Cajun Orzo (Print Version)
A satisfying dish blending ground beef, orzo, and Cajun flavors. Great for families and quick dinners.
# Ingredients:
→ Base
01 -
2 green bell peppers, diced small
02 -
2 shallots or 1 onion, chopped finely
03 -
3 minced garlic cloves
04 -
1 tbsp olive oil
05 -
1 tbsp butter
06 -
1 lb (500g) lean ground beef
→ Seasonings
07 -
½ tsp salt
08 -
2 tsp dried parsley
09 -
1 tsp celery salt
10 -
1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
11 -
1 tsp garlic & herb seasoning or garlic powder
→ Pasta & Liquids
12 -
3⅓ cups (800ml) beef broth
13 -
1½ cups (300g) orzo pasta
14 -
2 tbsp tomato purée (thick tomato paste)
→ Toppings
15 -
Fresh thyme for decoration
16 -
1 red jalapeño, sliced thinly (optional)
17 -
3 tbsp grated cheddar cheese, plus extra for topping
# Steps:
01 -
In a large pan, heat up the olive oil and butter together. Toss in the diced onions and peppers, cooking on medium heat for about 5 minutes until they're soft.
02 -
Mix in the garlic and all the dried seasonings. Cook just until you smell the garlic.
03 -
Turn the flame higher, crumble the ground beef into the pan, and cook while stirring. Stir in the orzo, letting it toast slightly after the beef is browned.
04 -
Stir in the tomato paste completely, then pour in the broth. Let it come to a boil before lowering the heat to simmer.
05 -
Let everything cook on low for 15-20 minutes, giving it a stir now and then, until the orzo softens and the broth thickens.
06 -
Switch off the heat, mix in cheddar until it's melted. Adjust salt and pepper to taste, if needed.
07 -
Sprinkle thyme, extra cheese, and some jalapeños if you like a bit of heat.
# Helpful Notes:
01 -
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days, and add a splash of water while warming it up.
02 -
Doesn't freeze well.
03 -
Works for kids with mild seasoning.
04 -
Swap ground beef for turkey or sausage if you'd like.