Merken When looking for a satisfying weeknight meal, few things compare to a bubbling skillet of ground beef and pasta. This Comforting Ground Beef Orzo Dinner combines savory meat, sweet bell peppers, and tender orzo simmered in a rich tomato broth. Each mouthful is a burst of juicy tomatoes and fresh herbs, topped with a sprinkle of Parmesan to make every bite effortlessly delicious.
Merken The beauty of this dish lies in how the orzo absorbs the beef broth and tomato juices, becoming incredibly flavorful as it cooks. It is a warm, cozy meal that feels like a big hug at the end of a long day.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 bell pepper (red or green), diced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, with juice
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3–4 minutes.
- Step 2
- Stir in the minced garlic and diced bell pepper; sauté for an additional 2–3 minutes until the bell pepper softens.
- Step 3
- Increase heat to medium-high. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Step 4
- Add diced tomatoes (with juice), beef broth, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Step 5
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low; simmer for 10 minutes.
- Step 6
- Add orzo pasta, stirring to combine. Cover and cook for 10–12 minutes, or until orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Step 7
- Fold in frozen peas and cook for another 2–3 minutes until heated through.
- Step 8
- Remove from heat. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated.
- Step 9
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For extra creaminess, stir in additional shredded cheese or a splash of heavy cream just before serving. To ensure the orzo cooks evenly, remember to stir the skillet occasionally so the pasta doesn't stick to the bottom.
Varianten und Anpassungen
You can easily customize this dish by adding vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms for more nutrition. If you prefer a leaner option, substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. You can also vary the flavor profile by using herbs like thyme or rosemary instead of oregano and basil.
Serviervorschläge
Serve this dish hot in deep bowls, generously garnished with fresh parsley and an extra dusting of Parmesan cheese. Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and are easy to reheat for a quick lunch.
Merken This Comforting Ground Beef Orzo Dinner is a versatile and reliable recipe that satisfies the whole family. Enjoy the rich, savory flavors and the ease of a perfectly prepared one-pan meal.
Fragen & Antworten zum Rezept
- → Wie lange dauert die Zubereitung?
Die gesamte Zubereitungszeit beträgt 55 Minuten, davon 15 Minuten Vorbereitung und 40 Minuten Kochzeit.
- → Kann ich Orzo durch andere Nudeln ersetzen?
Ja, kleine Nudelsorten wie Ditalini, Stellini oder sogar Fregola funktionieren gut als Alternative zu Orzo in diesem Gericht.
- → Ist dieses Gericht einfrierbar?
Ja, portionsweise eingefroren hält es sich bis zu 3 Monate. Auftauen über Nacht im Kühlschrank und langsam erwärmen für beste Ergebnisse.
- → Welche Gemüse kann ich zusätzlich hinzufügen?
Spinat, Zucchini oder Champignons lassen sich hervorragend ergänzen, um mehr Nährstoffe und Abwechslung zu bringen.
- → Kann ich Rindfleisch durch anderes Protein ersetzen?
Truthahn- oder Hühnerhack sind magerere Alternativen, die ebenfalls gut funktionieren. Die Kochzeit bleibt unverändert.