The Family-Friendly Ground Beef Orzo Recipe Everyone Loves

Comfort meets convenience in this delightful ground beef orzo that promises to satisfy even the most discerning palates.

Packed with robust flavors and simple ingredients, this one-pot wonder comes together effortlessly in your kitchen.

Tender orzo pasta mingles with seasoned ground beef, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

The recipe offers a perfect balance of protein and carbohydrates that will keep you feeling full and content.

Aromatic herbs and spices elevate the dish from ordinary to extraordinary, making each bite a delicious experience.

Home cooks will appreciate how quickly this meal comes together, requiring minimal preparation and cleanup.

Dive into this comforting recipe that’s sure to become a weeknight favorite for everyone at the table.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients Needed For Ground Beef Orzo

• Ground Beef: Brings hearty texture and rich meaty flavor; select lean cuts for less grease and more protein.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds creamy depth and sharp tangy notes; opt for freshly grated for best melting quality.

• Onion: Provides subtle sweetness and aromatic base; choose firm, golden-colored onions for maximum flavor.
• Garlic: Delivers intense, pungent undertones; select plump, firm cloves without sprouting.
• Oregano: Introduces Mediterranean herbal essence; use dried or fresh for bright, earthy complexity.
• Smoked Paprika: Contributes warm, smoky depth; select high-quality Spanish varieties for authentic taste.
• Cumin: Offers warm, nutty undertones; whole seeds ground fresh provide more intense flavor.

• Beef or Chicken Broth: Creates moisture and adds savory complexity; select low-sodium versions for better control.
• Diced Tomatoes: Introduces tangy moisture and slight acidity; pick fire-roasted for deeper flavor profile.
• Orzo: Acts as primary starch, providing creamy texture; rinse before cooking to remove excess starch.
• Fresh Parsley: Offers bright, fresh finishing touch; choose vibrant green leaves without wilting.

Kitchen Tools For Ground Beef Orzo

• Large Skillet or Pan: Essential for browning beef and cooking the entire dish, preferably with high sides for easy stirring.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for breaking up ground beef and stirring ingredients without scratching the pan.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Helps accurately measure broth, spices, and other ingredients for consistent flavor.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for dicing onions, mincing garlic, and chopping fresh parsley.
• Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for chopping ingredients safely.

Easy Steps To Make Ground Beef Orzo

• Brown the Beef

Toss ground beef into a sizzling skillet and break it into tiny pieces while cooking until nicely caramelized. Let any extra fat drain away.

• Wake Up the Flavors

Tumble chopped onions into the pan and let them dance around until soft. Toss in garlic and let its aroma bloom for a quick moment.

• Toast the Pasta

Scatter orzo into the meaty mixture and stir, allowing the pasta to get a light golden touch and soak up all those delicious flavors.

• Build the Liquid Landscape

Pour in broth and tomatoes with their juicy goodness. Sprinkle in oregano, smoked paprika, and cumin to create a flavor explosion. Season with salt and pepper.

• Simmer and Surrender

Cover the pan and let everything bubble gently. Stir occasionally as the orzo softens and soaks up the liquid, about 10-12 minutes. Add a splash more liquid if things look dry.

• Optional Cheese Finale

If you’re feeling indulgent, stir in some Parmesan to make the dish extra creamy and rich.

• Serve with Flair

Shower with fresh parsley and bring to the table. Pair with a crisp salad or crusty bread for a meal that’ll make everyone smile.

Tasty Tips For Ground Beef Orzo You’ll Love

• One-Pot Wonder: Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe minimizes cleanup and maximizes flavor with minimal dishes.
• Low-Carb Swap: Replace orzo with cauliflower rice for a grain-free, keto-friendly version that keeps the delicious meaty essence intact.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Skip the Parmesan cheese or use nutritional yeast for a plant-based alternative that still delivers rich, savory notes.
• Spice It Up: Experiment with different spice blends like Moroccan ras el hanout or Mediterranean za'atar to transform the dish's flavor profile instantly.
• Vegetarian Twist: Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils, maintaining the recipe's hearty texture and comforting appeal.

