Description
This Sloppy Joe Orzo recipe delivers a flavorful and comforting twist on the classic Sloppy Joe by combining ground beef, savory tomato sauce, and tender orzo pasta. Easily made in one skillet or Dutch oven, it’s a hearty, cheesy, and satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Seasonings
- 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1/2 cup finely chopped yellow onion
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Pasta and Liquids
- 1 and 1/2 cups dry orzo pasta
- 3 cups low-sodium beef broth
Tomato Base
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
Flavor Enhancers
- 2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Finishing Touches
- 1 and 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Crumble the beef as it cooks, stirring occasionally, until it is fully cooked and well browned, about 10 minutes. Once done, remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Onions: Using the same skillet, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the finely chopped yellow onion and sauté, stirring occasionally, until the onions start to soften and become translucent, approximately 5 minutes.
- Toast Orzo and Garlic: Add the orzo pasta and minced garlic to the skillet with the onions. Cook while stirring frequently for about 2 minutes, until the orzo is lightly toasted and the garlic releases its aroma.
- Add Liquids and Simmer: Pour in the low-sodium beef broth, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Stir in the light brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce until everything is well combined. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and cook until the liquid is mostly absorbed and the orzo is tender, about 15 minutes.
- Combine and Melt Cheese: Lower the heat to low and stir the cooked ground beef back into the skillet. Mix well, then add the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese melts completely into the mixture.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the dish as garnish. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Sloppy Joe Orzo!
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and keep the dish hearty but not oily.
- Be careful not to overcook the orzo during the toasting step to maintain its texture.
- Low-sodium beef broth helps control the salt level without sacrificing flavor.
- This dish reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a twist, swap cheddar cheese for pepper jack or mozzarella for different flavor profiles.
