Description
This Ground Beef and Orzo recipe is a hearty and flavorful one-pan meal featuring tender ground beef, sautéed onions and garlic, and perfectly cooked orzo pasta simmered in a savory tomato sauce and beef broth. Finished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, it’s an easy and satisfying dinner ready in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef and Aromatics
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound (454 g) ground beef (85/15 or 90/10)
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
Orzo and Sauce
- 1 cup (150 g) uncooked orzo
- 15 ounces (425 g) tomato sauce
- 2 cups (473 ml) beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Finishing Touch
- â…“ cup (33 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Add the ground beef and break it into small pieces using a spatula or wooden spoon. Cook until the beef is browned and no pink remains.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the browned beef. Sauté, stirring occasionally, until the onions soften and the mixture becomes fragrant, about 3 minutes.
- Add Orzo: Stir in the uncooked orzo, mixing it well into the beef and onion mixture to lightly coat the pasta with the flavors.
- Add Liquids & Seasonings: Pour in the tomato sauce and beef broth. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together thoroughly.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered. Stir occasionally for about 10 minutes, or until most liquid has been absorbed but the mixture remains slightly saucy. This cooks the orzo perfectly and blends the flavors.
- Add Parmesan: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until fully incorporated and creamy. Add extra Parmesan if desired.
- Serve: Serve the dish warm, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and optionally fresh basil or parsley for a fresh touch.
Notes
- Use a skillet or Dutch oven large enough to hold all ingredients comfortably to avoid crowding and ensure even cooking.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially with salt and pepper depending on the saltiness of your broth and tomato sauce.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Add fresh herbs like basil or parsley just before serving to brighten the dish.
