EASY GROUND BEEF ORZO

Imagine tender orzo pasta swirled with savory ground beef, simmered in a rich tomato sauce that’s bursting with flavor, and finished with a sprinkle of parmesan. That’s Ground Beef Orzo in a nutshell, and it’s about to become your new weeknight hero. Get ready for a comforting, satisfying meal that’s way easier to make than it tastes!

The Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Ground Beef Mixture:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped (optional, but adds great flavor!)
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or more, to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or more, to taste)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Orzo:

• 1 cup dry orzo pasta
• 2 cups chicken broth (or water)

Optional Garnishes:

• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Red pepper flakes (for a little heat!)

Let’s Talk Ground Beef

Choosing the right ground beef is key to a flavorful Ground Beef Orzo. I typically go for 80/20 ground beef – it has enough fat to keep the dish moist and add richness, but not so much that it becomes greasy. However, feel free to use leaner ground beef if you prefer. Just be sure to drain off any excess fat after browning.

And hey, sometimes I even switch it up! Ground turkey or even Italian sausage can work beautifully in this recipe, adding a different dimension of flavor. Don’t be afraid to experiment!

Step-by-Step Instructions: From Prep to Plate

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned.
3. Drain off any excess grease. Nobody wants a greasy Ground Beef Orzo!

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

1. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper (if using) to the skillet. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. That’s the good stuff!

Step 3: Simmer the Sauce

1. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (undrained), oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
2. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together.

Step 4: Cook the Orzo

1. Stir in the orzo pasta and chicken broth (or water) into the sauce.
2. Bring the mixture back to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
3. Tricky Step Alert! Keep an eye on the orzo while it’s cooking. If it’s absorbing the liquid too quickly, add a little more broth or water, a 1/4 cup at a time. You want the orzo to be tender and the sauce to be thick and luscious, not dry.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

1. Remove from heat and let stand for a few minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
2. Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, if desired. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick, too!

Variations and Customizations: Make it Your Own!

This Ground Beef Orzo recipe is super versatile. Here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing:

• Add Vegetables: Toss in some chopped zucchini, carrots, spinach, or mushrooms along with the onions and peppers.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for some extra heat.
• Cheese Please!: Stir in some shredded mozzarella or ricotta cheese at the end for a creamy, cheesy twist.
• Mediterranean Twist: Add some Kalamata olives, feta cheese, and a squeeze of lemon juice for a Mediterranean-inspired Ground Beef Orzo.
• Make it Creamy: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt right before serving for extra richness.

Serving Suggestions: Completing the Meal

Ground Beef Orzo is a satisfying meal on its own, but it’s also delicious served with a side salad or some crusty bread for soaking up all that yummy sauce. If you’re looking for other quick and easy dinner ideas, you might also enjoy a hearty Vegetable Beef Soup or the ever-popular Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta Dinner. For those colder nights, consider Shepherd’s Pie With Ground Beef.

Tips and Tricks for the Best Ground Beef Orzo

• Don’t Overcook the Orzo: Overcooked orzo can become mushy. Cook it just until it’s tender and slightly al dente.
• Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Before serving, taste the Ground Beef Orzo and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add a little more salt, pepper, or herbs.
• Make it Ahead: Ground Beef Orzo can be made ahead of time and reheated. The flavors actually improve as it sits! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing Instructions: Allow the Ground Beef Orzo to cool completely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating Instructions: Reheat Ground Beef Orzo in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little broth or water if needed to loosen it up. You can also reheat it in the microwave.

Craving something similar? You could also give Ground Beef Gnocchi a try or even the Hobo Casserole Ground Beef.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Per Serving, based on 6 servings)

• Calories: 350-400
• Protein: 25-30g
• Fat: 15-20g
• Carbohydrates: 30-35g

Note: Nutritional information is approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

Ground Beef Orzo: Your New Go-To Meal

So there you have it – a simple, satisfying, and totally customizable Ground Beef Orzo recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Whether you stick to the basic recipe or get creative with your own variations, I’m confident you’ll love this comforting and flavorful dish. Enjoy!

Easy Ground Beef Orzo

This Easy Ground Beef Orzo recipe is a comforting and flavorful one-pot meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender orzo pasta is combined with savory ground beef in a rich tomato sauce, creating a satisfying and customizable dish that’s ready in under an hour.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 6

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 375

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound ground beef 80/20 recommended
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped optional
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper or to taste
• 1 cup dry orzo pasta
• 2 cups chicken broth or water
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish optional
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish optional
• Red pepper flakes, for garnish optional

Equipment

• Large skillet or Dutch oven
• Spoon
• measuring cups and spoons
• knife
• cutting board
• Can opener
• Ladle

Method

 

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned. Drain off any excess grease.
3. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper (if using) to the skillet. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
5. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (undrained), oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
6. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Stir in the orzo pasta and chicken broth (or water) into the sauce.
8. Bring the mixture back to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and the liquid is absorbed, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add more broth or water if needed to prevent dryness.
9. Remove from heat and let stand for a few minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
10. Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, if desired. Add red pepper flakes for extra heat.

Notes

For best results, use 80/20 ground beef for flavor and moisture. Don’t overcook the orzo; cook until al dente. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving. This dish can be made ahead and reheated; flavors improve over time. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For freezing, cool completely, transfer to a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Reheat in a skillet or microwave, adding broth or water if needed. Variations include adding vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or spinach. Spice it up with red pepper flakes or hot sauce. Stir in mozzarella or ricotta cheese for a creamy twist. Add Kalamata olives, feta cheese, and lemon juice for a Mediterranean flavor. Make it creamy with sour cream or Greek yogurt.