Description
This Ground Beef Orzo is a hearty one-pot meal featuring seasoned lean ground beef, tender orzo pasta, diced tomatoes, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a simple, comforting family dinner, it combines rich flavors with an easy stovetop cooking method to create a satisfying and wholesome dish.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Pantry Items
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1½ cups uncooked orzo
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Finishing Touches
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it shimmers, providing a good base for cooking the beef and vegetables.
- Brown the ground beef and onion: Add the ground beef and diced onion to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fully browned and the onion is softened. Drain any excess fat if necessary to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
- Incorporate orzo and liquids: Add the uncooked orzo, beef broth, diced tomatoes (with their juice), Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer the mixture: Bring the skillet contents to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 12–15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the orzo from sticking and ensure even cooking, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Melt in the Parmesan: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts smoothly into the dish, adding a creamy, savory finish.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a fresh burst of color and flavor before serving warm.
Notes
- Add spinach during the last few minutes of cooking for extra greens and nutrition.
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days for easy meal prep.
- Reheat leftovers with a splash of beef broth to restore moisture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
