Description
Hearty Mediterranean-inspired Ground Beef Orzo combines rustic flavors with comforting pasta and rich spices. Succulent beef mingles with orzo, creating a satisfying meal that brings warmth and depth to your dinner table in one delightful skillet.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound (450 grams) ground beef
Produce:
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Pasta, Spices, and Other Ingredients:
- 1 cup (200 grams) uncooked orzo pasta
- 1 ½ cups (360 milliliters) beef or chicken broth
- 1 (14 ounces/400 grams) can diced tomatoes (or 1 ½ cups fresh diced tomatoes)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare a spacious skillet and heat it over medium intensity. Introduce ground beef, methodically fragmenting the meat while cooking until it achieves a rich, caramelized brown color. Eliminate any surplus rendering.
- Incorporate finely chopped onions into the beef, allowing them to soften and become translucent. Introduce minced garlic, stirring briefly to release its aromatic essence without scorching.
- Gently fold orzo into the meat mixture, carefully coating each pasta grain. Toast the orzo for a brief moment to enhance its nutty undertones and develop deeper flavor complexity.
- Stream beef or chicken broth into the skillet, followed by diced tomatoes with their natural juices. Season the mixture with oregano, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper, ensuring even distribution.
- Reduce heat to generate a gentle, rhythmic simmer. Cover the skillet and allow the ingredients to meld, stirring intermittently. Monitor the orzo’s tenderness and liquid absorption, supplementing with additional broth if the mixture appears too dry.
- When orzo reaches perfect al dente consistency, consider enriching the dish with grated Parmesan, which will contribute a luxurious, creamy dimension.
- Conclude by scattering fresh parsley across the surface. Transfer to serving dishes, accompanying with a crisp salad or rustic bread for a satisfying, complete meal experience.
Notes
- Customize the protein by swapping ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian version.
- Select high-quality broth for deeper flavor complexity, enhancing the overall taste profile of the dish.
- Prevent orzo from becoming mushy by stirring occasionally and monitoring liquid absorption during simmering.
- Experiment with additional herbs like basil or thyme to introduce subtle aromatic variations and personalize the recipe.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg