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Beef Orzo with Tomato Herb Sauce

Beef Orzo with Tomato Herb Sauce

Beef Orzo with Tomato Herb Sauce is a comforting and hearty one-pot meal featuring tender ground beef, delicate orzo pasta, and a rich, vibrant tomato herb sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish combines savory protein, fresh herbs, and wholesome ingredients for a satisfying weeknight dinner or casual gathering. Easy to customize and minimal cleanup make it a versatile go-to recipe for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 cup dry orzo pasta
  • 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Fresh Herbs

  • 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh oregano, chopped
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed to keep the dish light.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: Add minced garlic and chopped onion to the pan with the beef. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
  3. Add Tomatoes and Herbs: Pour in the canned crushed tomatoes along with chopped fresh basil, oregano, and parsley. Stir well to combine all ingredients and allow the sauce to simmer gently for about 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
  4. Cook the Orzo: Pour beef broth into the skillet and bring to a boil. Add dry orzo pasta, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid, around 10 to 12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  5. Season and Serve: Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste. Optionally, sprinkle some fresh parsley or grated cheese before serving for an added layer of flavor and presentation.

Notes

  • Use fresh herbs to brighten the sauce more than dried versions.
  • Do not overcook the orzo; it should be tender but with a slight bite.
  • Brown the beef well for deeper flavor through caramelization.
  • Simmer the sauce gently on low heat to develop richness without burning.
  • Adjust beef broth quantity as needed depending on orzo brand to achieve perfect doneness.

Nutrition

Keywords: beef orzo, tomato herb sauce, one-pot meal, easy dinner, quick recipe, ground beef recipe, comfort food