Name: Ground Beef Orzo
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 medium onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon paprika; ½ teaspoon dried oregano; ½ teaspoon dried thyme; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 4 cups beef broth; 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes; Salt and black pepper, to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish); Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

Description

A hearty one-pot meal of seasoned ground beef, orzo pasta, and tomatoes simmered in a savory broth for a cozy, easy dinner.

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef

1 medium onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon paprika

½ teaspoon dried oregano

½ teaspoon dried thyme

2 tablespoons tomato paste

4 cups beef broth

1 cup uncooked orzo pasta

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes

Salt and black pepper, to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned, breaking up with a spoon; drain excess fat if needed.
Add diced onion and garlic; cook 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Stir in paprika, oregano, and thyme; toast spices 30 seconds.
Add tomato paste, stirring to coat beef and onions evenly.
Pour in beef broth, diced tomatoes, and orzo; stir to combine.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with parsley and Parmesan before serving.

Notes

Cheesy Finish: Stir in 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar at the end for extra creaminess.

Veggie Boost: Add chopped spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers during the last 5 minutes of cooking.

Spicy Twist: Use smoked paprika and stir in ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes.

Mediterranean Style: Fold in chopped olives and crumbled feta before serving.

Make-Ahead & Storage: Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days; reheat with a splash of broth over low heat or in the microwave.

Freeze: Cool completely, freeze in portions up to 2 months, thaw overnight, and reheat gently.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: One-Pot / Stove
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (¼ recipe)
Calories: 410 kcal
Sugar: 4 g
Sodium: 900 mg
Fat: 18 g
Saturated Fat: 7 g
Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
Trans Fat: 0.5 g
Carbohydrates: 24 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 28 g
Cholesterol: 80 mg