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Ground Beef Orzo Recipe

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★★★★★

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://dailysimplerecipe.com/ground-beef-orzo-recipe/