Comforting Ground Beef Orzo (Printer View)

This easy skillet dish features savory ground beef, tender orzo, and rich tomato broth, creating a comforting and complete meal.

# What you'll need:

→ Proteins

01 - 1 pound ground beef

→ Pasta & Grains

02 - 1 cup orzo pasta

→ Vegetables

03 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
04 - 1 bell pepper (red or green), diced
05 - 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, with juice
06 - 1 cup frozen peas
07 - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

→ Aromatics

08 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Liquids

09 - 2 cups beef broth

→ Herbs & Spices

10 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
11 - 1 teaspoon dried basil
12 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
13 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Cheese

14 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

→ Oils

15 - 2 tablespoons olive oil

# Method:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3–4 minutes.
02 - Stir in minced garlic and diced bell pepper. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until bell pepper softens.
03 - Increase heat to medium-high. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking up with a spatula, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
04 - Add diced tomatoes with juice, beef broth, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
05 - Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes.
06 - Add orzo pasta, stirring to combine. Cover and cook for 10–12 minutes, or until orzo is tender and most liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
07 - Fold in frozen peas and cook for another 2–3 minutes until heated through.
08 - Remove from heat. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated.
09 - Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The orzo absorbs all those savory flavors while cooking directly in the sauce, creating the most incredible texture without needing multiple pots
  • Everything happens in one skillet, meaning less cleanup and more time to actually enjoy your evening instead of standing at the sink
02 -
  • The orzo continues absorbing liquid even after you turn off the heat, so if the sauce looks too thick while cooking, add a splash more broth
  • Stirring frequently during the last five minutes of cooking prevents the orzo from clumping together or sticking to the bottom of the skillet
03 -
  • Use a skillet with a tight fitting lid because the steam is what helps the orzo cook evenly and thoroughly
  • Chop your vegetables slightly smaller than you might for other dishes so they cook down and blend into the sauce rather than staying in distinct chunks
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