Irresistible Ground Beef Orzo Recipe for Cozy Nights Recipe
This Irresistible Ground Beef Orzo recipe is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for cozy nights. Featuring tender orzo pasta simmered with savory ground beef, aromatic onions, garlic, and a rich blend of tomato paste and Italian seasoning, it delivers a satisfying meal that comes together quickly on the stovetop. Finished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, this recipe offers a creamy, flavorful one-pot dinner that’s both simple and delicious.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-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 Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until the onions become soft and translucent, releasing their fragrance.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add the lean ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a spoon as it cooks for 5-7 minutes until fully browned. Drain any excess grease if necessary to keep the dish from becoming oily.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in the tomato paste, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Let the mixture cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the spices and tomato paste to become fragrant and well incorporated.
- Simmer Orzo: Pour in the beef or vegetable broth and add the rinsed orzo pasta. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring halfway through to prevent sticking, until the orzo is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed.
- Finish with Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into a creamy, cohesive mixture that binds the dish together.
Notes
- Rinse orzo before cooking to remove excess starch and prevent clumping.
- If using vegetable broth, choose a rich, flavorful one to complement the beef taste.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper at the end to taste.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Add a handful of fresh parsley or basil on top for a bright, fresh garnish if desired.
Keywords: ground beef orzo, one pot meal, easy dinner, comfort food, creamy orzo recipe, quick ground beef recipe
