Ground Beef Orzo Dinner

This ground beef orzo is my go to for family dinners when I want something cozy but quick. The combination of savory beef and tender orzo creates a truly satisfying meal in one pan that even picky eaters will love. The best part is that it comes together in just half an hour so you can get a hearty homemade dinner on the table any night of the week.

My family always lights up when this hits the dinner table. I actually first served this after a way too busy workday and could not believe how happy everyone was with so little effort. Now it is a regular request.

Ingredients

• Lean ground beef: look for bright red color without gray spots for freshest flavor
• Orzo pasta: small oval pasta that adds fun texture and cooks up quickly
• Onion: diced sweet yellow onion adds depth and natural sweetness
• Garlic cloves: fresh garlic brings a bold savory aroma and flavor
• Broth: beef or vegetable both work use low sodium if possible for better control of seasoning
• Tomato paste: for rich color and tangy concentrated tomato taste
• Paprika: use fresh paprika for a gentle smokiness
• Italian seasoning: this blend gives herby complexity to the skillet
• Salt and pepper: essential for balancing flavor taste before serving
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: choose a wedge and grate for best melting and sharp flavor

Step by Step Instructions

Prep the Aromatics:

Dice the onion and finely mince the garlic clove. Taking the time to cut them small ensures every bite gets a little pop of flavor.

Sauté the Base:

Warm a couple tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and stir for about three or four minutes so they become fragrant and translucent but not browned. This gentle start builds lots of flavor.

Brown the Beef:

Crumble the ground beef into the hot skillet with the aromatics. Use a sturdy spoon to break the meat up as it cooks. Sauté for about five to seven minutes until all the pink is gone. If you see much grease at this stage drain most of it off for a cleaner dish.

Add Seasonings:

Spoon in the tomato paste and sprinkle in the paprika and Italian seasoning. Give it a really good stir and cook for another two minutes. This step is important for getting those spices toasted and tomato paste integrated in the beef which gives a flavor boost.

Add Broth and Orzo:

Pour in your choice of broth. Add the dry, rinsed orzo right into the pan. Bring the mixture up to a gentle boil then reduce the heat to low. Cover with a lid and let simmer for about ten to twelve minutes stirring once halfway through so nothing sticks. The orzo softens and soaks up all those good flavors.

Finish With Cheese:

Once the orzo is cooked through remove the pan from heat. Sprinkle in freshly grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it melts right in. This makes the whole skillet creamy and irresistible.

Taste and Serve:

Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Scoop into bowls while it is hot and serve right away for peak comfort.

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The Parmesan is absolutely my favorite part of this recipe. My youngest always races to sprinkle on some extra before everyone else can grab the bowl. It is simple little touches that make dinner time feel special.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. A quick splash of broth when reheating helps revive the creamy texture. This recipe also freezes well just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating on the stove or microwave.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have ground beef you can use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter take. Swap vegetable broth for beef to keep it vegetarian if using a plant based meat. If Parmesan is not handy try pecorino romano or even sharp cheddar for a different creamy finish.

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Serving Suggestions

This dish is a meal on its own but I love to serve it with a bright green salad or roasted broccoli on the side. Warm crusty bread goes perfectly for sopping up the saucy orzo. Sometimes I sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley or basil on top for a fresh pop of color.

Cultural or Historical Context

Orzo though shaped like rice is actually a type of pasta that appears in many Mediterranean dishes. Blending it with ground beef and tomato is a classic combination found in both Greek and Italian home cooking where hearty simple meals bring families together.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use chicken broth instead of beef broth?

Absolutely! Both chicken and vegetable broth work well and provide a lighter or different flavor profile to the finished dish.

→ What is the best way to keep orzo from sticking?

Stir the orzo halfway through simmering to prevent sticking, and use enough liquid for even absorption.

→ Can I add vegetables to this meal?

Yes, diced bell peppers, spinach, or peas can be stirred in for extra color and nutrition.

→ Is there a cheese alternative to parmesan?

You can substitute parmesan with pecorino romano or even mozzarella for a different texture and flavor.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Place cooled leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed.