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Ground Beef Orzo Recipe

Ground Beef Orzo Recipe

A quick and comforting one-pot dinner featuring seasoned ground beef, tender orzo pasta, and creamy Parmesan cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 420

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb lean ground beef preferably 90/10
  • 1 cup orzo pasta rinsed
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1-2 tbsp olive oil for sautéing
  • 2 cups beef or vegetable broth low sodium preferred
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp paprika smoked paprika recommended
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated

Equipment

  • Large skillet with lid
  • Wooden spoon or spatula

Method
 

  1. Heat 1 to 2 tablespoons of olive oil in your large skillet over medium heat, then add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
  2. Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it into small crumbles with your wooden spoon as it cooks. Continue cooking for 5 to 7 minutes until no pink remains and the meat develops a golden-brown color. Drain excess grease if necessary.
  3. Stir in the tomato paste, paprika, and Italian seasoning, coating the beef evenly. Cook for 2 minutes while stirring constantly to prevent sticking and allow the tomato paste to caramelize slightly.
  4. Pour in your broth and add the rinsed orzo pasta, stirring everything together. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover with a lid. Simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring at the halfway point to prevent clumping.
  5. Remove the skillet from heat and immediately stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix vigorously until the cheese melts completely and creates a creamy sauce. Let it rest for 2 to 3 minutes before serving.

Notes

For added nutrition, stir in fresh spinach or diced bell peppers. You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a splash of broth to restore creaminess.