Description
Ground beef orzo delivers Mediterranean comfort in a single skillet. Simple ingredients combine for a hearty one-pot meal that brings families together quickly and deliciously.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 can (14 oz/400 g) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup (200 g) orzo pasta, uncooked
- 1 ½ cups (360 ml) beef or chicken broth
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp ground cumin (optional)
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup (50 g) Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 2 tbsps fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Sear Protein: Heat skillet over medium flame and crumble ground beef, cooking until golden-brown and fully rendered.
- Aromatics Infusion: Add onions and garlic, sautéing until translucent and releasing their fragrant essence, creating a flavor foundation.
- Pasta Integration: Introduce orzo to the skillet, gently toasting pasta grains within the meat’s savory landscape, developing a nutty undertone.
- Liquid and Seasoning Harmony: Pour broth and diced tomatoes, then sprinkle oregano, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper, ensuring comprehensive flavor distribution.
- Gentle Simmering: Reduce heat, cover skillet, and allow mixture to simmer for 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally, checking orzo’s tenderness and liquid absorption, adding extra broth if needed to prevent sticking.
- Finishing Touches: Fold in Parmesan cheese for creamy richness, then garnish with fresh parsley fragments, elevating the dish’s visual and gustatory appeal.
- Serving Suggestion: Plate immediately with a crisp salad or rustic bread, transforming a simple meal into a delightful culinary experience.
Notes
- Prevent Meat Clumping: Break ground beef into tiny, uniform pieces while cooking to ensure even browning and prevent large, tough clumps.
- Liquid Management: Monitor orzo’s moisture during cooking, adding small amounts of broth if mixture becomes too dry to prevent sticking and achieve perfect pasta texture.
- Spice Balance: Adjust spice quantities to personal preference, but maintain proportions to preserve the dish’s authentic flavor profile.
- Cheese Enhancement: Add Parmesan just before serving to maintain its fresh, creamy texture and prevent overcooking or separating.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg