Growing up, my mom’s Ground Beef Orzo was always a family favorite. There’s just something so comforting and delicious about that savory ground beef, tender orzo, and perfectly seasoned sauce. I can still remember the aroma wafting through the house on those nights when she was whipping it up – it was enough to make my mouth water!
As an adult, Ground Beef Orzo has become a go-to recipe in my own kitchen. It’s quick and easy to prepare, but it tastes like it came straight from a gourmet restaurant. I love how the flavors meld together, and how satisfying and filling it is. Plus, it’s a dish that both my husband and kids devour, which makes it a total win-win.
Why This Ground Beef Orzo Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Ground Beef Orzo
The secret to making this Ground Beef Orzo recipe truly special is in the blend of spices and the way the ingredients are cooked. I’ve experimented with all sorts of variations over the years, and this version is hands-down the best. The key is sautéing the ground beef just right to get that perfect texture, then building layers of flavor with aromatics, herbs, and a touch of tomato. And the orzo? It soaks up all those delicious juices, making every bite an absolute delight.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
The great thing about Ground Beef Orzo is that it doesn’t require a huge list of hard-to-find ingredients. In fact, you probably have most of what you need right in your pantry already! The main players are ground beef, orzo pasta, onion, garlic, diced tomatoes, beef broth, and a blend of dried oregano, basil, and thyme. I also like to add a splash of red wine for extra depth of flavor.
Step-by-Step Ground Beef Orzo Instructions
Preparing Your Ground Beef Orzo
This Ground Beef Orzo recipe comes together in just about 30 minutes, making it the perfect weeknight meal. You’ll need a large skillet or Dutch oven to get the job done, as well as your trusty wooden spoon for stirring. Once you’ve got your mise en place ready to go, you’re well on your way to a delicious dinner.
1- Start by heating a bit of olive oil in your skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and use your spoon to break it up as it cooks, until it’s no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
2- Next, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
3- Pour in the diced tomatoes, beef broth, and dried herbs. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.
4- Finally, stir in the uncooked orzo and let it simmer for 12-15 minutes, until the pasta is tender. You’ll know it’s done when the orzo has soaked up all the flavorful liquid.
5- Give the Ground Beef Orzo a final stir, then taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. I like to finish it off with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and brightness.
6- Serve your Ground Beef Orzo hot, letting everyone dig in and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Success
One pro tip for making the best Ground Beef Orzo is to be sure not to overcrowd the pan when browning the beef. You want it to get a nice sear and caramelization, which won’t happen if the meat is piled on top of itself. Also, keep a close eye on the orzo toward the end of the cooking time – you don’t want it to get mushy. And don’t be afraid to get creative with the herbs and spices! A dash of smoked paprika or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese can take this dish to the next level.
Serving and Storing Your Ground Beef Orzo
Perfect Pairings for Ground Beef Orzo
Ground Beef Orzo is such a versatile dish that it pairs beautifully with all sorts of sides and accompaniments. A fresh green salad or steamed broccoli make for a light and healthy pairing. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside some crusty garlic bread or roasted veggies. And don’t forget the wine! A medium-bodied red like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon is the perfect complement to this savory dish.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Luckily, Ground Beef Orzo reheats and stores like a dream. Any leftovers can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave until piping hot. You can also make this recipe in advance and freeze it for up to 3 months. Just let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Ground Beef Orzo
Creative Ground Beef Orzo Variations
While the classic version of Ground Beef Orzo is absolutely delicious as-is, there are plenty of ways to switch it up. Try using ground turkey or Italian sausage instead of beef for a different flavor profile. You can also amp up the veggies by tossing in diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach. And for a little kick, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
Making Ground Beef Orzo Diet-Friendly
To make this Ground Beef Orzo recipe a bit more diet-friendly, you’ve got a few options. For a gluten-free version, simply swap the orzo for gluten-free pasta or cauliflower rice. For a low-carb take, skip the pasta altogether and serve the ground beef mixture over zucchini noodles or roasted spaghetti squash. And for a vegan/vegetarian adaptation, use plant-based ground “meat” and vegetable broth instead of the beef.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta instead of orzo?
A: Absolutely! Orzo is the traditional choice, but you can easily substitute other small, quick-cooking pasta shapes like ditalini, elbow macaroni, or even penne.
Q: How can I make this recipe spicier?
A: To amp up the heat, try adding a diced jalapeño or serrano pepper when you sauté the onions and garlic. You can also sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
Q: Can I make this Ground Beef Orzo recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, this is a great make-ahead meal! Simply prepare the recipe as directed, let it cool completely, and then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to serve, just reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Q: How much does this recipe make?
A: This Ground Beef Orzo recipe serves about 4-6 people, depending on portion sizes. It makes a hearty main dish, so I’d recommend serving it with a salad or some crusty bread to round out the meal.
Q: Why is my Ground Beef Orzo coming out dry?
A: If your Ground Beef Orzo is turning out dry, it’s likely that you’re overcooking the orzo. Be sure to follow the package instructions closely and keep a close eye on it as it simmers. You can also try adding a bit more broth if the mixture seems too thick.
Ground Beef Orzo
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This easy Ground Beef Orzo recipe is a delicious and satisfying one-pot meal that comes together in just 30 minutes. Made with savory ground beef, tender orzo pasta, and a flavorful tomato-based sauce, this comforting dish is perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
– 2 cups uncooked orzo pasta
– 2 cups beef broth
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– 1 tsp dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
1. – In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned and crumbled, 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
2. – Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. – Stir in the diced tomatoes, uncooked orzo, beef broth, oregano, and basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. – Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender, about 12-15 minutes.
5. – Remove from heat and serve immediately, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
– For extra flavor, you can add a splash of red wine or Worcestershire sauce to the skillet.
– Customize the dish by adding your favorite vegetables, such as diced bell peppers or mushrooms.
– Leftover ground beef orzo can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
Ground Beef Orzo is truly a weeknight dinner superhero. It’s quick and easy to make, but it tastes like it came straight from a 5-star restaurant. The savory ground beef, tender orzo, and perfectly seasoned sauce create a flavor combination that’s simply out of this world. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just cooking for your family, this recipe is sure to become a new go-to. So what are you waiting for? Get in the kitchen and whip up a batch of this delicious Ground Beef Orzo tonight!
