Crock Pot Italian Beef Sandwiches Recipe
This cozy, one-pot Ground Beef and Orzo is a comforting, beefy weeknight dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes. Lean ground beef, tender orzo, aromatic onions, and garlic are simmered in a savory tomato sauce laced with Italian seasoning. Finished with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese, this meal packs in plenty of flavor with easy cleanup, making it perfect for busy families or anyone looking for a satisfying, fuss-free meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main-course
- Method: One Pot & One Pan
- Cuisine: American, Italian-inspired
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound (454 g) ground beef (85/15 or 90/10)
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 cup (150 g) uncooked orzo
- 15 ounces (425 g) tomato sauce
- 2 cups (473 ml) beef broth
Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Finishing Touches
- 1/3 cup (33 g) freshly grated parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, add the olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the ground beef and break it up into small pieces with a spatula or wooden spoon. Cook, stirring occasionally, until there is no longer any pink remaining in the meat.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the cooked beef. Stir and cook until the onions are translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 3 minutes.
- Toast the Orzo: Stir in the uncooked orzo, mixing well with the beef, onions, and garlic so the orzo gets coated in the fat and seasonings.
- Add Liquids and Seasoning: Pour in the tomato sauce and beef broth, then add the Italian seasoning along with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to a low simmer and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until most of the liquid has been absorbed by the orzo but the mixture is still a little saucy—about 10 minutes.
- Finish with Parmesan: Remove the pot from the heat and mix in the freshly grated parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
- Garnish and Serve: Serve the dish hot, garnished with more parmesan cheese and fresh basil if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- For extra veggies, add diced bell pepper or spinach when sautéing the onions and garlic.
- Keep an eye on the liquid; add a splash of broth if the orzo absorbs too quickly.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to loosen.
- Swap in gluten-free orzo to make this dish gluten-free.
