Ground Beef Orzo: A Delicious and Easy Recipe

Ground Beef Orzo: Prepare to be amazed by this incredibly flavorful and comforting dish that’s ready in under 30 minutes! Forget complicated weeknight dinners; this recipe is your new secret weapon for satisfying cravings without spending hours in the kitchen. I’m so excited to share this with you!

Orzo, a rice-shaped pasta, has a rich history, particularly in Mediterranean cuisine. It’s a staple in Greek and Italian cooking, often used in soups, salads, and as a side dish. But today, we’re elevating it to main course status with the addition of savory ground beef and a medley of delicious flavors. This dish is a delightful twist on classic comfort food.

What makes this Ground Beef Orzo so irresistible? It’s the perfect combination of textures – the tender orzo, the hearty ground beef, and the vibrant vegetables create a symphony in your mouth. The rich, savory sauce coats every grain, making each bite an explosion of flavor. People love this dish because it’s quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying. It’s also a fantastic way to sneak in some extra vegetables for a well-rounded meal. Plus, it’s budget-friendly and easily customizable to your liking. So, let’s get cooking and create a Ground Beef Orzo masterpiece that your family will adore!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend recommended for flavor)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Preparing the Ground Beef and Vegetables

1. Brown the Ground Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large, deep 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. This step is crucial for developing a rich, savory flavor. Don’t overcrowd the pan; if necessary, brown the beef in batches. Overcrowding will steam the beef instead of browning it.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and red bell pepper to the skillet with the browned ground beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes. The onions should become translucent and the peppers slightly tender. This process releases their natural sweetness and creates a flavorful base for the dish.
3. Incorporate the Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter. The aroma of garlic is a key indicator that it’s ready.
4. Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Pour in the diced tomatoes (undrained) and tomato sauce. Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. I usually start with about 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, then adjust as needed. Remember, you can always add more seasoning later, but you can’t take it away!

Cooking the Orzo

1. Add Beef Broth and Orzo: Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, stir in the orzo pasta. Make sure the orzo is evenly distributed in the liquid.
2. Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet or Dutch oven, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the orzo is cooked through and the liquid has been absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom of the pan. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the brand of orzo you use, so check for doneness after 15 minutes. The orzo should be tender but still have a slight bite to it.
3. Check for Doneness and Adjust Liquid: If the orzo is not cooked through and the liquid has been absorbed, add a little more beef broth (about 1/2 cup at a time) and continue to simmer until the orzo is tender. Conversely, if the orzo is cooked but there’s still too much liquid, remove the lid and simmer for a few more minutes to allow the excess liquid to evaporate.

Finishing Touches and Serving

1. Stir in Parmesan Cheese: Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. The cheese will melt into the orzo, creating a creamy and flavorful sauce. I like to reserve a little Parmesan cheese for topping each serving.
2. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot, with extra Parmesan cheese on the side, if desired. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds a nice touch of heat for those who like it.

Tips and Variations

• Use Different Ground Meat: You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, ground chicken, or even ground lamb. Adjust the cooking time as needed.
• Add More Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the dish, such as chopped carrots, celery, zucchini, or mushrooms. Add them along with the onions and bell peppers.
• Spice it Up: For a spicier dish, add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can also use a spicy Italian sausage instead of ground beef.
• Make it Creamier: For a creamier dish, stir in a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt before serving.
• Add Fresh Herbs: In addition to parsley, you can also use other fresh herbs, such as thyme, rosemary, or oregano. Add them towards the end of cooking to preserve their flavor.
• Use Different Cheese: Instead of Parmesan cheese, you can use other hard cheeses, such as Pecorino Romano or Asiago. You can also use a softer cheese, such as mozzarella or provolone, but add it at the very end and let it melt slightly.
• Make it a One-Pot Meal: This recipe can easily be made in a single pot, such as a Dutch oven or a large, deep skillet. This reduces cleanup and allows the flavors to meld together even more.
• Make it Ahead: This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little beef broth if needed to prevent it from drying out.
• Freezing Instructions: Allow the ground beef orzo to cool completely. Transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little beef broth if needed.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef with lentils or crumbled vegetarian ground meat substitute. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free orzo pasta.
• Low-Sodium Option: Use low-sodium beef broth and reduce the amount of salt added.

