Description
A comforting Greek orzo dish that combines tender orzo, seasoned meat, and aromatic herbs for a rich and satisfying flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 lb. ground beef (or lamb or turkey)
- 6 oz. tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (plus more if needed)
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 heaping teaspoon dried spearmint (or 1 tablespoon fresh chopped mint)
- 4 cups water
- 1 cup orzo (whole wheat or regular)
- Grated Romano cheese
- Fresh chopped mint or parsley
- Extra-virgin olive oil, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- In a large heavy pot with a lid, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and cook until softened and starting to brown, about 3 minutes.
- Add ground beef and cook until fully browned, breaking apart as it cooks, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in tomato paste, kosher salt, black pepper, ground cinnamon, and dried spearmint.
- Cook for an additional 2 minutes until the tomato paste begins to brown.
- Add water and bring to a boil.
- Add orzo, stir, cover, and simmer on low for approximately 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve with grated Romano cheese, fresh chopped mint or parsley, and/or extra-virgin olive oil, if desired.
Notes
This dish can be prepared ahead of time and is delicious when reheated. For extra flavor, consider adding chicken or beef broth instead of water.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg