Description
A hearty and comforting one pot Greek inspired dish made with tender orzo simmered in a rich tomato sauce with savory ground beef, finished with creamy feta and fresh parsley.
Ingredients
Meat and Pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup dry orzo pasta
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Tomato Base
- 1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
Liquids and Fats
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup water
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Finishing Ingredients
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Heat the Skillet: Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat to prepare for sautéing.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add olive oil and sauté the chopped onion until soft and translucent. Then, stir in minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant to build flavor.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Add ground beef to the pan and cook until fully browned, breaking it apart with a spoon for even cooking. Drain excess fat if necessary to avoid greasiness.
- Add Tomato Paste: Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 to 2 minutes to deepen its flavor and enhance the sauce richness.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Add crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and 1 cup water. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to meld flavors.
- Cook the Orzo: Stir in dry orzo pasta and let it simmer uncovered for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking, until the orzo is tender and the sauce thickens.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from heat and let the dish rest for a few minutes. Top with crumbled feta cheese and chopped fresh parsley before serving to add creaminess and freshness.
Notes
- Stir frequently after adding orzo to prevent sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- If the mixture thickens too much, add a splash of warm water while cooking or reheating to loosen it.
- Adjust salt carefully after adding feta cheese, as it adds natural saltiness.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek
