If you’re craving something hearty, comforting, and packed with flavor, this Savory Ground Beef Orzo Recipe is about to become your new weeknight hero. Combining tender ground beef, delicate orzo pasta, and a medley of vibrant vegetables and spices, it’s a dish that feels both homey and a little special. Whether you’re cooking for a busy family dinner or just treating yourself, this recipe is straightforward enough to whip up quickly but impressive enough to share with friends. The rich, aromatic broth and melted Parmesan cheese blend beautifully to create a meal that’s downright irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients is the first step toward creating this delicious dish. Each one plays a vital role in balancing the savory, hearty flavors, adding texture, or bringing a pop of color that makes every bite delightful.
- Ground beef (1 pound): Provides rich, meaty flavor and protein to make the dish filling and satisfying.
- Orzo pasta (1 cup): Offers a delicate, rice-like texture that soaks up all the delicious juices.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): The perfect base for sautéing and adds a subtle fruity richness.
- Onion, chopped (1 medium): Brings sweetness and depth when cooked down.
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Adds aromatic warmth and complexity.
- Bell pepper, diced (1, any color): Adds crunch, sweetness, and vibrant color.
- Diced tomatoes, canned (14.5 oz, drained): Provides acidity and freshness to balance the meatiness.
- Beef broth (2 cups): Creates a savory cooking liquid that flavors the orzo perfectly.
- Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): Imparts an earthy, herbaceous note.
- Dried basil (1 teaspoon): Adds a hint of sweet, peppery flavor.
- Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Lends smoky warmth and subtle color.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for enhancing all the dish’s flavors.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup): Melts into the orzo for creamy, umami richness.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: A bright, fresh garnish that adds a lovely finishing touch.
How to Make Savory Ground Beef Orzo Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Beef and Vegetables
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Adding the ground beef next, break it apart with your spatula as it browns evenly, releasing all those meaty aromas into your kitchen. Once the beef is beautifully browned, push it to the side of the skillet to make room for the chopped onion, garlic, and diced bell pepper. Sauté these vegetables until the onions turn translucent and the peppers soften, about five minutes. This creates a flavor-packed base packed with sweetness and depth.
Step 2: Build the Flavor Foundation
Stir in the drained diced tomatoes along with beef broth, oregano, basil, paprika, salt, and pepper. This combination of herbs and spices elevates the dish from simple to stunning, layering in herbal aromas and subtle smoky warmth that balance the richness of the beef and broth beautifully.
Step 3: Cook the Orzo to Perfection
Add the orzo pasta to the skillet, making sure it’s fully submerged in the flavorful liquid. Turn up the heat and bring everything to a boil. Once boiling, lower the heat to a gentle simmer and cover the skillet. Allow the orzo to cook for about 10 to 12 minutes or until tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. As the orzo cooks, it soaks up all those lovely flavors, making every bite utterly delicious.
Step 4: Finish with Cheese and Rest
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, letting it melt evenly throughout the dish. This step adds a creamy, salty kick that ties the flavors together beautifully. Remove the skillet from heat and let it rest for a few minutes — this pause lets the flavors meld and intensify, making the dish even more satisfying to eat.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Before serving, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top. This simple garnish adds a burst of color and a fresh, herbal note that complements the hearty flavors perfectly.
How to Serve Savory Ground Beef Orzo Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan can brighten this dish instantly. For a slight zing, a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving adds a fresh contrast to the savory richness.
Side Dishes
A crisp green salad or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans pair wonderfully and provide a refreshing balance to the hearty orzo. Garlic bread or a warm baguette also make great companions to scoop up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Savory Ground Beef Orzo Recipe in individual ramekins for a charming presentation, or spoon it into colorful bell pepper halves before baking for a fun, edible bowl. This can elevate the meal for entertaining or make a weeknight dinner feel special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so it can taste even better the next day!
Freezing
While this dish freezes well, the texture of the orzo may soften slightly. If freezing, pack it tightly in freezer-safe containers and enjoy within 2 months for best quality.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of broth or water to revive the creamy texture. Microwaving works too—just cover loosely and stir occasionally to heat evenly.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey can be a lighter alternative, though the flavor will be milder. Adding a bit more seasoning or a splash of Worcestershire sauce can help enhance the taste.
Is it necessary to drain the diced tomatoes?
Draining excess liquid helps keep the dish from becoming too watery, ensuring the orzo cooks perfectly and the flavors concentrate nicely.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, swap the ground beef for a plant-based protein or extra vegetables like mushrooms, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
What can I substitute for orzo if I don’t have any?
Small pasta shapes like acini di pepe, small shells, or even couscous work well as substitutes, absorbing the flavors beautifully.
How spicy is this recipe?
It’s mild with warmth from paprika but not spicy. If you like some heat, adding crushed red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño during the vegetable sauté step will do the trick.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about a dish like this Savory Ground Beef Orzo Recipe. It’s the kind of meal that wraps you up in cozy flavors and satisfies hunger without fuss or complicated steps. I hope you give it a try soon, whether for a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend dinner. Once you do, it might just become one of your favorite go-to recipes too!
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Savory Ground Beef Orzo Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 10m
- Cook Time: 0h 20m
- Total Time: 0h 30m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A comforting and flavorful one-pan meal combining savory ground beef with tender orzo pasta, sautéed vegetables, and aromatic herbs, finished with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for garnish. Perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 2 cups beef broth
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Finishing Touches
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat to prepare for cooking the beef and vegetables.
- Brown the ground beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula until browned evenly. Drain any excess fat if necessary to reduce greasiness.
- Add vegetables: Push the cooked beef to one side of the skillet. Add chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced bell pepper to the center of the skillet.
- Sauté vegetables: Cook the onions, garlic, and bell peppers, stirring occasionally until the onions become translucent and peppers are tender, about 5 minutes.
- Add tomatoes and seasonings: Stir in the drained diced tomatoes, beef broth, dried oregano, dried basil, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything evenly with the beef and vegetables.
- Add orzo pasta: Add the orzo pasta to the skillet, making sure it is fully submerged in the liquid mixture. Increase heat to bring to a boil.
- Simmer and cook orzo: Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes or until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Incorporate Parmesan cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and is evenly distributed throughout the dish, adding creaminess and flavor.
- Rest the dish: Remove the skillet from the heat and let it sit for a few minutes so the flavors can meld together nicely.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a fresh, vibrant finish. Serve the dish hot.
Notes
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the seasonings.
- Drain excess fat after browning the beef to reduce grease.
- You can substitute vegetable broth for beef broth for a lighter flavor.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best taste and texture.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
