Ground Beef Orzo Pasta: A Quick & Easy Meal Recipe

Introduction

This Ground Beef Orzo Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish that comes together quickly on busy weeknights. Combining tender orzo with a rich tomato and beef sauce, it’s a satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/2 cup dry red wine (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain excess grease.
2. Step 2: Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
3. Step 3: Add dried oregano, basil, thyme, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook for 30 seconds to release their flavors.
4. Step 4: Pour in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and red wine if desired. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Stir well.
5. Step 5: Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and let it simmer gently for at least 30 minutes to develop a rich flavor.
6. Step 6: While the sauce simmers, bring beef broth to a boil in a separate saucepan. Add orzo, stir, reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook according to package directions, usually 8 to 10 minutes, until tender but still firm. Drain any excess liquid.
7. Step 7: Stir the cooked orzo into the meat sauce. Let it simmer together for 5 minutes to marry the flavors.
8. Step 8: Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley. Add extra red pepper flakes if you like a bit more heat.

Tips & Variations

• For a lighter version, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.
• If you don’t have red wine, you can omit it or use a splash of beef broth instead.
• Add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms when cooking the onions for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Use fresh herbs if available, adjusting quantities slightly for a brighter taste.
• For a creamier texture, stir in a bit of heavy cream or cream cheese at the end.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of beef broth or water if the sauce thickens too much. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta instead of orzo?

Yes, small pasta shapes like small shells or ditalini work well, but cooking times may vary slightly. Adjust accordingly to ensure the pasta is al dente.

Is it necessary to drain the excess grease from the ground beef?

Draining the excess grease helps reduce the fat content and prevents the sauce from becoming too oily, resulting in a better texture and flavor balance.

Ground Beef Orzo Pasta: A Quick & Easy Meal Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 118 reviews

This Ground Beef Orzo Pasta recipe is a quick and easy one-pot meal that combines flavorful ground beef simmered in a rich tomato sauce with tender orzo pasta. Infused with Italian herbs and a touch of red wine, this comforting dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner that doesn’t compromise on taste.

• Author: zara
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 60 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/2 cup dry red wine (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

1. Brown the Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess grease from the pot.
2. Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the finely chopped onion to the pot and cook for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute to release its aroma.
3. Add Herbs and Spices: Stir in the dried oregano, basil, thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook this mixture for 30 seconds to bloom the herbs’ flavors.
4. Add Tomatoes and Wine: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce, along with the red wine if using. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your preference.
5. Simmer the Sauce: Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes to develop richer flavors. Longer simmering will enhance taste.
6. Cook the Orzo: While the sauce simmers, bring beef broth to a boil in a separate saucepan. Add the orzo pasta, stir, and reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and cook according to package instructions, approximately 8-10 minutes, until the orzo is cooked through but still firm. Drain any excess liquid.
7. Combine Orzo with Sauce: Stir the cooked orzo pasta into the meat sauce. Let it simmer together for 5 minutes so the flavors meld.
8. Serve: Serve the hot Ground Beef Orzo Pasta garnished generously with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley. For added heat, sprinkle extra red pepper flakes if desired.

Notes

• For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
• Red wine is optional but adds depth to the sauce; it can be omitted if you prefer a non-alcoholic dish.
• Simmering the sauce longer than 30 minutes enhances flavor, so feel free to extend cooking time if possible.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for best texture and flavor.
• Adjust red pepper flakes to your spice tolerance for desired heat level.

Keywords: ground beef orzo pasta, easy dinner recipe, Italian pasta dish, one pot meal, quick pasta dinner