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A delicious and comforting Ground Beef Orzo Dinner is shown as the featured image.

Best Ground Beef Orzo Dinner

This Ground Beef Orzo Dinner is a hearty and flavorful one-pot meal, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner. Savory ground beef combines with tender orzo pasta in a rich tomato-based sauce, creating a delicious and easy-to-make family favorite.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish optional

Equipment

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

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. Drain off any excess grease.
  3. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  4. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  5. Pour in the diced tomatoes (undrained) and tomato sauce.
  6. Add the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper.
  7. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld together.
  8. Stir in the orzo pasta and beef broth.
  9. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the orzo is cooked through and the liquid is absorbed. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking!
  10. Remove from heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese.
  11. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve immediately.

Notes

For a leaner dish, use ground turkey or 90/10 ground beef, adding extra olive oil to prevent dryness. If the orzo sticks, add more broth. If the sauce is too thick, add more broth or water; if it's too thin, simmer uncovered to evaporate liquid. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Add vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or spinach for added nutrients. Spice it up with red pepper flakes or hot sauce. Try different cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar. Stir in sour cream or Greek yogurt for a creamy texture.