If you’re looking for a comforting, easy-to-make dinner that can please everyone at the table, Beef Orzo is a perfect choice. This one-pot recipe combines tender ground beef, flavorful tomatoes, and small, pasta-like orzo in a creamy, satisfying dish. It’s a great alternative to traditional risotto and uses simple ingredients that you can find in most kitchens. Whether you’re cooking for your family or preparing a quick midweek meal, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your home.
Why You’ll Love This Beef Orzo Recipe
There are many reasons this Beef Orzo dish stands out and why it should be on your weekly menu. First, it’s incredibly simple to prepare. You don’t need any special cooking skills or complicated steps to get a tasty meal on the table. Just a few basic ingredients and one pot, and you’re ready to go. This saves you time on washing dishes, too.
Second, this recipe delivers wonderful flavors that blend perfectly. The ground beef gives a rich, hearty base, while the tomatoes add a fresh, slightly tangy taste. The oregano brings a hint of earthiness that ties everything together. Finally, the parmesan cheese adds a creamy finish that makes the dish feel indulgent, even though it’s easy to make.
This dish is also very flexible. You can easily add vegetables or switch up the herbs to suit your preferences. Plus, it’s filling without being heavy, so it works well for lunch or dinner. And if you want a crowd-pleaser that’s ready in under an hour, Beef Orzo is your go-to.
Ingredients for Beef Orzo
To make this tasty meal, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients. Here’s what goes into it:
- 450 grams (1 pound) minced beef
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 onion, peeled and chopped
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped
- 1 tin chopped tomatoes (400 grams or 13 ounces)
- 2 cups beef broth or stock
- 1 red pepper, peeled and chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
These ingredients are easy to find in most grocery stores and pantry shelves. The orzo pasta looks like rice but is actually a type of pasta, which helps create a creamy texture when cooked in broth.
How to Make Beef Orzo: Step-by-Step Directions
Making Beef Orzo is straightforward and perfect for cooks of all levels. Follow these simple steps:
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the chopped onion. Cook the onion until it turns golden and soft, stirring occasionally to avoid burning.
Add the minced beef to the pan. Use a wooden spoon to break the meat into small pieces. Cook the beef until it loses its pink color and begins to brown lightly, which usually takes about 5 minutes.
Once the beef is browned, add the chopped garlic and red pepper to the pan. Stir everything well to combine the flavors.
Now, add the orzo pasta and chopped tomatoes. Stir the mixture to distribute the ingredients evenly.
Pour the beef broth over the pan contents. Cover the pan with a lid and let it cook. The orzo will absorb most of the liquid as it cooks. This process usually takes about 15-20 minutes. Check occasionally to make sure the orzo is tender and the liquid mostly evaporated.
After the orzo has cooked through, add the oregano, tomato paste, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything thoroughly to blend the flavors.
Sprinkle the parmesan cheese into the pan and mix until it melts into the sauce, creating a creamy texture.
Turn off the heat and garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and fresh flavor.
Your Beef Orzo is now ready to serve!
How to Serve Beef Orzo
This Beef Orzo dish is best enjoyed warm, right out of the pot. You can serve it as a main course alongside a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. It pairs well with crunchy garlic bread or warm flatbread to scoop up the creamy orzo.
If you want to add some fresh brightness, squeeze a little lemon juice over the top before serving. This will help cut through the richness and add a lovely tang.
For a family meal, portion the orzo into bowls and let everyone add extra parmesan or parsley as they like. It’s a casual, comforting dish perfect for cozy dinners or even packed lunches the next day.
Expert Tips for Perfect Beef Orzo Every Time
To make your Beef Orzo truly shine, keep these tips in mind:
- When cooking the onion and beef, take your time to brown them well. This step builds the base flavor and adds depth to the dish.
- Do not rinse the orzo before cooking. Unlike rice, rinsing orzo removes starch that helps create a creamy sauce.
- If you notice there’s still too much liquid after the orzo is cooked, remove the lid and raise the heat slightly to help the broth evaporate faster.
- Use good quality beef broth for the best flavor. Homemade or low-sodium store-bought broth works great.
- Fresh herbs like parsley add a fresh note to the dish, but you can also try basil or thyme depending on your taste.
- If you want extra creaminess, stir in a small spoonful of butter or a splash of cream before serving.
- Don’t overcook the orzo. It should be tender but still hold its shape, not mushy.
How to Store Beef Orzo
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The dish will keep well for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce, as the orzo tends to absorb liquid when cooled.
For longer storage, you can freeze Beef Orzo. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and keep it frozen for up to two months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm gently on the stove or microwave, adding extra broth if needed to restore creaminess.
Variations of Beef Orzo You Can Try
Beef Orzo is very versatile and can be customized to suit your taste or what you have in your pantry. Here are some ideas:
- Swap the beef for ground chicken, turkey, or lamb for a different protein twist.
- Add vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for extra nutrition and color.
- Use different herbs like rosemary or thyme if you want a different flavor profile.
- For a spicy kick, add chili flakes or a diced jalapeño when cooking the garlic and pepper.
- Stir in some cooked peas or corn at the end to add a bit of sweetness and texture.
- Replace the parmesan with another cheese like mozzarella or pecorino for variety.
These changes keep the meal exciting and fresh, letting you enjoy Beef Orzo in many ways.
Frequently Asked Questions About Beef Orzo
What is orzo, and how is it different from rice?
Orzo is a small, rice-shaped pasta made from wheat flour. Unlike rice, it cooks faster and has a slightly chewy texture, which makes it perfect for creamy dishes like this one-pot meal.
Can I use broth other than beef broth?
Yes! You can use chicken or vegetable broth if you prefer. The flavor will be slightly different, but the dish will still be delicious.
Is it okay to use frozen vegetables in this recipe?
Absolutely. Frozen red peppers or mixed vegetables can be added when you cook the garlic and pepper. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to make sure everything is heated through.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or cooked lentils. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook it a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Reheat it gently with a bit of broth to keep the orzo creamy.
What can I serve with Beef Orzo?
Simple side dishes like a green salad, steamed vegetables, or crusty bread go well with this meal.
Beef Orzo
Ingredients
- 450 grams minced beef
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 medium onion peeled and chopped
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic peeled and chopped
- 1 tin chopped tomatoes 400 grams or 13 ounces
- 2 cups beef broth or stock
- 1 medium red pepper peeled and chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
- 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
Instructions
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until golden and soft.
- Add minced beef, breaking it into pieces, and cook until browned.
- Add chopped garlic and red pepper, stirring to combine.
- Add orzo pasta and chopped tomatoes, stirring to distribute evenly.
- Pour in beef broth, cover, and cook until orzo absorbs liquid, about 15-20 minutes.
- Add oregano, tomato paste, salt, and black pepper, stirring well.
- Stir in parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve warm.
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