Cozy Savory Ground Beef Orzo for Comfort Nights 🥘🍝✨
1. Introduction
If you’re craving a warm, satisfying dish that combines tender ground beef with perfectly cooked orzo pasta, then this ground beef orzo recipe is exactly what you need. This savory beef pasta offers a comforting blend of rich flavors and wholesome ingredients, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or leisurely weekends. Not only is it an easy comfort food, but it also promises a hearty and fulfilling meal that your family will love. Ready to dive into this delicious hearty orzo dish? Let’s get started!
2. Ingredients for the Savory Ground Beef Orzo
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh parsley for garnish
For an enriched flavor, you can also add grated Parmesan cheese or a splash of cream to make this easy comfort food even more indulgent.
3. Step-by-Step Instructions for Making the Heartwarming Ground Beef Orzo
Preparation of Ingredients
Before cooking, dice the onion, mince the garlic, and gather all your ingredients to ensure a smooth cooking process.
Cooking the Ground Beef
Set a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil, then stir in the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Sautéing Onion and Garlic
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes, enhancing the savory flavor of your hearty orzo dish.
Simmering with Tomatoes and Broth
Stir in the diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Pour in the beef broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes to combine flavors.
Cooking the Orzo Pasta
Add the orzo pasta directly into the skillet. Stir well, cover, and cook on low heat for about 8-10 minutes until the pasta is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
Finishing Touches
Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley. For extra richness, stir in grated Parmesan cheese or a splash of cream. Serve hot and enjoy a bowl of this comforting savory beef pasta.
4. Tips for Perfecting Your Savory Beef Pasta
- Use high-quality ground beef for a richer flavor.
- Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini for added nutrients.
- Adjust seasoning with more Italian herbs or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- This dish can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
5. Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, microwave in 30-second intervals or warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to keep it moist.
6. Serving Suggestions for Your Cozy Plate
Pair this hearty orzo dish with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal. For a more indulgent experience, top with extra Parmesan or a drizzle of olive oil. To add a fresh touch, serve with lemon wedges or fresh herbs.
7. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe
- CAROTE Premium 16pc Nonstick Cookware Set — Make cooking this savory beef pasta effortless with high-quality cookware that ensures even heating and easy cleanup.
- Fullstar Ultimate Veggie Prep Master — Quickly chop vegetables or herbs to enhance your dish’s flavor and presentation.
- Crock-Pot Family-Size Slow Cooker — Perfect for preparing the sauce ahead of time or maintaining warmth during serving.
Each of these tools will elevate your cooking experience and make perfecting this easy comfort food quicker and more enjoyable.
8. Frequently Asked Questions about Ground Beef Orzo Recipes
Can I substitute ground turkey or chicken?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef for a leaner version of this hearty orzo dish without sacrificing flavor.
How long does it take to prepare this recipe?
Preparation time is approximately 10 minutes, and cooking takes around 20 minutes, making it a quick and satisfying easy comfort food.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, simply replace the ground beef with plant-based meat crumbles or cooked vegetables for a vegetarian-friendly version that still packs plenty of flavor.
What are some variations I can try?
Add cheese, swap diced tomatoes for roasted red peppers, or spice it up with red pepper flakes. The possibilities are endless for customizing this savory beef pasta.
9. Conclusion
This cozy savory ground beef orzo recipe is a perfect embodiment of comfort food meets simplicity. Ready in under 30 minutes, it combines the richness of ground beef with tender orzo in a flavorful tomato broth. Whether you’re cooking for family or enjoying a quiet night in, this hearty orzo dish guarantees satisfaction. Get your ingredients ready, grab your favorite kitchen tools, and indulge in this delicious, comforting recipe today!
Print
Cozy Savory Ground Beef Orzo for Comfort Nights
A hearty and flavorful ground beef orzo dish perfect for cozy nights and quick cooking. Loaded with savory beef, tender orzo, and fresh herbs, this meal is both satisfying and easy to prepare.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, then drain excess fat.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet, sauté until translucent.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
- Add orzo pasta, stir well, cover, and cook for about 10 minutes or until orzo is tender and liquid is absorbed.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- For extra flavor, add red pepper flakes or fresh basil.
- Top with additional Parmesan and fresh herbs before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 820 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 58 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg