Savory Ground Beef Orzo

$- Ground beef - Orzo pasta - Diced tomatoes Savory Ground Beef Orzo is easy to make with a few key ingredients. Ground beef adds richness and protein. Orzo pasta gives the dish its heartiness and fun texture. Diced tomatoes bring moisture and a burst of flavor. - Fresh parsley - Grated cheese Garnishing your dish makes it special. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness. Grated cheese brings creaminess and can enhance the flavor. You can choose any cheese you like. - Olive oil - Dried oregano - Paprika Using olive oil helps cook the veggies and beef. It adds a nice flavor too. Dried oregano gives a warm, earthy taste. Paprika adds a mild heat and a lovely color. You can adjust these spices to suit your taste. For the full recipe, check out the instructions provided. This meal is not only simple but also packed with flavor. Enjoy your cooking! 1. Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. 2. Add 1 medium onion, finely chopped, and 1 diced bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes until they soften. 3. Add 3 minced garlic cloves to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. 4. Increase the heat to medium-high. Now, add 1 pound of ground beef to the skillet. Cook it for 6-8 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Drain any excess fat if needed. 1. Stir in 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes. Add salt and pepper to taste. 2. Now, add 1 can (14.5 oz) of drained diced tomatoes and 2 cups of beef broth to the skillet. Bring this mixture to a simmer. 3. Once it simmers, add 1 cup of orzo pasta. Cover the skillet and cook for 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally, until the orzo is al dente and has absorbed most of the liquid. 1. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if needed. 2. Remove the skillet from heat. Let it sit for a couple of minutes before serving. 3. Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley on top. For the full recipe, check out the details above. To make perfect Savory Ground Beef Orzo, you want your orzo cooked al dente. This means it should be firm to the bite. Start boiling water and add a pinch of salt. Then, cook the orzo for about 8-10 minutes. Keep stirring it to prevent sticking. Taste it a minute or two before the time is up. If it feels right, drain it and set it aside. When browning the meat, make sure your skillet is hot. Add the ground beef in a single layer. Let it sit for a minute before stirring. This helps it brown better. Break it apart gently using a wooden spoon. Cook it until it turns a nice brown color, which should take about 6-8 minutes. Adding more spices can really boost the flavor. Consider mixing in cumin or Italian seasoning to give it a twist. If you're feeling adventurous, try a dash of cinnamon for warmth. These spices can elevate your dish and make it unique. Incorporating vegetables is another great way to enhance flavor and nutrition. You can add diced carrots, zucchini, or even spinach. These veggies not only add color but also bring fresh tastes. Toss them in with your other ingredients for a hearty meal. For serving ideas, consider using shallow bowls. This allows you to showcase the colorful layers of orzo, beef, and veggies. You can also serve it with crusty bread on the side, which is great for soaking up the juices. For garnishing options, fresh parsley works wonders. Sprinkle chopped parsley on top just before serving. You could also add grated cheese for a creamy touch. This adds a lovely finish and makes your dish look even more inviting. {{image_2}} You can swap ground beef for ground turkey. This choice gives you a leaner meal. Ground turkey has a milder taste, but it still works well. Just cook it the same way as the beef. If you prefer vegetarian options, try using lentils or mushrooms. They add a nice texture and flavor, making the dish filling. Want to kick up the heat? Add spicy ingredients like diced jalapeños or hot sauce. Mix in crushed red pepper flakes for a nice burn. For a different flavor, try fresh herbs. Basil, thyme, or rosemary can elevate the taste. Experiment with what you love to make this dish your own. If you need gluten-free options, use gluten-free orzo or rice instead. Both will blend well with the dish. For low-carb adaptations, swap the orzo for zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. These options keep the meal light while still being tasty. Explore these variations to suit your needs and enjoy every bite! To keep your Savory Ground Beef Orzo fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps maintain its flavor and texture. It lasts up to three days in the fridge. Just make sure to let it cool before sealing the container. This way, you avoid condensation that can make the dish soggy. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. Place cooled orzo in freezer-safe bags or containers. You can keep it frozen for up to three months. When it’s time to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. To reheat, add a splash of beef broth in a pan. Heat over medium, stirring until it’s warm and ready to serve. Preparing Savory Ground Beef Orzo in advance makes meal times easy. Cook a big batch on the weekend and store it in portions. You can divide it into single servings for quick lunches or dinners. Just remember to label your containers with the date. This helps you use them within the recommended time. This way, you always have a hearty meal ready to go! Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes, you can use other pasta shapes. Bowtie or small shells work great too. Just adjust the cooking time as needed. Check the package for guidance. How can I make this dish spicier? To add heat, use more crushed red pepper flakes. You can also add diced jalapeños or hot sauce. Start with a little and taste as you go. How to store leftovers? Store leftovers in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure they cool down before sealing. Can I freeze Savory Ground Beef Orzo? Yes, you can freeze it! Place it in a freezer-safe container. It stays good for up to three months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Can I substitute another protein? Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based proteins work well. Just cook them the same way as the beef. What vegetables can I add? Feel free to add vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or carrots. They add color and nutrients. Just chop them small and stir them in with the onions. This post covered making a tasty dish with ground beef and orzo. We explored the main ingredients, added tips for cooking, and shared ways to enhance flavors. You learned about variations and how to store leftovers. My final thought is to experiment with the recipe to fit your taste. Enjoy creating your own version of this comforting meal!$

Savor the deliciousness of this Savory Ground Beef Orzo recipe! In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a hearty meal with ground beef, orzo pasta, fresh veggies, and a blend of spices that’s sure to delight your taste buds. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this dish is both comforting and satisfying. Click through to explore the full recipe and impress your loved ones with this flavorful delight!

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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 paprika

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

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper, sautéing for about 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.

Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.

Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Stir in the dried oregano, paprika, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.

Add the drained tomatoes and beef broth to the skillet, bringing the mixture to a simmer.

Once simmering, stir in the orzo pasta. Cover and cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is cooked al dente and has absorbed most of the liquid.

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Remove from heat and let the mixture sit for a couple of minutes before serving.

Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley on top.

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