Print
clockclock iconcutlerycutlery iconflagflag iconfolderfolder iconinstagraminstagram iconpinterestpinterest iconfacebookfacebook iconprintprint iconsquaressquares iconheartheart iconheart solidheart solid icon

Ground Beef Orzo Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.3 from 82 reviews

This Ground Beef Orzo recipe is a hearty and comforting one-pot meal featuring tender orzo pasta simmered in a savory tomato and beef broth mixture, combined with browned ground beef, aromatic onions, and garlic, then finished with rich Parmesan cheese for a creamy texture.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Protein and Vegetables

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced

Dry and Canned Goods

  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning

Liquids

  • 2 cups beef or vegetable broth

Dairy

  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings

  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
  2. Brown Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Continue cooking for 5-7 minutes until the beef is thoroughly browned. Drain any excess grease if necessary to avoid greasiness.
  3. Add Seasonings and Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Cook the mixture for an additional 2 minutes to allow the spices to release their aroma and the tomato paste to slightly caramelize.
  4. Simmer with Broth and Orzo: Pour in the beef or vegetable broth and add the rinsed orzo pasta. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
  5. Finish with Parmesan: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and creates a creamy consistency, enhancing the flavor and texture of the dish.

Notes

  • Rinsing the orzo before adding helps prevent it from sticking together during cooking.
  • Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease, but you can substitute with ground turkey for a lighter option.
  • Feel free to adjust the seasoning amounts to your liking, adding more paprika or Italian seasoning as desired.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stove or microwave.
  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-American