Hamburger Orzo Soup
This cozy Hamburger Orzo Soup is pure comfort in a bowl! It’s hearty, flavorful, and packed with tender ground beef and plenty of orzo pasta. Add more orzo for a thicker, stew-like consistency, just like my granddaughter loves, or use less for a lighter, more traditional soup. Either way, it’s an easy family-friendly meal that’s perfect for a chilly evening.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, if needed
- 2 cups fresh spinach, optional
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan, for serving
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess grease if necessary.
- Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 4–5 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.
- Add the tomato paste, diced tomatoes, beef broth, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and bring the soup to a gentle boil.
- Stir in the orzo. Reduce the heat and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender.
- If using spinach, stir it in during the final 1–2 minutes of cooking and allow it to wilt.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. If the soup becomes thicker than you prefer, simply add a little more beef broth.
- Ladle into bowls and top with Parmesan and fresh parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!