Ground Beef Orzo Recipe

Introduction

This Ground Beef Orzo is a comforting one-pan meal that combines tender orzo pasta with savory, flavorful beef and aromatic spices. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups beef or vegetable broth
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Step 1: Sauté diced onion and minced garlic in olive oil over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes until softened.
2. Step 2: Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart as it cooks for about 5-7 minutes until browned. Drain excess grease if necessary.
3. Step 3: Stir in tomato paste, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Pour in the broth and add rinsed orzo pasta. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes until orzo is tender; stir halfway through.
5. Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.

Tips & Variations

• Use vegetable broth for a lighter flavor or to make the dish meat-free by substituting ground beef with sautéed mushrooms or lentils.
• Try adding chopped spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking for extra nutrition and color.
• For a spicy kick, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes along with the paprika.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the texture if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta instead of orzo?

Yes, small pasta shapes like couscous or small shells can be substituted, but cooking times may vary slightly.

Is it necessary to drain the grease from the ground beef?

Draining excess grease is recommended if there is a lot to prevent the dish from becoming too oily, but a small amount can enhance the flavor.

Ground Beef Orzo Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 60 reviews

This Ground Beef Orzo recipe is a comforting and hearty one-pan dish combining tender orzo pasta with savory ground beef and a flavorful blend of spices and tomato paste. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it delivers rich taste with a creamy Parmesan finish.

• Author: Logan
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Dairy

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Vegetables and Aromatics

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced

Pantry Staples and Seasonings

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 cups beef or vegetable broth
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for sautéing

Instructions

1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic and cook for about 3-4 minutes until they become soft and fragrant.
2. Brown Ground Beef: Add the lean ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a spatula and cook for 5-7 minutes until the meat is thoroughly browned. Drain excess grease if needed.
3. Add Seasonings and Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the spices to become fragrant and the tomato paste to blend well.
4. Cook Orzo in Broth: Pour in the beef or vegetable broth and add the rinsed orzo pasta. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Simmer for 10-12 minutes until the orzo is tender, stirring halfway through cooking to prevent sticking.
5. Finish with Parmesan: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it melts smoothly, creating a creamy texture throughout the dish. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed, then serve warm.

Notes

• Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and make the dish healthier.
• Rinse orzo before cooking to remove extra starch and prevent clumping.
• Vegetable broth can be substituted for beef broth for a lighter flavor or to keep it suitable for vegetarians using vegetable-based ground meat alternatives.
• For a spicier kick, add crushed red pepper flakes along with the paprika.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on stovetop or microwave.

Keywords: ground beef orzo, one-pan dinner, quick beef pasta, easy weeknight meal, Parmesan pasta skillet