Detailed Ingredient Notes

• Ground Beef: I prefer using an 80/20 blend of ground beef for this recipe because it has a good balance of flavor and leanness. The fat adds richness to the dish, but you’ll want to drain off any excess grease after browning the beef. You can also use a leaner blend, such as 90/10, but the dish may not be as flavorful.
• Olive Oil: I use extra virgin olive oil for its flavor and health benefits. You can also use other cooking oils, such as canola oil or vegetable oil.
• Onion: A yellow onion is my go-to for this recipe, but you can also use a white onion or a sweet onion. Make sure to chop the onion finely so that it cooks evenly.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic is always best, but you can also use jarred minced garlic if you’re short on time.
• Red Bell Pepper: A red bell pepper adds sweetness and color to the dish. You can also use other colors of bell peppers, such as green, yellow, or orange.
• Diced Tomatoes: I use canned diced tomatoes for convenience, but you can also use fresh diced tomatoes. If using fresh tomatoes, you’ll need about 2 cups.
• Tomato Sauce: Canned tomato sauce adds richness and depth of flavor to the dish.
• Dried Oregano and Basil: These dried herbs add a classic Italian flavor to the dish. You can also use fresh oregano and basil, but you’ll need to use about 1 tablespoon of each.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Red pepper flakes add a touch of heat to the dish. If you don’t like spicy food, you can omit them.
• Beef Broth: Beef broth adds flavor and moisture to the dish. You can also use chicken broth or vegetable broth.
• Orzo Pasta: Orzo pasta is a small, rice-shaped pasta that cooks quickly and evenly. You can find it in most grocery stores.
• Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan cheese adds a salty, savory flavor to the dish. I recommend using freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor.
• Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a bright, fresh flavor to the dish. You can also use other fresh herbs, such as cilantro or chives.
• Salt and Pepper: Salt and pepper are essential for seasoning the dish. I recommend using kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Conclusion:

This Ground Beef Orzo recipe isn’t just another weeknight dinner; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen! From the savory richness of the browned ground beef to the comforting texture of the perfectly cooked orzo, every bite is a delightful experience. The aromatic vegetables and herbs create a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. I truly believe this dish is a must-try because it’s incredibly easy to make, uses readily available ingredients, and delivers restaurant-quality results right in your own kitchen. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table with smiles, and that’s what cooking is all about, isn’t it?

But the best part? This recipe is incredibly versatile! Feel free to get creative and adapt it to your own preferences. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the vegetable mixture. If you’re a cheese lover (and who isn’t?), stir in a generous handful of grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese at the end for extra richness and flavor. You could even crumble some feta cheese on top for a tangy twist.

Looking for serving suggestions? This Ground Beef Orzo is fantastic on its own as a complete and satisfying meal. However, it also pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or some crusty bread for dipping into the flavorful sauce. For a more substantial meal, consider serving it alongside roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts. And if you have any leftovers (which I highly doubt!), they’re just as delicious the next day for lunch.

Thinking about variations? You can easily swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Vegetarian? No problem! Simply replace the meat with crumbled plant-based ground or sautéed mushrooms and add a can of drained and rinsed lentils for protein. You can also experiment with different types of pasta. While orzo is the star of this show, other small pasta shapes like ditalini or acini di pepe would work well too. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make this recipe your own!

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the deliciousness for yourself. I poured my heart into creating a dish that’s both easy to make and incredibly satisfying, and I truly believe you’ll love it as much as I do. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece.

Once you’ve made this Ground Beef Orzo, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience! Did you make any modifications? What did you think of the flavors? What did your family and friends think? Please share your thoughts and photos in the comments below. Your feedback is invaluable and helps me continue to create recipes that you’ll love. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to see what you create! I’m confident that this will become a staple in your recipe rotation.