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A delicious bowl of Ground Beef Orzo is displayed as the featured image for the recipe article.

Easy Ground Beef Orzo

This Ground Beef Orzo recipe is a hearty and flavorful one-pot meal that's ready in under an hour. Tender orzo pasta simmers in a savory beef and tomato sauce, creating a comforting and satisfying dish with minimal cleanup.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Equipment

  • Large pot or Dutch oven
  • Spoon
  • measuring cups and spoons
  • knife
  • cutting board

Method
 

  1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
  3. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook until the onion is softened, about 3-5 minutes.
  4. Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.
  5. Pour in the diced tomatoes (undrained), tomato sauce, and beef broth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes to let the flavors meld.
  7. Stir in the orzo pasta. Make sure the orzo is submerged in the liquid; add a little more beef broth if needed.
  8. Cover the pot and simmer for another 15-20 minutes, or until the orzo is cooked through and the liquid has been absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  9. Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese.
  10. Let the Ground Beef Orzo stand for a few minutes to allow the cheese to melt and the sauce to thicken slightly.
  11. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Serve hot with extra Parmesan cheese on the side.

Notes

For richer flavor, use ground beef with an 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio and good-quality beef broth. Adjust spices to your liking, adding garlic powder, onion powder, or Italian seasoning. To prevent mushy orzo, check the pasta frequently towards the end of the cooking time. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of beef broth or water if needed. Consider adding vegetables like chopped carrots, celery, or zucchini for a veggie boost. Other cheeses like mozzarella or provolone can be used in place of Parmesan. Experiment with fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme for added flavor. For a richer tomato flavor, use crushed tomatoes instead of diced tomatoes or add tomato paste.