Irresistible Ground Beef Orzo Recipe for Cozy Nights Recipe
This Irresistible Ground Beef Orzo recipe is a cozy, comforting one-pot meal featuring tender orzo pasta simmered in flavorful beef broth with seasoned ground beef, aromatic onions, and garlic, finished with rich Parmesan cheese for a creamy, savory finish. Perfect for easy weeknight dinners, it combines simple ingredients to deliver a satisfying, hearty dish that warms you up on chilly evenings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Main 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
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)
Instructions
- Sauté onions and garlic: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, cooking for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Cook ground beef: Add the lean ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a spatula and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned throughout. Drain any excess grease if needed.
- Add seasonings: Stir in the tomato paste, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to deepen the flavors.
- Simmer orzo: Pour in the beef or vegetable broth and add the rinsed orzo pasta. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes until the orzo is tender. Stir halfway through cooking to prevent sticking.
- Finish with Parmesan: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy, adjusting seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
- For added nutrition, consider adding chopped spinach or diced bell peppers when adding the broth.
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to make the dish slightly lighter or vegetarian-friendly (omit meat for vegetarian).
- Make sure to rinse the orzo pasta before cooking to prevent clumping.
- This dish reheats well and is perfect for meal prep or leftovers.
Keywords: ground beef orzo, one-pot meal, easy dinner, comfort food, weeknight recipe, quick pasta dish
