Description
A quick and hearty Ground Beef and Orzo recipe combining savory browned beef, tender orzo pasta, and a rich tomato sauce, enhanced with Italian seasoning and creamy parmesan. Ready in just 25 minutes, it makes a perfect comforting meal for a busy weeknight.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Aromatics
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound (454 g) ground beef (85/15 or 90/10)
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
Pasta and Sauce
- 1 cup (150 g) uncooked orzo
- 15 ounces (425 g) tomato sauce
- 2 cups (473 ml) beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Finishing
- â…“ cup (33 g) freshly grated parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Add the ground beef and break it up into small pieces with a spatula or wooden spoon. Cook until browned thoroughly and no pink remains.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the browned beef. Sauté with occasional stirring until the onions become soft and the mixture is fragrant, about 3 minutes.
- Add Orzo: Stir in the uncooked orzo pasta, evenly mixing it into the beef and onion mixture to lightly coat the pasta with the flavors.
- Add Liquids & Seasonings: Pour in the tomato sauce and beef broth, then sprinkle with Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything thoroughly to combine.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered. Stir occasionally and cook for about 10 minutes, or until most of the liquid is absorbed but the orzo remains saucy and tender, allowing flavors to meld.
- Add Parmesan: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the freshly grated parmesan cheese until it melts and creates a creamy texture. Add more parmesan cheese if desired.
- Serve: Serve the dish warm, garnished with extra parmesan cheese for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Use ground beef with 85/15 or 90/10 fat ratio for best flavor and texture.
- Stir frequently during simmer to prevent orzo from sticking to the pan.
- Adjust seasoning to your preference, especially salt and pepper.
- Extra parmesan cheese can be added as garnish when serving.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables.
