Description
This Ground Beef Orzo recipe is a hearty and comforting one-pan dish combining savory ground beef, tender orzo pasta, and a flavorful blend of tomatoes, herbs, and garlic. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it delivers a balanced meal packed with robust Mediterranean-inspired flavors, ready in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Dish:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups orzo pasta
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks to ensure even cooking and no large clumps.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion softens and the garlic becomes fragrant, enhancing the depth of flavor.
- Add Seasonings and Liquids: Stir in the diced tomatoes, beef broth, dried basil, dried oregano, along with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer to meld the flavors together.
- Cook the Orzo: Add the orzo pasta and stir well to combine everything. Cover the skillet and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, creating a creamy texture.
- Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the dish for a burst of color and freshness. Serve warm as a satisfying main course.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes during the sauté step.
- Use low-sodium beef broth to control the salt content better.
- Vegetarian option: omit ground beef and use vegetable broth instead.
- Make sure to stir occasionally while cooking the orzo to prevent it from sticking to the skillet.
