Ground Beef Orzo: A Delicious and Easy One-Pan Recipe

Introduction

Ground Beef Orzo is a hearty and easy one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. Combining tender orzo pasta with savory ground beef and flavorful tomato sauce, this dish offers comfort and convenience in every bite.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large 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.
2. Step 2: Add the chopped onion and diced bell pepper to the skillet with the browned ground beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Step 3: Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
4. Step 4: Stir in the diced tomatoes (undrained), tomato sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
5. Step 5: Stir in the orzo pasta and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the orzo is cooked through and the liquid is absorbed.
6. Step 6: After 15 minutes, check the orzo for doneness. If it’s still too firm, continue to cook for a few more minutes, adding a little more beef broth if needed to prevent it from drying out.
7. Step 7: Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or herbs to suit your preferences.
8. Step 8: Serve the ground beef orzo hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley, if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of this dish without sacrificing flavor.
• Add chopped spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking for extra greens and nutrition.
• For a spicier kick, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
• Swap beef broth for vegetable broth to make the recipe a bit lighter or to suit dietary preferences.
• To make it cheesy, stir in shredded mozzarella or cheddar before serving.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if it thickens.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta instead of orzo?

Yes, small pasta shapes like acini di pepe or small shells work well, but adjust the cooking time as needed since different pasta cooks at different rates.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

While you can freeze the cooked ground beef orzo, the texture of the pasta may change slightly upon thawing. It’s best to freeze before adding cheese and fresh herbs, and thaw slowly in the fridge before reheating.