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- 1 lb ground beef - 1 cup orzo pasta - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bell pepper, diced - 2 cups beef broth - 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz) - Dried oregano and paprika - Fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese To make One-Pot Beef Orzo, you need a few key ingredients. First, ground beef gives it a rich flavor. The orzo pasta adds a nice texture. A finely chopped onion brings sweetness and depth. Don't forget the supporting ingredients! Minced garlic adds a punch of flavor. Diced bell pepper, any color, adds color and crunch. Use beef broth for a savory base that ties it all together. For seasonings, diced tomatoes brighten the dish. Dried oregano and paprika give warmth and earthiness. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness. If you like cheese, grated Parmesan makes it even better! Gather these ingredients, and you are ready to create this tasty one-pot meal! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add 1 medium onion, finely chopped, and 1 diced bell pepper. Sauté them for about 5 minutes. You want them soft and a bit sweet. Next, add 2 cloves of minced garlic to the pot. Cook this for 1 minute until you smell the garlic's lovely aroma. Increase the heat to medium-high and add 1 pound of ground beef. Use a wooden spoon to break the meat apart. Cook until the beef is browned, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed. This step gives your dish a rich flavor. Now, it’s time to combine the orzo. Add 1 cup of orzo pasta, 2 cups of beef broth, and a 14-ounce can of diced tomatoes with their juice. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of dried oregano and 1 teaspoon of paprika. Season with salt and pepper. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 10 to 12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The orzo should be cooked just right and soak up most of the liquid. After cooking, let it sit covered for another 2 to 3 minutes. This helps the orzo absorb any last moisture. Finally, fluff the orzo with a fork and stir in some chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor. Serve it warm, and add grated Parmesan cheese if you like. Enjoy your tasty one-pot beef orzo! To get the best orzo, stir it often while it cooks. This helps keep it from sticking. Check for doneness by tasting a few grains. The orzo should be soft but still firm, known as al dente. Cooking time may vary, so don’t rush it! Add more depth to your dish by using extra spices. Try a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat or some ground cumin for warmth. You can also mix in some vegetables. Spinach, zucchini, or peas work great. They add color and nutrition. Make your dish look fancy by garnishing with fresh parsley. It adds a pop of green. For a rich finish, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top. Serve this dish in bowls for family meals. It makes sharing easy and fun! Pro Tips Use Lean Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef (90% lean or higher) to reduce excess fat and keep the dish healthier without sacrificing flavor. Flavor Boost: Enhance the flavor by adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce when cooking the beef for a savory depth. Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or spinach for added nutrition and color; just adjust cooking times accordingly. Leftover Perfection: This dish makes excellent leftovers! Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat gently on the stove. {{image_2}} You can switch the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. Both work well and keep it light. If you want a vegan or vegetarian dish, try using lentils or chickpeas. These options add texture and protein without meat. To give your dish an Italian twist, add fresh basil. This herb adds a nice aroma and flavor. For a Southwestern style, mix in black beans and corn. These ingredients bring a fun, fresh taste to the one-pot meal. Incorporate seasonal vegetables like zucchini in summer or carrots in winter. This makes your dish fresh and colorful. You can adapt the recipe according to what’s in season. Using fresh produce not only boosts flavor but also adds health benefits. To keep your One-Pot Beef Orzo fresh, refrigeration is key. Use airtight containers to store leftovers. These containers help keep moisture in and air out. It’s best to let the dish cool before sealing it. This helps prevent steam buildup, which can make the orzo mushy. Try to eat leftovers within three days for the best taste. When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, there are a few good ways to reheat. You can use the microwave or a stovetop. If you use the microwave, heat in short bursts, stirring often. This helps the orzo heat evenly. On the stovetop, add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Stir gently to avoid breaking the orzo. Always check that it's heated through before serving. If you want to save your One-Pot Beef Orzo for later, freezing works well. First, let the dish cool completely. Then, portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags. Be sure to remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Label the containers with the date, so you know how long they’ve been frozen. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat on the stovetop, adding a little broth for moisture. Enjoy your hearty meal anytime! You can tell when the orzo is done by checking its texture. It should be al dente, which means it’s tender but still has a slight bite. Look for a soft surface with a firm center. You can taste a piece to make sure it’s just right. The cooking time is usually about 10 to 12 minutes. Stir the orzo occasionally to help it cook evenly. Remember, it will continue to soften a bit after you take it off the heat. Yes, you can make One-Pot Beef Orzo ahead of time! This dish is perfect for meal prep. Cook it as directed, then let it cool before storing. Use an airtight container to keep it fresh in the fridge. It will last for about 3 to 4 days. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth if it seems dry. One-Pot Beef Orzo pairs well with many side dishes. A simple green salad adds freshness. You can also serve it with crusty bread for dipping. Garlic bread is another great option. If you like veggies, roasted or steamed vegetables complement the dish nicely. For a fun twist, try serving it with a side of pickled veggies. Each option brings something special to your meal! You now have a complete guide to making delicious One-Pot Beef Orzo. We covered the main and supporting ingredients, how to prepare everything, and tips for perfect results. This dish is simple yet versatile; you can change the proteins and flavors to suit your taste. Proper storage and reheating tips help keep leftovers tasty. With this knowledge, you can impress your family with a hearty meal. Enjoy cooking and exploring different variations to make this recipe your own!

Savory One-Pot Beef Orzo

A hearty and flavorful one-pot dish featuring ground beef and orzo pasta cooked in a savory broth.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes with juice
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 0.5 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • optional Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and diced bell pepper, and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
  • Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef to the pot. Break it apart with a wooden spoon and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
  • Stir in the orzo pasta, beef broth, diced tomatoes (with juice), oregano, and paprika. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until the orzo is cooked al dente and has absorbed most of the liquid.
  • Once cooked, remove from heat and let it sit covered for another 2-3 minutes. This allows the orzo to absorb any remaining moisture.
  • Fluff the orzo with a fork and stir in the chopped parsley for freshness.
  • Serve warm, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

Garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
Keyword beef, easy, one pot, orzo, pasta