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Hearty Beef and Orzo Soup with Fresh Garden Veggies Recipe

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3.8 from 1 review

This Hearty Beef and Orzo Soup combines tender lean ground beef with chewy orzo pasta and a fresh medley of garden vegetables. Cozy and nourishing, it’s an easy-to-make dinner perfect for chilly nights, bringing warmth and wholesome flavors to the table.

Ingredients

Meat and Broth

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 6 cups beef broth

Vegetables

  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 1 zucchini, diced
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Others

  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste
  • Fresh thyme, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat oil and brown beef: In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it up as it browns. Drain excess fat if needed.
  2. Sauté aromatics and carrots: Add chopped onions, minced garlic, and diced carrots to the beef. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onions become translucent and soft.
  3. Add celery and zucchini: Stir in diced celery and zucchini, cooking for another 2-3 minutes to slightly soften the vegetables.
  4. Simmer with broth: Pour in 6 cups of beef broth and bring to a gentle simmer. For a thicker consistency, reduce broth slightly.
  5. Cook orzo and season: Once simmering, add the orzo pasta along with salt, pepper, and fresh thyme to taste. Let simmer for 8-10 minutes until orzo is al dente.
  6. Finish with parsley and seasonings: Stir in fresh chopped parsley, adjust salt and pepper if needed, then remove the soup from heat. Allow the flavors to meld for a few minutes before serving.
  7. Serve warm: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve warm. Optionally, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.

Notes

  • Drain excess fat from the cooked beef if you want a leaner soup.
  • Reduce beef broth amount if you prefer a thicker, more stew-like consistency.
  • Orzo cooks quickly; watch closely to avoid overcooking and mushy texture.
  • Fresh herbs like thyme and parsley add brightness—feel free to adjust quantities based on preference.
  • For added richness, top with grated Parmesan or a dollop of sour cream.