Hey there! Let me tell you about one of my absolute favorite comfort foods: Ground Beef Orzo. This dish is a cozy hug in a bowl, bringing together juicy ground beef and tender orzo pasta in a way that just feels like home. I love how quickly it comes together – it’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something hearty and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy the meal! Trust me, once you try this, it’s going to become a staple in your dinner rotation.
Ingredients List
- 1 pound ground beef – I always go for lean ground beef for less grease and a healthier option!
- 1 cup orzo pasta – This tiny pasta is like little hugs in each bite!
- 1 large onion, chopped – A classic base for flavor; I love the sweetness it brings when it’s sautéed.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Because who doesn’t love that garlicky goodness?
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes – This adds a juicy, tangy kick to the dish.
- 2 cups beef broth – For depth and richness; homemade is great, but store-bought works just fine!
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – A blend that takes this dish to a whole new level of deliciousness.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Always a must to elevate the flavors!
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Trust me, this is the secret ingredient that makes it all come together!
How to Prepare Ground Beef Orzo
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
First things first, grab a large skillet and set it over medium heat. Once it’s nice and hot, add the ground beef. You want to break it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Sizzle, sizzle! It should take about 5-7 minutes to brown nicely. Keep an eye on it, because nobody likes dry beef! When it’s all browned, drain any excess fat if needed.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Next up, it’s time to add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook them together with the beef until the onion turns soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. The aroma will be heavenly, and that’s when you know you’re on the right track! Stir often so the garlic doesn’t burn; burnt garlic is a big no-no!
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Now, let’s make this dish even more flavorful! Stir in the can of diced tomatoes (juice and all) along with the beef broth. This is where it gets exciting – the flavors start to meld together beautifully! Give it a good stir and bring everything to a simmer.
Step 4: Cook the Orzo
Once it’s bubbling, toss in the orzo and sprinkle in that Italian seasoning. Stir it all up and let it come to a boil again. Here’s a little trick: reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. You’ll want to let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and has absorbed a good amount of that delicious broth. Don’t forget to give it a stir now and then to keep things from sticking!
Step 5: Season and Serve
Finally, it’s time to season! Add salt and pepper to taste, and then fold in that glorious grated Parmesan cheese. Wow, this is where the magic happens! The cheese melts into the dish, making it creamy and rich. Serve it up warm, and if you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle a bit of fresh herbs on top for that extra touch. Enjoy your fabulous Ground Beef Orzo!
Tips for Success
Alright, friends, let me share a few tips that’ll take your Ground Beef Orzo from good to absolutely fantastic! These little nuggets of wisdom will help you nail this dish every time!
- Don’t skimp on browning: Make sure to really brown that ground beef! It adds a ton of flavor and depth to your dish. Just let it sizzle and develop those lovely brown bits at the bottom of the skillet.
- Fresh ingredients matter: Whenever possible, use fresh garlic and herbs. They add a brightness that dried ingredients just can’t match. Plus, the aroma is to die for!
- Watch the orzo: Keep an eye on the orzo while it cooks. It can go from perfectly tender to mushy pretty quickly. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and check for doneness!
- Customize the seasoning: Feel free to tweak the Italian seasoning to your taste! If you love a little heat, toss in some red pepper flakes. Want it herby? Add some fresh basil or oregano at the end!
- Leftovers are gold: This dish keeps well in the fridge for a few days, and the flavors deepen as it sits. Just reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if it looks a bit dry.
Follow these tips, and you’ll be the star of your own kitchen. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
So, you might be wondering what kind of goodness you’re getting in each delicious serving of this Ground Beef Orzo. Here’s the scoop on the estimated nutritional values so you can enjoy this meal guilt-free!
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 400
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 25g
This dish is not just hearty and satisfying; it’s also packed with protein and full of flavor! It’s a great option for a balanced meal, and I love knowing that I’m fueling my body well while enjoying every bite. Happy eating!
FAQ Section
Got questions? No worries, I’ve got answers! Here are some of the most common questions I get about Ground Beef Orzo, along with my personal tips and tricks to help you out.
Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works wonderfully if you’re looking for a leaner option. Just keep in mind that the flavor will be a bit different, but still delicious! You might want to add a touch more seasoning if you’re using a milder meat.
What if I don’t have orzo pasta?
No problem! You can substitute with other small pasta shapes like ditalini or even mini shells. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions, and you’ll still have a fantastic dish!
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can! This Ground Beef Orzo is great for meal prep. Just make it a day in advance, let it cool, and store it in the fridge. The flavors will meld even more overnight, making it even tastier when you reheat it!
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it! Just make sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in some sautéed spinach, bell peppers, or even zucchini for extra nutrition. Just add them in when you sauté the onion and garlic, so they have time to soften and blend with the flavors. Yum!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This Ground Beef Orzo comes together in just about 30 minutes, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights!
- One-Pot Wonder: Less cleanup means more time to relax after dinner. Who doesn’t love that?
- Hearty and Satisfying: With the combo of ground beef and orzo, you’ll feel full and satisfied without any fuss.
- Flavor Packed: The Italian seasoning and Parmesan cheese add a burst of flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds!
- Customizable: You can easily tweak this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or swapping proteins, making it versatile for any taste!
- Great for Leftovers: The flavors deepen overnight, so it’s even better the next day. Perfect for meal prep or lunch!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous or just want to mix things up a bit with your Ground Beef Orzo, I’ve got some fantastic variations for you! It’s so easy to customize this dish to suit your taste or what you have on hand. Here are a few ideas that are sure to inspire your inner chef!
- Swap the Protein: Instead of ground beef, try using ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. You can even go vegetarian by using lentils or plant-based ground meat if you’re in the mood for something meatless.
- Add More Veggies: Sneak in some spinach, bell peppers, or diced zucchini when you sauté the onion and garlic. They’ll add color, nutrition, and a lovely flavor boost!
- Switch Up the Pasta: If you don’t have orzo, feel free to use small pasta shapes like penne or fusilli. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions, and you’re good to go!
- Experiment with Spices: Want to heat things up? Add some crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to give your dish a kick! You could also try adding smoked paprika for a different flavor profile.
- Cheesy Goodness: While Parmesan is a classic, don’t hesitate to try other cheeses! A sprinkle of mozzarella or a dollop of creamy goat cheese can elevate the dish in delightful ways.
- Herb Infusion: Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can really brighten up the dish. Toss them in just before serving for a burst of freshness.
These variations are not just fun; they keep your Ground Beef Orzo exciting every time you make it. So go ahead, get creative, and make this dish your own!
For more delicious recipes, check out our blog for inspiration!
Also, if you’re interested in learning more about the nutritional benefits of orzo, you can visit Healthline for detailed information.
Print
Ground Beef Orzo: 5 Heartwarming Comfort Food Tips
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A hearty dish combining ground beef and orzo pasta.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
- Stir in diced tomatoes and beef broth.
- Add orzo and Italian seasoning.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes until orzo is tender.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese before serving.
Notes
- Serve with fresh herbs for added flavor.
- Can substitute ground turkey for a leaner option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Ground Beef Orzo, Beef Pasta, One Pot Meal, Easy Dinner