Beef Orzo with Tomato Herb Sauce
Beef Orzo with Tomato Herb Sauce is a quick and comforting one-pot meal combining tender ground beef and small orzo pasta simmered in a rich, fresh tomato herb sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish offers a flavorful, hearty yet light dinner perfect for busy weeknights, with versatile options to customize for different dietary preferences.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (with gluten-free pasta substitution)
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup orzo pasta
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Tomatoes
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Fresh Herbs
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Seasonings
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add finely chopped onions and minced garlic to the browned beef. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until onions are translucent and garlic is fragrant but not browned.
- Add Tomatoes, Broth, and Herbs: Pour in crushed tomatoes and beef broth. Stir in fresh basil, thyme, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer to develop flavors.
- Cook the Orzo: Add orzo pasta directly into the sauce mixture. Stir well, cover the skillet, and cook on medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and most liquid is absorbed, about 10 to 12 minutes.
- Final Taste and Serve: Stir the dish one last time. Adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or herbs as desired. Serve hot and enjoy.
Notes
- Use fresh herbs for the brightest flavor.
- Avoid overcooking the orzo to keep it al dente and prevent mushiness.
- Brown the beef well to add depth of flavor.
- Simmer gently to maintain a rich, velvety sauce.
- Taste and season gradually to balance flavors perfectly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
Keywords: beef, orzo, tomato sauce, herb sauce, quick dinner, one-pot meal, ground beef, weeknight recipe
Find it online: https://eazyummy.com/beef-orzo-with-tomato-herb-sauce/