Ways To Serve Ground Beef Orzo Right

• Flavor-Packed Companion Plate: Serve alongside a crisp Greek salad with cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and feta cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired dining experience.
• Protein Power Boost: Top with a dollop of cool Greek yogurt or sour cream to add creamy richness and balance the warm, spicy flavors of the ground beef orzo.
• Wine and Dine Pairing: Complement the dish with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Zinfandel, which will enhance the robust beef and tomato notes in the recipe.
• Bread Basket Buddy: Enjoy with warm garlic bread or toasted sourdough slices to soak up the delicious sauce and add a satisfying crunch to your meal.

Store Ground Beef Orzo The Easy Way

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking, ensuring maximum freshness and preventing bacterial growth. Refrigerated meals stay delicious for 3-4 days.
• Quick Reheating Technique: Revive cold orzo by adding a splash of broth or water when warming. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly and maintain pasta's tender texture.
• Freezer-Friendly Approach: Portion cooled ground beef orzo into freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Flat storage maximizes space and allows faster thawing. Freeze up to 3 months for convenient future meals.
• Meal Prep Wisdom: Prepare larger batches during weekends. Divide into individual servings for grab-and-go lunches or quick weeknight dinners. Label containers with date and contents for easy tracking and rotation.

Hearty Ground Beef Orzo Recipe

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4.9 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Mouthwatering ground beef orzo combines Mediterranean flavors with hearty comfort. Home cooks can quickly craft this satisfying one-pan meal that delivers rich textures and bold seasonings you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• 1 cup (200 g) uncooked orzo pasta
• 1 ½ cups (360 ml) beef or chicken broth
• 1 (14 oz/400 g) can diced tomatoes (or 1 ½ cups fresh diced tomatoes)
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp ground cumin (optional)
• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• 2 tbsps fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Sauté Beef: Heat skillet over medium flame. Crumble ground beef, cooking until richly browned and rendering excess fat, creating a deeply caramelized base.
2. Develop Aromatics: Integrate finely diced onions and minced garlic into beef, allowing them to soften and release their fragrant essence, building layered flavor profiles.
3. Toast Orzo: Introduce orzo to the meat mixture, carefully coating each grain and toasting briefly to unlock nutty undertones and enhance overall depth of flavor.
4. Create Liquid Foundation: Pour broth and diced tomatoes into skillet, generously seasoning with oregano, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Ensure thorough integration of spices.
5. Simmer and Infuse: Reduce heat, cover skillet, and allow ingredients to harmonize. Periodically stir, monitoring orzo’s tenderness and liquid absorption. Adjust liquid if needed to maintain ideal moisture.
6. Finish and Enrich: Once orzo reaches perfect al dente texture, fold in grated Parmesan to introduce a luxurious, creamy element that elevates the dish’s complexity.
7. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh parsley across the surface. Transfer to serving plates, pairing with a crisp salad or rustic bread for a complete, satisfying culinary experience.

Notes

• Control Meat Browning: Ensure ground beef develops a deep, caramelized color without burning by maintaining medium heat and breaking meat into small, uniform pieces during cooking.
• Prevent Orzo Sticking: Toast orzo briefly before adding liquid to enhance flavor and prevent clumping, stirring constantly to coat each grain evenly with meat and seasonings.
• Liquid Management: Watch orzo’s moisture levels closely, adding broth incrementally to achieve perfect al dente texture without becoming too dry or soggy – aim for a creamy, slightly saucy consistency.
• Dietary Adaptations: Swap ground beef with plant-based alternatives like lentils or Beyond Meat for vegetarian version, use gluten-free orzo for celiac-friendly option, and consider low-sodium broth for heart-healthy modifications.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg