GROUND BEEF ORZO EASY PERFECT

I’ll never forget the first time I made a complete fool of myself trying to impress a friend with a “fancy” dinner, only to realize halfway through that I’d forgotten the main ingredient! Thankfully, a quick raid of the pantry and a stroke of genius led to a surprisingly delicious creation: a Ground Beef Orzo dish that saved the day and became a regular in my recipe rotation; now it’s a favorite for so many, and you’ll love how simple it is to make a scrumptious meal!

Let’s Make Ground Beef Orzo!

Alright, my friend, let’s dive into this absolute winner of a recipe: Ground Beef Orzo. This isn’t just another weeknight dinner; it’s comfort food elevated, a symphony of flavors and textures that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. I’m going to guide you through every step, share some insider tips, and make sure you feel like a total rockstar in your own kitchen.

Why You’ll LOVE This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Seriously, from start to finish, you’re looking at about 30-40 minutes. Perfect for those busy weeknights!
• One-Pot Wonder: Less dishes! Need I say more? Everything cooks together in one pot, making cleanup a breeze.
• Versatile: This recipe is a blank canvas! You can easily customize it with your favorite veggies, cheeses, and spices.
• Kid-Friendly: The small, pasta shape and familiar ground beef flavor make this a hit with even the pickiest eaters.
• Budget-Friendly: Ground beef and orzo are pantry staples that won’t break the bank.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to create this masterpiece. Don’t worry if you don’t have everything on hand; I’ll give you some substitution ideas too!

• 1 pound Ground Beef: I prefer lean ground beef (85/15) to minimize grease, but you can use whatever you have.
• 1 tablespoon Olive Oil: For sautéing the veggies and browning the beef.
• 1 medium Onion, chopped: Adds a savory base flavor.
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced: Because everything is better with garlic!
• 1 cup Orzo Pasta: The star of the show!
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can Diced Tomatoes, undrained: Adds acidity and moisture.
• 2 cups Beef Broth: Adds depth of flavor and cooks the orzo.
• 1 teaspoon Dried Italian Seasoning: A classic blend of herbs that enhances the overall flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt: Adjust to taste.
• 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper: Adjust to taste.
• 1/2 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: For that cheesy, melty goodness!
• Optional Garnishes: Fresh parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes.

Ingredient Substitutions and Swaps

Life happens, and sometimes you don’t have all the ingredients on hand. No problem! Here are some easy swaps:

• Ground Beef: Ground turkey, ground chicken, or even plant-based ground meat alternatives work great.
• Olive Oil: Any cooking oil, like vegetable oil or canola oil, will do.
• Onion: Shallots or leeks can be used in a pinch.
• Garlic: Garlic powder (about 1/2 teaspoon) can be substituted, but fresh is always best!
• Orzo Pasta: Ditalini or other small pasta shapes can be used. Keep an eye on the cooking time, as it may vary. You can even use quinoa for a gluten-free option, but you will need to adjust the liquid and cooking time accordingly.
• Diced Tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce can be used instead.
• Beef Broth: Chicken broth or vegetable broth can be substituted. You can also use water with a bouillon cube for a richer flavor.
• Italian Seasoning: A mix of dried oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary will work perfectly.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Cheddar, provolone, or any other melting cheese can be used.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious Ground Beef Orzo dish in no time.

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned.
3. Drain off any excess grease. This is important for preventing a greasy final product!

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

1. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic!

Step 3: Combine the Ingredients

1. Add the orzo pasta, diced tomatoes (undrained), beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the skillet.
2. Stir well to combine.

Step 4: Simmer and Cook

1. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the orzo is cooked through and the liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
2. Check the orzo for doneness. It should be tender but not mushy. If it’s still too firm, add a little more broth and continue to simmer.

Step 5: Add the Cheese and Garnish

1. Remove the skillet from the heat.
2. Stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese until melted and creamy.
3. Garnish with fresh parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes, if desired.

