Description
A hearty, cozy, and easy weeknight dinner made by browning beef, stirring in orzo pasta, and baking until tender, perfect for busy nights.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground beef (Lean is preferable for less grease.)
- 1 cup Orzo pasta (This is the star ingredient.)
- 1 small Onion, chopped
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced (Add in the last 30 seconds of browning.)
- 1 can Tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups Beef broth (Essential for flavor.)
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning (Or a mix of oregano and basil.)
- 1 tsp Salt (Adjust to taste.)
- 1 tsp Black pepper (Adjust to taste.)
- 1 cup Cheese (mozzarella or cheddar, or a mix) (For topping.)
Optional Add-Ins
- 1 cup Spinach, chopped (Can be added after baking.)
- 1 cup Bell pepper, chopped (Add with onion.)
- 1 cup Zucchini, chopped
- 1 cup Mushrooms, sliced
Instructions
Cooking
- Brown the ground beef in an oven-safe pan over medium heat, breaking it up. Add chopped onion until it softens.
- Add minced garlic for the last 30 seconds to prevent burning.
- If there’s excess grease, drain a bit, keeping some for flavor.
- Pour in tomato sauce, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well and scrape up any browned bits.
- Stir in the orzo, ensuring it’s mostly covered by liquid.
- Bring to a light simmer, cover the pan, and bake at 375 F for 18-22 minutes.
- Stir halfway through baking to prevent sticking.
- Sprinkle cheese on top and bake uncovered for an additional 5 minutes until melted. Let sit before serving.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat with a splash of broth or water.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: dinner, Main Course
- Cuisine: American