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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American