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Savory Ground Beef Orzo

A hearty and comforting one-pot dish combining seasoned ground beef and tender orzo pasta, perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb 1 pound ground beef (Halal-certified)
  • 1 cup 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 1 medium 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 1 bell pepper, chopped (any color)
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) 1 can diced tomatoes, with juices
  • 2 cups 2 cups beef broth (Halal-certified)
  • 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon paprika
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • 1 tablespoon 1 tablespoon olive oil (or cooking oil of your choice)
  • as needed Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish (optional)

Method
 

Cooking Steps
  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, toss in the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they soften, then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  2. Push the veggies to one side of the skillet. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure it’s cooked through.
  3. Stir in the oregano and paprika, seasoning with salt and pepper. Mix well.
  4. Pour in the diced tomatoes, beef broth, and orzo. Stir everything together until combined.
  5. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
  6. Once cooked, remove the skillet from the heat. Fluff the orzo with a fork, taste it, and add more seasoning if desired. Garnish with fresh herbs if using, and enjoy your dish warm!

Notes

For a vegetarian version, replace ground beef with lentils or a mix of vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.