orzo. Cover and simmer until the orzo is tender. Finish by stirring in Parmesan until creamy. The steps are quick and you do most work in one pan.
Ingredients :
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups beef or vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Directions :
- Sauté diced onion and minced garlic in olive oil over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart as it cooks for about 5-7 minutes until browned. Drain excess grease if necessary.
- Stir in tomato paste, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the broth and add rinsed orzo pasta. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes until orzo is tender; stir halfway through.
- Remove from heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
how to serve Ground Beef Orzo Recipe
Serve hot in bowls. Add extra Parmesan on top and a grind of black pepper. A side of steamed vegetables or a green salad works well. You can also serve it with crusty bread. For more ground beef ideas, check delicious ground beef.
how to store Ground Beef Orzo Recipe
Cool the dish to room temperature, then store in an airtight container. Keep in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. To freeze, place in a freezer container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove with a splash of broth if it feels dry.
tips to make Ground Beef Orzo Recipe
- Rinse orzo before cooking to remove extra starch and keep it from sticking.
- Stir once halfway during simmering so the orzo cooks evenly.
- Use low-sodium broth if you watch salt, then add salt at the end to taste.
- If the mixture looks too thick, add 1/4 cup broth and simmer a bit more.
- Grate fresh Parmesan for best creamy flavor.
variation (if any)
- Add vegetables: stir in spinach, peas, or diced bell pepper near the end.
- Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
- Make it creamier: add 1/4 cup heavy cream or cream cheese with the Parmesan.
- Add heat: stir in red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne.
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different pasta instead of orzo?
A: Yes. Small pastas like ditalini or small shells work, but check cook time and adjust broth as needed.
Q: Do I need to rinse the orzo?
A: Rinsing helps reduce stickiness. It is optional but can help the texture.
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Yes. Cook and cool, then store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a little broth.
Q: How do I keep the orzo from getting mushy?
A: Watch the simmer time and check doneness at 10 minutes. Remove from heat when it is tender but still firm.
Q: Is this recipe freezer friendly?
A: Yes. Cool fully and freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months.
Conclusion
If you want a version with a tomato cream twist, try this Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce for a richer take. For another one-pot creamy option and tips on timing, see this Creamy One-Pot Beef Orzo Recipe.
Ground Beef Orzo
Ingredients
Method
- Sauté diced onion and minced garlic in olive oil over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart as it cooks for about 5-7 minutes until browned. Drain excess grease if necessary.
- Stir in tomato paste, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the broth and add rinsed orzo pasta. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes until orzo is tender; stir halfway through.
- Remove from heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
- Serve hot in bowls, adding extra Parmesan on top and a grind of black pepper.
- A side of steamed vegetables or a green salad works well. You can also serve it with crusty bread.