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Savory Ground Beef Orzo Greek Manestra

ground beef orzo greek manestra - featured image
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A quick and easy one-pot Greek-inspired meal combining ground beef, orzo pasta, and warm spices like cinnamon and oregano for a comforting, flavorful dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (85% lean)
  • 1 cup orzo pasta (about 170 g)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 small cinnamon stick or 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 3 cups chicken broth or beef broth (720 ml)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Handful fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent and soft, stirring occasionally.
  2. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  3. Add the ground beef to the pan. Break it apart and cook for 6-8 minutes until nicely browned, stirring often. Season with salt and pepper halfway through.
  4. Stir in the tomato paste, cinnamon stick, and dried oregano. Cook with the beef for 2 minutes until the tomato paste darkens and coats the meat.
  5. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Add the orzo pasta and stir well to prevent sticking.
  6. Reduce heat to low, cover the pan, and simmer for 10-12 minutes. Check occasionally and add a splash of broth or water if needed. The orzo should be tender but slightly firm.
  7. Remove the cinnamon stick and taste for seasoning. Adjust salt and pepper if necessary.
  8. Turn off the heat and stir in chopped fresh parsley.
  9. Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side, squeezing lemon juice over the dish before eating.

Notes

Browning the beef thoroughly is key for flavor and texture. Stir orzo occasionally during simmering to prevent sticking. Using a cinnamon stick provides subtle warmth without overpowering. For creamier texture, stir in Greek yogurt or crumbled feta before serving. Leftovers store well refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 1 month.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground beef, orzo, Greek manestra, cinnamon, tomato paste, easy dinner, one-pot meal, Mediterranean, quick recipe

Find it online: https://swooshspice.com/savory-ground-beef-orzo-greek-manestra-recipe-easy-homemade-meal-idea/