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Delicious ground beef orzo dish served in a bowl with fresh herbs.

Ground Beef Orzo

A cozy one-pot dish combining tender orzo pasta and savory ground beef in a tomato-scented broth, perfect for chilly evenings.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 pound ground beef Use 90/10 ground beef or substitute half with ground turkey for a leaner option.
  • 1 cup orzo pasta Orzo cooks quickly; avoid overcooking.
  • 1 cup onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced Add garlic after the onion has started to soften to prevent burning.
  • 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz) Fire-roasted variety can enhance flavor.
  • 2 cups beef broth Use low-sodium for better control over salt.
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • for serving Parmesan cheese Freshly grated is best.
  • for garnish Fresh parsley

Method
 

Cooking the Beef and Vegetables
  1. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat.
  2. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and cook until the onion is translucent.
Combining Ingredients
  1. Stir in diced tomatoes, beef broth, orzo, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cover.
Simmering
  1. Simmer for about 10–15 minutes or until the orzo is cooked and liquid is absorbed.
  2. Check the orzo at around 9 minutes; add more broth or water if it seems too dry.
Serving
  1. Serve hot, topped with Parmesan cheese and parsley.

Notes

For a creamy finish, stir in sour cream or heavy cream at the end. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 3–4 days or frozen for up to 2 months.