Ground Beef Orzo Recipe
This Ground Beef Orzo recipe is a hearty and flavorful one-pot meal combining tender orzo pasta with seasoned ground beef, aromatic garlic and onion, and a rich tomato-infused broth. Finished with creamy Parmesan cheese, it’s a comforting and easy dish perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Author: Elias
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing, Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Low Fat
Main 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
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, cooking for about 3-4 minutes until they are softened and fragrant.
- Brown Ground Beef: Add the lean ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook for 5-7 minutes until fully browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess grease if needed.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in the tomato paste, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Cook for another 2 minutes, stirring frequently to combine and release the flavors.
- Cook 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 to prevent sticking, until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Finish with Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the mixture is creamy. Adjust salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute vegetable broth to make this recipe slightly lighter or vegetarian by substituting beef with plant-based ground meat alternatives.
- For an extra creamy texture, stir in a splash of cream or milk along with the Parmesan cheese.
- If you prefer a spicier version, add red pepper flakes along with the paprika.
- Make sure to rinse the orzo pasta before cooking to remove excess starch and prevent clumping.
- This dish pairs well with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
Keywords: ground beef orzo, one pot meal, quick dinner, Italian pasta, Parmesan beef pasta