Description
This comforting Ground Beef and Orzo recipe combines tender orzo pasta with savory ground beef, vegetables, and a rich tomato-based broth all cooked together in one pot. It’s a flavorful and easy-to-make main course inspired by Mediterranean and American cuisines, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
Tomato and Broth
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 3 cups beef broth
Pasta and Seasoning
- 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Finishing Touches
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for about 5–6 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon until browned. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Sauté Vegetables: Stir in the diced onion, minced garlic, and red bell pepper. Cook for 3–4 minutes until the vegetables have softened and become fragrant.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Incorporate the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, orzo pasta, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir all ingredients together well to combine evenly.
- Simmer the Mixture: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Then reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 12–15 minutes. Stir occasionally until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese for a rich flavor. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving warm.
Notes
- For a creamier version, stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream or a few ounces of cream cheese at the end of cooking.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter dish.
