Description
A hearty one-pot meal featuring savory ground beef, tender orzo pasta, and vegetables in a rich tomato sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want maximum flavor with minimal cleanup!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450g) lean ground beef
- 1 cup (200g) uncooked orzo pasta
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (14.5oz/400g) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups (480ml) beef broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Brown beef: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Cook ground beef until browned (5-6 minutes), breaking it apart. Drain excess fat.
- Sauté veggies: Add onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Cook until softened (3-4 minutes).
- Add dry ingredients: Stir in orzo, oregano, basil, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toast for 1 minute.
- Simmer: Add diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato paste, and beef broth. Bring to boil, then reduce heat to low.
- Cook covered: Simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is al dente and liquid is absorbed.
- Finish: Remove from heat. Stir in Parmesan cheese. Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- For creamier texture, add 1/4 cup heavy cream at the end
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for lighter version
- Add spinach or mushrooms for extra vegetables
- Leftovers keep well for 3 days in refrigerator
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 65mg