Ground Beef Orzo Recipe

Why Make This Recipe

Ground Beef Orzo is a simple and tasty dish that combines beef and pasta in a delicious way. It’s a one-pan meal that saves time and makes cleanup easy.

Creamy ground beef orzo with spinach and parmesan in a white bowl, rich tomato sauce and cheesy texture for dinner

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty and comforting. Plus, it’s packed with flavors everyone will love!

How To Make Ground Beef Orzo

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

Directions:

  1. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is softened.
  2. Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart as it cooks for about 5-7 minutes until browned. If there is excess grease, drain it.
  3. Stir in the tomato paste, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until it smells good.
  4. Pour in the broth and add the rinsed orzo pasta. Bring to a boil. Then, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes until the orzo is tender. Be sure to stir halfway through.
  5. Remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it is melted and creamy.
Creamy ground beef orzo simmered in a rich tomato sauce with spinach, cooked in one pot for a quick cozy dinner

Prep Time And Nutrition Facts

This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 20 minutes to cook, making a total of 30 minutes. It serves 4 people, and each serving has about 350 calories, with around 25 grams of protein and 15 grams of fat.

How To Serve Ground Beef Orzo

Serve Ground Beef Orzo warm. You can add a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese on top for more flavor. A side of steamed vegetables or a simple salad goes well with this dish. Enjoy your meal!

How To Store Ground Beef Orzo

If you have any leftovers, let them cool and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Ground Beef Orzo can last for 3-4 days in the fridge. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Tips To Make Ground Beef Orzo

  • For extra veggies, try adding bell peppers, spinach, or peas.
  • Use whole wheat orzo for a healthier option.
  • Adjust seasonings to your taste. You can add more garlic or hot sauce if you like it spicy.

Health And Benefits Of This Recipe

Ground Beef Orzo is a nutritious meal. It has lean protein from the ground beef, which helps build and repair muscles. The orzo pasta provides carbohydrates for energy, while the onions and garlic add vitamins and minerals. This dish is balanced and can help keep you feeling full.

Variation

You can change this recipe by using turkey instead of ground beef or swapping orzo for whole grain pasta. Add different spices to give it a unique flavor or incorporate seasonal vegetables to enhance the nutrition.

FAQs

1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day before and store it in the fridge. Just reheat before serving.

2. Is this recipe gluten-free?
No, this recipe is not gluten-free because of the orzo pasta. However, you can use gluten-free pasta as a substitute.

3. Can I add more cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to add more Parmesan or try different types of cheese for a richer flavor