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A steaming, hearty beef and orzo bake in a rustic casserole dish topped with melted cheese, garnished with fresh herbs.

The Ultimate Hearty Beef & Orzo Bake: A Comfort Food Dream

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Discover the ultimate hearty beef & orzo bake, a comforting and savory dish perfect for cozy dinners and family gatherings. This step-by-step recipe combines tender ground beef, flavorful seasonings, and perfectly cooked orzo pasta, topped with gooey mozzarella cheese to create a satisfying casserole that everyone will love.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4-6 servings

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup beef or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic; sauté until translucent and fragrant.
  2. Add ground beef, cook until browned and cooked through. Season with salt, pepper, oregano, and basil. Set aside.
  3. Cook orzo pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked beef mixture, cooked orzo, diced tomatoes, and beef broth. Mix thoroughly.
  5. Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
  6. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. For a crispy top, broil for 2-3 minutes.

Notes

  • You can substitute ground turkey for leaner, healthier options.
  • Use gluten-free pasta if needed to make the dish gluten-free.
  • Add chopped vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for added nutrition.
  • Serve with fresh herbs or a side salad for a complete meal.
  • Author: Emma Bloomfield
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Normal

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 520 kcal Kcal
  • Sugar: 7 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 60 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg