Hearty Orzo Beef Soup Delight
This Hearty Orzo Beef Soup Delight is a comforting dish that warms the soul, perfect for the chilly fall and winter nights. Originating from a beloved recipe passed down through generations, this soup combines the rich flavors of lean ground beef and aromatic onions, creating a savory base. The addition of tender orzo pasta and a colorful medley of frozen peas, corn, and carrots makes this a hearty meal that your family will relish. Serve it alongside a loaf of freshly baked bread to soak up the delicious broth, ensuring that not a drop goes to waste. It's a family favorite that offers a sense of nostalgia while being both easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
lean ground beef
1 lb (browned)
onion
1 cup (chopped)
water
6 cups (none)
beef bouillon
6 teaspoons (none)
crushed or diced tomatoes
1 (29 ounce) can (none)
orzo pasta
1/2 cup (none)
frozen peas, corn, and carrot mix
1 1/2 cups (none)
salt
to taste (none)
pepper
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, brown the lean ground beef over medium heat, adding the chopped onion for flavor. Cook until the meat is no longer pink and the onion becomes translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
2
Drain any excess fat from the pot to ensure a lighter soup.
3
Return the meat and onion mixture to the pot. Add 6 cups of water, 6 teaspoons of beef bouillon, and your choice of crushed or diced tomatoes (29 ounces). Stir well to combine.
4
Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld perfectly.
5
After 20 minutes, add 1/2 cup of orzo pasta along with 1 1/2 cups of the frozen peas, corn, and carrot mix. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6
Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is cooked to your preferred tenderness.
7
Serve the soup hot, alongside warm, buttered bread for an absolutely delightful meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Orzo Beef Soup Delight?
It is a comforting and savory soup made with lean ground beef, aromatic onions, tender orzo pasta, and a colorful medley of frozen vegetables, perfect for cold weather.
What type of beef is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for one pound of lean ground beef to ensure a hearty yet balanced flavor.
Can I use a different type of pasta instead of orzo?
Yes, you can substitute orzo with other small pasta shapes like ditalini or acini di pepe, though cooking times may vary slightly.
How much orzo is needed?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of orzo pasta.
Can I use beef broth instead of bouillon and water?
Yes, you can substitute the 6 cups of water and 6 teaspoons of beef bouillon with 6 cups of prepared beef broth.
What kind of tomatoes should I use?
You can use either crushed or diced tomatoes depending on the texture you prefer for your soup.
What vegetables are included in the frozen mix?
The recipe uses a 1 1/2 cup mix of frozen peas, corn, and carrots.
How long does it take to brown the beef and onions?
It typically takes about 5 to 7 minutes for the meat to brown and the onions to become translucent.
Should I drain the fat from the beef?
Yes, the instructions recommend draining any excess fat after browning the beef to ensure a lighter soup.
How long should the soup simmer before adding the pasta?
The base of the soup should simmer for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before adding the orzo and vegetables.
How long does the orzo take to cook in the soup?
The orzo takes an additional 15 to 20 minutes of simmering until it reaches your preferred level of tenderness.
What is the best way to serve this soup?
It is best served hot alongside a loaf of freshly baked, warm, buttered bread.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this soup stores well and often tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
Can I add extra seasoning?
Absolutely. While the recipe suggests salt and pepper to taste, you can add herbs like thyme or oregano for extra depth.
How much onion do I need?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of chopped onion.
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh peas, corn, and carrots, but you may need to adjust the simmering time to ensure they are fully cooked.
What size can of tomatoes is required?
You will need one 29-ounce can of crushed or diced tomatoes.
Is this soup a good choice for winter?
Yes, it is specifically described as a comforting dish perfect for chilly fall and winter nights.
How much water is used in the base?
The recipe uses 6 cups of water.
What if the soup becomes too thick?
If the orzo absorbs too much liquid, you can add a little extra water or beef broth to reach your desired consistency.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey can be used as a leaner alternative to ground beef.
Is the beef bouillon necessary?
The bouillon provides the primary savory flavor for the broth, so it is highly recommended if you are using water.
How do I know when the beef is ready?
The beef is ready when it is no longer pink and is fully browned.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, brown the meat and onions first, then combine everything in the slow cooker, adding the orzo during the last 30-45 minutes of cooking.
Is this recipe family-friendly?
Yes, it is a family favorite that is both easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying for all ages.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 main ingredients: beef, onion, water, bouillon, tomatoes, orzo, frozen vegetable mix, salt, and pepper.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, though keep in mind that the orzo may continue to absorb liquid and soften upon thawing and reheating.
What makes this soup nostalgic?
It is based on a beloved recipe passed down through generations, offering a sense of comfort and tradition.
How much bouillon do I need?
You need 6 teaspoons of beef bouillon.
Can I add more vegetables?
Certainly, you can increase the amount of vegetables or add others like celery or spinach if you prefer a chunkier soup.