Welcome to a delicious culinary journey where hearty meets comfort! This Ground Beef Orzo Recipe is your new go-to meal for weeknights when you crave something tangy, savory, and utterly satisfying. Packed with protein and bursting with flavor, this dish will become a family favorite in no time!
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients, perfectly harmonized to delight your taste buds and make your cooking process a breeze.
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese, grated for topping
Equipments
Make sure to have these kitchen tools ready for a seamless cooking experience:
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
How to Make Ground Beef Orzo Recipe – Step By Step
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet, heat over medium-high, add your ground beef. Break it apart using a wooden spoon to ensure even cooking and prevent it from clumping. Cook until browned all through, which takes about 7-10 minutes. This is the base flavor, so pay it attention and drain any excess fat if necessary to keep the dish lean.
Step 2: Saute the Aromatics
Add the diced onion to the pan with the beef. Stir regularly for around 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent. Then, toss in minced garlic, letting it sizzle until fragrant, usually about 1 minute. This step ensures an aromatic depth you’ll taste spoon after spoon.
Step 3: Combine Tomatoes and Herbs
Incorporate crushed tomatoes, oregano, and basil into the mix. Stir everything together until well-coated. This combination should simmer for about 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld fiendishly well with the beef. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to suit your taste.
Step 4: Add the Orzo
Pour in the uncooked orzo, followed by beef broth, stirring to submerge all ingredients. Allow the dish to simmer, covering the skillet partially. Cook for 10-12 minutes until the orzo becomes tender and has absorbed most liquid.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Once satisfied with your dish’s consistency, remove it from heat. Serve warm, garnishing with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an extra hint of indulgence. The creamy, cheesy finish ties everything together, offering mouthwatering satisfaction.
How to Serve Ground Beef Orzo Recipe
This dish is spectacular on its own but pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad, warm garlic bread, or steamed vegetables. For a fine dining touch, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley just before serving for that pop of color.
Recipe Success Tips & Suggestions
For optimum flavor, ensure the beef is well seasoned as it browns. Don’t rush the simmering process; letting the ingredients meld together enhances the final taste. Feel free to customize with additional veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms.
High-Protein Boost: Beef & Quinoa Orzo Delight!
If the protein-packed power of this recipe appeals to you, consider substituting orzo with quinoa for a nutritious twist. Simply follow the same instructions, keeping an eye on texture as quinoa cooks to ensure it remains robust and flavorful. The nuttiness of quinoa enhances the beef richness, making this a powerhouse of wholesome nutrients.
Low Carb Twist: Zoodles & Beef Marvel
Looking to cut down on carbs without sacrificing flavor? Swap the orzo for zucchini noodles or ‘zoodles.’ This simple change will provide a lighter meal keeping all the savory essence intact. Just add the zoodles towards the end of cooking to maintain their crunchy texture. Your low-carb yet sumptuous delight is ready in minutes!
Storage Instructions
Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze portions, making sure they’re tightly sealed to prevent freezer burn, enjoying it within 2 months for the best quality.
FAQs
- Can I substitute orzo with rice?
Yes, you can replace orzo with similar small-sized pasta or rice, adjusting the cook time accordingly to maintain a perfect texture. - How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat on the stove over medium heat, adding a little beef broth to revive the sauce, or microwave until heated through. - Could I make this ahead?
Certainly! Prepare the dish up to 2 days in advance, storing in the fridge, and reheat before serving for convenience. - How can I make it vegetarian?
Replace ground beef with hearty mushrooms or plant-based meat alternatives for a vegetarian version.
Savor Every Bite and Share Your Thoughts
This Ground Beef Orzo Recipe is not just about amazing flavors; it’s also about the joy of cooking and sharing food that brings everyone together. We’d love to hear how you enjoyed it, so feel free to leave a comment below or share your version with us on social media. Bon appétit!
Ground Beef Orzo Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- ground beef
- orzo pasta
- beef broth
- crushed tomatoes
- onion
- garlic
- dried oregano
- dried basil
- salt and pepper
- Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Steps
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until fully cooked.
- Add diced onion to beef; cook until onions are translucent, then stir in garlic.
- Mix in crushed tomatoes, oregano, and basil, then season with salt and pepper.
- Stir in orzo and beef broth, ensuring orzo is well submerged. Simmer until orzo is tender.
- Serve warm, garnished with Parmesan cheese.