Why Make This Recipe
Ground Beef Orzo is a wonderful weeknight meal that’s perfect for families. It combines the comforting taste of ground beef with the heartiness of orzo pasta. This dish is not only easy to make, but it also brings everyone together around the dinner table.
You can have a complete meal cooked in one pot, minimizing cleanup while maximizing flavor and satisfaction. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies with the peas and tomatoes! Whether your kids are picky eaters or adventurous foodies, they’re likely to enjoy this comforting bowl of goodness.
How to Make Ground Beef Orzo
Let’s keep this cooking process simple and straightforward. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (you can substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option)
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth (or chicken broth; vegetable broth also works for a meatless option)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned, fresh, or even a jar of marinara)
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (feel free to use your favorite dried herbs)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Directions
- In a large skillet or pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant.
- Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula and cooking until browned. This is a great time to set your kitchen timer for about 8-10 minutes.
- Stir in the orzo pasta and cook for just 1-2 minutes to give it a little toast.
- Pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
- Toss in the frozen peas and Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper to satisfy your taste.
- Cover and let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Serve hot, generously topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
How to Serve Ground Beef Orzo
Ground Beef Orzo is best served warm straight from the skillet. If you’re feeling adventurous, add a side salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal. You can also sprinkle extra Italian herbs or a dash of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat. Kids love when they can sprinkle their own cheese on top—let them help with that!
How to Store Ground Beef Orzo
If you have leftovers (which we hope you do!), allow the orzo to cool completely before storing. Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of broth if it seems dry.
Tips to Make Ground Beef Orzo
- Make It Cheesy: For an extra cheesy touch, stir in some cream cheese or shredded cheddar at the end.
- Veggie Boost: Toss in some chopped spinach or kale at the same time as you add the peas for added nutrition.
- Quick Prep: To save time, chop your onions and garlic in advance. Even frozen diced onions can save you a couple of minutes!
- Single Pot Cooking: Use a deep skillet or Dutch oven to cut down on the number of dishes you need to wash!
Variation
You can easily make a vegetarian version by swapping the ground beef for a mix of mushrooms, lentils, or your favorite plant-based protein. Just sauté them until they’re nicely browned, and follow the rest of the steps as usual.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! If you don’t have orzo, small shell pasta or even quinoa can work well here. Adjust the cooking time as needed.
What if I don’t have ground beef?
That’s okay! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives can be substituted for a lighter meal.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Absolutely! This dish freezes well. Just make sure it’s completely cooled and stored in a freezer-safe container. It can be kept for up to 3 months.
With these simple steps and suggestions, you can make Ground Beef Orzo a family favorite in no time. Enjoy cooking and sharing this hearty meal with your loved ones!
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Ground Beef Orzo
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Paleo
Description
A comforting weeknight meal that combines ground beef and orzo pasta, perfect for families.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey or chicken)
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth (or chicken or vegetable broth)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned, fresh, or marinara)
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant.
- Add ground beef, breaking apart with a spatula, and cook until browned (about 8-10 minutes).
- Stir in orzo pasta and cook for 1-2 minutes to toast slightly.
- Pour in beef broth and diced tomatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
- Toss in frozen peas and Italian seasoning, seasoning to taste with salt and pepper.
- Cover and let simmer for about 10-12 minutes, until orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
For extra flavor, add cream cheese or cheddar at the end. Spinach or kale can be added for a veggie boost.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: ground beef, orzo, one pot meal, easy dinner, family recipe