Savory Ground Beef Orzo

$- 1 pound ground beef - 1 cup orzo pasta - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 3 garlic cloves, minced - 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), diced - 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained - 2 cups beef broth - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Additional vegetables (zucchini, spinach) - Cheese options (Parmesan, feta) - Spice variations (cumin for a smoky flavor) The ingredients for Savory Ground Beef Orzo create a tasty and filling meal. Each one serves a purpose. The ground beef provides protein that fills you up. The orzo pasta acts like tiny rice, soaking up all the rich flavors. Onions and garlic bring a strong aroma and sweet taste. Bell peppers add crunch and color. Diced tomatoes add moisture and acidity, balancing the dish. Beef broth enhances the savory depth. Dried oregano and smoked paprika add a warm, earthy flavor. Crushed red pepper flakes give it a little kick. Salt and pepper help round out the taste. Fresh parsley is a great garnish. It adds a pop of green and freshness to the dish. You can also add your favorite veggies or cheeses. This way, you can give the dish your own unique twist. You can find the complete preparation steps in the Full Recipe. Enjoy cooking! - Sauté vegetables and aromatics: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 medium onion, finely chopped, and 1 diced bell pepper. Cook for 4-5 minutes until softened. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 more minute. - Brown the ground beef: Increase heat to medium-high and add 1 pound of ground beef. Cook for 6-8 minutes. Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat as it cooks. Make sure it turns brown and is no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed. - Add spices and tomatoes: Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes. Add salt and pepper to taste. Mix in 1 can of drained diced tomatoes and 2 cups of beef broth. Stir everything together. - Simmer with broth and pasta: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in 1 cup of orzo pasta. Reduce heat to low and cover the skillet. Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally. - Adjust seasonings to taste: After 10-12 minutes, taste the dish. Add more salt or pepper if needed. - Rest before serving: Remove the skillet from heat. Let the dish rest for a couple of minutes. This helps the flavors blend well. You can find the full recipe for Savory Ground Beef Orzo Delight by following the link. To prevent orzo from sticking, stir it well during cooking. Add a little olive oil to the water before boiling. This helps keep the pasta separate. Also, remember to cook orzo in plenty of water. Use a large pot for best results. For browning beef, start with a hot skillet. This gives the beef a nice sear. Don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches if needed. This way, the meat will brown evenly and taste better. Adjust spice levels based on your taste. Add more crushed red pepper for heat or use less for a milder dish. You can also mix in different spices like cumin or chili powder to change the flavor profile. Adding fresh herbs makes a big difference. Try using parsley, basil, or thyme. They add brightness and freshness to the dish. Toss them in right before serving to keep their flavor strong. Serve Savory Ground Beef Orzo in deep bowls. This gives a nice look and holds the sauce well. Offer crusty bread on the side for dipping. You can also sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top for a tasty finish. For a pop of color, add more fresh parsley or even some sliced olives. This adds a nice touch and makes your plate more inviting. You can even pair it with a salad for a complete meal. {{image_4}} You can switch the ground beef for ground turkey. This makes the dish leaner but still tasty. Ground turkey has less fat and works well in many recipes. You can also use mushrooms or lentils for a vegetarian dish. They add richness and texture that mimic meat. Simply sauté them until soft, then mix them in as you would with beef. If you need a gluten-free option, try gluten-free pasta. It cooks like orzo and fits well in this dish. You can find it in most stores today. For the broth, choose a gluten-free variety. Many brands offer options that are safe for gluten-sensitive diets. To give your orzo a Mexican touch, use taco spices. Add cumin, chili powder, and black beans. This twist will add a spicy kick to your meal. Alternatively, go for a Mediterranean vibe. Toss in some olives and feta cheese. These ingredients bring a burst of flavor and a touch of the sea to every bite. For more ideas and a complete guide, check out the Full Recipe. To store leftovers properly, let the Savory Ground Beef Orzo cool down first. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. Make sure the container is clean and dry to keep the dish fresh. You can store this meal in the fridge for up to three days. Use glass or BPA-free plastic containers. They work well for keeping food fresh. If you have more leftovers, divide them into smaller portions. This makes it easier to grab a quick meal later. To reheat without loss of texture, the stove is best. Place the orzo in a skillet and add a splash of beef broth or water. Heat over low to medium heat. Stir occasionally until warmed through. This keeps the orzo from drying out. You can also use the microwave. Place the orzo in a microwave-safe bowl and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until hot. If you want to freeze it, use freezer-safe containers. You can store it for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat as mentioned above. Enjoy your meal anytime! - How long does Savory Ground Beef Orzo last in the fridge? Savory Ground Beef Orzo lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Make sure to store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. - Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Prepare it and let it cool before storing it in the fridge. Just reheat it before serving. - What can I serve with Savory Ground Beef Orzo? This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or some crusty bread. You might also enjoy it with roasted vegetables for extra flavor. - Is orzo gluten-free? No, orzo is not gluten-free. It is made from wheat. If you need a gluten-free option, try rice or gluten-free pasta. - Can I substitute other pasta types? Absolutely! You can use any small pasta, like couscous or elbow macaroni. Just adjust the cooking time as needed. - How can I make this dish spicier? To spice things up, add more crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. You can also try adding diced jalapeños for extra heat. This blog post covered how to make Savory Ground Beef Orzo. We explored the key ingredients, the steps to prepare and cook the dish, and tips for making it even better. Variations like using ground turkey, or gluten-free pasta, offer exciting twists. You now have ways to store leftovers and reheat them without losing flavor or texture. Enjoy creating your own version and sharing it with loved ones. Cooking is about experimenting, so don’t be afraid to try new things!$

Looking for a delicious meal that combines savory ground beef and orzo? Try this Savory Ground Beef Orzo Delight! In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a hearty dish that’s bursting with flavors from garlic, tomatoes, and spices. Perfect for dinner or meal prep, it’s sure to please everyone at the table. Click through to explore the full recipe and impress your family with this easy and satisfying meal!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef

1 cup orzo pasta

1 medium onion, finely chopped

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 bell pepper (red or yellow), diced

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained

2 cups beef broth

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

Begin by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the finely chopped onion and diced bell pepper. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and the onion becomes translucent.

Add the minced garlic to the skillet and continue to cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant but not burnt.

Increase the heat to medium-high and carefully add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook the beef for approximately 6-8 minutes, using a wooden spoon to break it apart while stirring. Cook until the beef is browned and no longer pink. If there’s excess fat, drain it from the skillet.

Once the beef is browned, sprinkle in the dried oregano, smoked paprika, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir well to evenly coat the meat with the spices.

Pour in the drained diced tomatoes and the beef broth, stirring to combine all ingredients. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

As the mixture comes to a simmer, stir in the orzo pasta. Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and allow it to cook for about 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, until the orzo is cooked al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed.

Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Remove the skillet from heat and let it rest for a couple of minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Serve the savory orzo beef mix warm, garnished with a generous sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness.

Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 30 mins | Servings: 4

- Presentation Tips: Serve in deep bowls and offer a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. Add additional parsley or even a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for an extra touch.