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Greek-Inspired Beef and Orzo Bake with Spiced Tomato Sauce


  • Author: Chef Sally
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

A flavorful dish featuring ground beef, orzo pasta, and a spiced tomato sauce inspired by Greek cuisine.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 2 cups orzo pasta
  • 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes with juice
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
  3. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Stir in the diced tomatoes with their juice, oregano, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
  5. In a separate pot, cook the orzo pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain.
  6. Combine the cooked orzo with the beef mixture in a large baking dish. Pour in the beef broth and mix well.
  7. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
  9. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with lentils or a plant-based alternative. Adjust spices to taste for desired heat level.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Method: Main
  • Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Fat: 18g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Protein: 28g