Description
Savory ground beef orzo combines Mediterranean comfort with hearty flavors. Home cooks will enjoy this simple one-pot wonder that delivers rich, satisfying results you can easily prepare on busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (454 g) ground beef
- 1 cup (240 ml) orzo pasta
- 2 cups (480 ml) beef broth
- 1 cup (240 ml) milk
- 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup (50 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat, sautéing diced onions until they become translucent and fragrant.
- Introduce minced garlic and quickly sizzle for approximately 60 seconds, releasing its aromatic essence.
- Incorporate ground beef into the skillet, breaking it into crumbly pieces while browning thoroughly, then eliminate any surplus grease.
- Sprinkle orzo into the meat mixture, gently toasting for 2 minutes to enhance its nutty flavor profile.
- Cascade beef broth and milk into the skillet, stirring to combine and creating a luxurious liquid base.
- Reduce heat, cover the skillet, and allow the mixture to gently simmer for 10-12 minutes, periodically stirring to prevent sticking.
- Once orzo reaches tender consistency, fold in Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, stirring until they melt into a silky, creamy texture.
- Season with salt and freshly ground pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a vibrant finish, and serve immediately while piping hot.
Notes
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian version that maintains the creamy texture.
- Toast orzo longer for a nuttier flavor profile, carefully watching to prevent burning and ensure even golden color.
- Choose low-sodium beef broth to control salt levels, allowing more precise seasoning during final taste adjustments.
- Fresh herbs like thyme or basil can replace parsley, adding unexpected depth and aromatic complexity to the dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 483 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 570 mg
- Fat: 29 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 33 g
- Cholesterol: 92 mg