GROUND BEEF ORZO EASY DINNER

I remember being completely floored the first time I saw my Aunt Carol whip up what she called “Italian Wedding Soup, but make it pasta” – the simplicity, the speed, and the sheer deliciousness of the concept just stuck with me, and it’s what inspired this Ground Beef Orzo. Think of it as a hearty, satisfying hug in a bowl, ready in under an hour! Trust me, you’re going to love how easy and flavorful this dish is.

Why You’ll Adore This Ground Beef Orzo

Okay, friend, let’s talk about why this recipe is about to become a weeknight staple. We’re talking:

• Quick & Easy: Seriously, from start to finish, you’re looking at maybe 45 minutes tops. Perfect for those nights when you’re staring blankly into the fridge, wondering what to make.
• One-Pot Wonder: Less dishes? Yes, please! This entire dish comes together in one pot (or a large skillet), meaning cleanup is a breeze.
• Customizable: Veggies, cheese, spice levels – this recipe is your oyster! Feel free to tweak it to your liking (more on that later).
• Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters tend to love this one. The small orzo pasta and familiar ground beef are always a hit.
• Budget-Friendly: Ground beef is a relatively inexpensive protein, making this a great option for feeding a crowd without breaking the bank.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to gather. Don’t worry, it’s mostly pantry staples:

• Ground Beef: I usually use 80/20 for flavor, but leaner ground beef works too. Just drain off any excess grease after browning.
• Orzo Pasta: This small, rice-shaped pasta cooks quickly and absorbs flavor beautifully.
• Onion & Garlic: The aromatic foundation of any good savory dish.
• Diced Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes are perfect. You can use plain, or fire-roasted for a bit of smoky flavor.
• Tomato Paste: Adds richness and depth of flavor to the sauce.
• Beef Broth: Using beef broth will really enhance that umami flavor. Chicken or vegetable broth can be substituted if needed.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of dried herbs that adds a classic Italian flavor.
• Olive Oil: For sautéing.
• Salt & Pepper: To taste.
• Optional Toppings: Grated Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, red pepper flakes.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Let’s Cook!

Alright, let’s get down to business! Here’s how to make this delicious Ground Beef Orzo:

1. Brown the Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
3. Add the Sauce Ingredients: Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
4. Cook the Orzo: Add the orzo pasta to the pot and stir well to combine. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 12-15 minutes, or until the orzo is cooked through and the liquid has been absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. This is a critical step; keep an eye on the liquid level! If it’s drying out too quickly, add a splash more broth.
5. Serve & Enjoy: Remove from heat and let stand for a few minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and red pepper flakes (if desired).

Tips & Tricks for the Best Ground Beef Orzo

Okay, time for some insider secrets! Here are a few tips to ensure your Ground Beef Orzo is a smashing success:

• Don’t Overcook the Orzo: Nobody likes mushy pasta! Check the orzo for doneness around the 12-minute mark. It should be tender but still have a slight bite.
• Adjust the Liquid: The amount of liquid needed can vary depending on your pot and the type of orzo you use. If the orzo is absorbing the liquid too quickly and still isn’t cooked through, add a little more broth.
• Spice it Up: For a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or a dash of hot sauce to your bowl.
• Add Veggies: This recipe is a great way to sneak in some extra veggies. Try adding chopped bell peppers, zucchini, carrots, or spinach.
• Cheese, Please: While Parmesan is a classic topping, feel free to experiment with other cheeses. Mozzarella, cheddar, or even a dollop of ricotta would be delicious.
• Make it Ahead: Ground Beef Orzo is great for meal prepping! It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
• Deglaze the Pan: After browning the ground beef, pour in a little extra beef broth and scrape up all the browned bits from the bottom of the pan. These bits are packed with flavor and will add depth to your sauce.

Variations: Make It Your Own!

This recipe is just a starting point! Here are some fun variations to try:

• Mexican-Inspired: Use taco seasoning instead of Italian seasoning, add a can of black beans and corn, and top with shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream. You could even use this mixture as a base for a delicious Taco Casserole.
• Mediterranean: Add Kalamata olives, feta cheese, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
• Creamy Tomato: Stir in a dollop of cream cheese or sour cream at the end for a richer, creamier sauce.
• Spicy Italian Sausage: Substitute ground beef with Italian sausage for a bolder flavor.
• Chicken Orzo: Swap the ground beef for ground chicken or shredded cooked chicken.

Serving Suggestions

Ground Beef Orzo is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs well with:

• A simple side salad
• Garlic bread
• Roasted vegetables

Other Ground Beef Recipes You’ll Love

If you’re a fan of ground beef, here are a few other recipes you might enjoy:

• Cheesy Meatball Subs: Classic comfort food at its finest.
• Chinese Beef And Broccoli: A quick and easy takeout fakeout.
• Salisbury Steak: A hearty and flavorful classic.
• Baked Ground Beef Tacos: Perfect for a fun and easy taco night.
• Philly Cheesesteak Pasta: If you like a combination of creamy pasta and a Philly cheesesteak, you are going to love this recipe!

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave until heated through, or warm it up in a skillet on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to keep it from drying out.

Troubleshooting

Sometimes things don’t go exactly as planned. Here are a few common issues and how to fix them:

• Orzo is sticking to the bottom of the pot: Make sure you’re stirring the orzo occasionally while it’s cooking. If it’s still sticking, try adding a little more broth.
• The sauce is too thick: Add a little more broth or water to thin it out.
• The sauce is too thin: Simmer uncovered for a few minutes to allow the sauce to reduce and thicken. You can also stir in a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a tablespoon of cold water.
• It’s Bland: Add more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning. A squeeze of lemon juice can also brighten up the flavor.

Ground Beef Orzo Recipe

Here’s the full recipe card for you to print or save:

Yields: 6 servings

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 35 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional toppings: grated Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, red pepper flakes

Instructions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
2. Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
3. Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
4. Add the orzo pasta to the pot and stir well to combine. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 12-15 minutes, or until the orzo is cooked through and the liquid has been absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. Remove from heat and let stand for a few minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and red pepper flakes (if desired).

Final Thoughts

So there you have it – a simple, satisfying, and totally customizable Ground Beef Orzo recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights. I really hope you try it and make it your own! Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and ingredients. Happy cooking, my friend!

Ground Beef Orzo Easy Dinner

This Ground Beef Orzo is a quick, easy, and flavorful one-pot meal perfect for busy weeknights. It’s customizable with your favorite veggies and cheeses, making it a family-friendly and budget-friendly option.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 6

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Italian-American

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• Optional: Grated Parmesan cheese
• Optional: Fresh parsley
• Optional: Red pepper flakes

Equipment

• Large pot or deep skillet
• Spoon
• measuring cups and spoons
• knife
• cutting board

Method

 

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
3. Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
5. Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
6. Add the orzo pasta to the pot and stir well to combine.
7. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 12-15 minutes, or until the orzo is cooked through and the liquid has been absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
8. Remove from heat and let stand for a few minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
9. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and red pepper flakes (if desired).

Notes

Don’t overcook the orzo; check for doneness around the 12-minute mark. Adjust the liquid as needed if the orzo is drying out too quickly. For a spicier dish, add red pepper flakes. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave. Try different variations like Mexican-inspired or Mediterranean by changing the seasoning and adding ingredients like black beans, corn, olives, or feta cheese.