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Ground Beef Orzo

Here are some of my best tips for making this recipe even better:

• Don’t Overcook the Orzo: Overcooked orzo will be mushy and unpleasant. Cook it until it’s just tender.
• Adjust the Broth: If the orzo is absorbing the broth too quickly, add a little more as needed.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little kick.
• Add Veggies: Bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach are all great additions. Add them along with the onion and garlic.
• Make it Creamier: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese at the end for extra creaminess.
• Get Creative with Cheese: Try different types of cheese, like cheddar, provolone, or even a sprinkle of feta.
• Make it Ahead: This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freeze it: Ground Beef Orzo freezes well. Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Variations and Add-Ins

Want to customize this recipe to your liking? Here are some fun variations and add-ins:

• Mediterranean Ground Beef Orzo: Add chopped Kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta cheese.
• Spicy Ground Beef Orzo: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Veggie-Packed Ground Beef Orzo: Add chopped bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach.
• Creamy Tomato Ground Beef Orzo: Stir in a dollop of mascarpone cheese or heavy cream at the end.
• Mexican-Inspired Ground Beef Orzo: Use taco seasoning instead of Italian seasoning, and add black beans, corn, and salsa.

Serving Suggestions

Ground Beef Orzo is a complete meal on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to make it even more special:

• Serve with a side salad and garlic bread.
• Top with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt.
• Sprinkle with fresh herbs, like parsley, basil, or oregano.
• Pair with a glass of red wine.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes things don’t go exactly as planned in the kitchen. Here are some common issues and how to fix them:

• Orzo is mushy: You’ve probably overcooked it. Next time, cook it for a shorter amount of time and check it frequently.
• Orzo is sticking to the pan: Make sure to stir it occasionally while it’s simmering. You can also add a little more broth if needed.
• Dish is too bland: Add more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick.
• Dish is too dry: Add more broth or diced tomatoes.
• Dish is too greasy: Use leaner ground beef and drain off any excess grease after browning.

Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

If you love this Ground Beef Orzo recipe, here are some other delicious recipes you might enjoy:

• Craving something comforting? Try my Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole for a fun twist on a classic.
• For a quick and satisfying lunch or dinner, you can’t go wrong with Cheesy Meatball Subs. They are always a hit.
• In the mood for Asian flavors? My Chinese Beef And Broccoli is better than takeout!
• For another easy casserole, my Taco Casserole is a family favorite.
• Or, try these crispy Baked Ground Beef Tacos for your next Taco Tuesday.
• If pasta is your thing, you will absolutely love my Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti.

Final Thoughts

There you have it! A complete guide to making the most amazing Ground Beef Orzo. Remember, cooking is all about experimentation and having fun. Don’t be afraid to get creative and put your own spin on this recipe. And most importantly, enjoy the process and savor every bite. Happy cooking, my friend!

Ground Beef Orzo

This Ground Beef Orzo recipe is a quick, easy, and comforting one-pot meal perfect for busy weeknights. It combines flavorful ground beef with orzo pasta, diced tomatoes, and Italian seasoning for a delicious and satisfying dish that the whole family will love.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 6

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound Ground Beef 85/15
• 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
• 1 medium Onion, chopped
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 cup Orzo Pasta
• 2 cups Beef Broth
• 1 teaspoon Dried Italian Seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt
• 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
• 1/2 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
• Fresh parsley, for garnish optional
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish optional
• Red pepper flakes, for garnish optional

Equipment

• Large skillet or Dutch oven
• Spoon
• measuring cups and spoons
• knife
• cutting board
• Can opener

Method

 

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned.
3. Drain off any excess grease.
4. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
5. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
6. Add the orzo pasta, diced tomatoes (undrained), beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the skillet.
7. Stir well to combine.
8. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the orzo is cooked through and the liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
9. Check the orzo for doneness. It should be tender but not mushy. If it’s still too firm, add a little more broth and continue to simmer.
10. Remove the skillet from the heat.
11. Stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese until melted and creamy.
12. Garnish with fresh parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes, if desired.
13. Serve immediately.

Notes

Don’t overcook the orzo; cook it until it’s just tender. If the orzo is absorbing the broth too quickly, add a little more as needed. For a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. You can add veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach along with the onion and garlic. To make it creamier, stir in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese at the end. Try different types of cheese, like cheddar, provolone, or even a sprinkle of feta. This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated, or frozen for up to 2 months.