Ground Beef Orzo encapsulates culinary elegance in a single dish. This sophisticated meal melds tender orzo and savory ground beef, offering both comfort and refinement. With its harmonious blend of textures and flavors, this dish elevates weeknight dining to a gourmet experience.
Why Make This Recipe
- Effortless Yet Elegant: Perfect for both casual dinners and special occasions without requiring advanced culinary skills.
- Minimal Ingredients: Uses just a handful of elements to create a sophisticated outcome, making it accessible and uncomplicated.
- Impressive Flavor: The careful balance of seasonings and the richness of ground beef transform this simple pasta into a robust main course.
What sets this dish apart from ordinary orzo recipes is the depth of flavor derived from toasting and layering, yielding a comforting yet cosmopolitan meal.
Ingredients
Base
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 lb ground beef (choose lean for a healthier option)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce
- 2 cups beef broth (low-sodium for balanced flavor)
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste
Topping
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated for best flavor)
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish (finely chopped for a refined touch)
How to Make Ground Beef Orzo
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil. Sauté the onion until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Incorporate the garlic, stirring for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart as it cooks. Brown evenly until it is no longer pink, approximately 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Introduce the Orzo: Stir in the orzo, allowing it to toast lightly for 1-2 minutes. This step enhances the nutty flavor of the pasta.
- Create the Sauce: Pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes, then sprinkle with oregano. Stir to combine and season with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer to Perfection: Cover the skillet and let simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is al dente and has absorbed most of the liquid. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Finish with Flavor: Once cooked, remove from heat. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until well combined and melted.
How to Serve Ground Beef Orzo
Present this dish in a shallow bowl or plate for an elegant touch. Garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. A light drizzle of high-quality olive oil enhances the presentation and flavor.
How to Store Ground Beef Orzo
To preserve its delightful texture and flavor, allow the dish to cool completely. Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of broth to restore moisture and prevent sticking. Gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently.
Tips to Make Ground Beef Orzo
- Deglaze the Pan: After browning the beef, deglaze the pan with a splash of red wine for added complexity.
- Fresh Herbs: Substitute dried herbs with an equal amount of fresh for an extra layer of flavor.
- Texture Variation: Add a handful of baby spinach or kale just before serving for a pop of color and nutrients.
Variation
For a gourmet twist, consider swapping in ground lamb for the beef, and infuse with fresh mint and feta cheese as toppings. This alternative creates a bright Mediterranean flavor profile.
FAQs
Can I use chicken or turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes, chicken or turkey can provide a lighter alternative while maintaining the dish’s core integrity.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Substitute the ground beef with a mix of sautéed mushrooms and lentils for a hearty vegetarian option.
Can I prepare this in advance?
Absolutely. Prepare the dish a day ahead and reheat before serving. The flavors will deepen, making it even more enjoyable.
Conclusion
Ground Beef Orzo is a striking example of how simplicity can lead to elegance in cuisine. With its refined flavors and comforting textures, it invites creativity and personalization. Share your experience in the comments, or let us know how you might innovate this dish. How would you make this dish your own?
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Ground Beef Orzo
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A sophisticated blend of tender orzo and savory ground beef, offering comfort and refinement for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 lb ground beef (lean)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth (low-sodium)
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil and sauté the onion until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Incorporate garlic and stir for an additional minute.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart and browning until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in the orzo, allowing it to toast lightly for 1-2 minutes to enhance its flavor.
- Pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes, then sprinkle with oregano. Stir to combine and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Cover the skillet and let simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is al dente and has absorbed most of the liquid, stirring occasionally.
- Once cooked, remove from heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese until well combined and melted.
Notes
Serve garnished with fresh parsley and a drizzle of high-quality olive oil. For added complexity, deglaze the pan with red wine after browning the beef.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg