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Creamy ground beef orzo recipe served in a large skillet topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Ground Beef Orzo Recipe

A quick and comforting one-pot dinner featuring seasoned ground beef, tender orzo pasta, and creamy Parmesan cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 420

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb lean ground beef preferably 90/10
  • 1 cup orzo pasta rinsed before using
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1-2 tbsp olive oil for sauteing
  • 2 cups beef or vegetable broth low sodium preferred
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp paprika smoked paprika recommended
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated

Equipment

  • Large skillet with lid
  • Wooden spoon or spatula

Method
 

  1. Heat 1 to 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Saute for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion turns translucent and fragrant. The garlic should smell fragrant but not brown.
  2. Add the ground beef and break it into small crumbles using a wooden spoon. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until no pink remains and the meat is golden-brown. Drain excess grease if necessary before moving to the next step.
  3. Stir in the tomato paste, paprika, and Italian seasoning, coating the beef evenly. Cook for 2 minutes while stirring constantly to prevent sticking and allow the tomato paste to caramelize slightly.
  4. Pour in the broth and add the rinsed orzo, stirring everything together. Bring to a full boil, then reduce heat to low and cover with a lid. Simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring at the 5 to 6 minute mark to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom.
  5. Remove from heat and immediately stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese melts completely and forms a creamy sauce. Let the dish rest uncovered for 2 to 3 minutes before serving to allow the texture and flavors to settle.

Notes

Slightly undercook the orzo by one minute if you plan to freeze the dish. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator or freeze for up to 3 months. Add a splash of broth when reheating to restore creaminess. Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for a lighter option.