Savory Beef Orzo Soup
This hearty Savory Beef Orzo Soup is the perfect comfort dish to warm you up on a chilly day. Succulent beef cubes are simmered to tender perfection in a flavorful broth, complemented by the sweetness of carrots and the crunch of celery. The addition of orzo pasta adds a delightful texture that transforms this soup into a fulfilling meal. Topped with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, it is sure to become a family favorite. Easy to prepare and packed with wholesome ingredients, this soup is also low in cholesterol, making it a great choice for anyone looking to enjoy a nutritious dish without sacrificing flavor.
10
Servings
250
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
round steaks or chuck steaks
1 1/2 lbs (cut into small cubes)
chopped carrots
2 cups (chopped)
diced celery
1/2 cup (diced)
large onion
1 (chopped)
water
4 quarts (none)
beef base
3 tablespoons (according to brand instructions)
tomato paste
2 tablespoons (none)
salt and fresh ground pepper
to taste (none)
orzo-small shell pasta
8 ounces (cook according to package instructions)
grated Parmesan cheese
to serve (none)
Instructions
1
In a large soup pot, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes and onion, browning the beef on all sides.
2
Season the beef with salt and fresh ground pepper. Once browned, add the 4 quarts of water and bring the mixture to a boil. Skim off any residue that forms on the top.
3
Reduce the heat to medium, cover the pot, and let simmer for 1 hour, allowing the flavors to meld and the beef to become tender.
4
After an hour, stir in the beef base following the instructions on the package. Add the chopped carrots and diced celery, and continue to simmer for an additional 30 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
5
Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary.
6
In a separate pan, cook the orzo pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and add it to the soup pot, stirring to combine.
7
Serve the soup hot, with grated Parmesan cheese on the side for toppings.
Nutrition Information
4g
Fat
22g
Carbs
20g
Protein
3g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Beef Orzo Soup?
Savory Beef Orzo Soup is a hearty comfort dish made with succulent beef cubes, carrots, celery, and orzo pasta in a flavorful broth.
What kind of beef should I use for this soup?
The recipe recommends using 1.5 pounds of round steaks or chuck steaks cut into small cubes.
Is Savory Beef Orzo Soup healthy?
Yes, it is described as a nutritious dish that is low in cholesterol and packed with wholesome ingredients like vegetables and lean protein.
How many calories are in a serving of this beef orzo soup?
Each serving contains approximately 250 calories.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 10 servings, making it ideal for a large family meal or meal prep.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides about 20 grams of protein.
What is orzo?
Orzo is a small, rice-shaped pasta that adds a delightful texture to the soup.
Should I cook the orzo in the soup pot?
The recipe suggests cooking the orzo in a separate pan according to package instructions and then adding it to the soup pot to prevent it from overcooking.
How much water is required for the broth?
You will need 4 quarts of water for this recipe.
What vegetables are included in this soup?
The soup includes 2 cups of chopped carrots, 1/2 cup of diced celery, and one large chopped onion.
How long does the beef need to simmer?
The beef should simmer for 1 hour initially to become tender, followed by an additional 30 minutes once the vegetables are added.
What is the purpose of browning the beef first?
Browning the beef with the onion at the start helps build deep flavor and seals in juices.
Do I need to skim the soup while boiling?
Yes, after bringing the water and beef to a boil, you should skim off any residue that forms on the top for a clearer broth.
How much fat is in this soup?
This soup is relatively low in fat, containing only 4 grams per serving.
What can I use to top the soup?
It is recommended to serve the soup with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
How much beef base should I add?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of beef base, or you can follow the specific brand's instructions.
Is there tomato paste in this recipe?
Yes, 2 tablespoons of tomato paste are included to enhance the savory flavor of the broth.
What is the carbohydrate count?
There are 22 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Does this soup contain fiber?
Yes, each serving provides 3 grams of dietary fiber.
Is this recipe easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and a great choice for a simple yet fulfilling family meal.
How should I season the soup?
Use salt and fresh ground pepper to taste during the browning process and adjust again after simmering.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
While orzo is recommended, you can use other small shell pasta shapes as a substitute.
What kind of oil should I use for browning?
The recipe suggests using a drizzle of olive oil.
Can I prepare the beef and vegetables ahead of time?
Yes, chopping the carrots, celery, and onion in advance can save time during the cooking process.
Is this soup good for cold weather?
Absolutely, it is described as a perfect comfort dish to warm you up on a chilly day.
How much celery do I need?
You will need 1/2 cup of diced celery.
How many carrots are used?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of chopped carrots.
What size onion is required?
One large onion, chopped, is used to flavor the base of the soup.
When should I add the beef base?
Add the beef base after the initial 1-hour simmer, along with the carrots and celery.
How do I know when the soup is done?
The soup is ready once the beef is tender and the carrots and celery have simmered for about 30 minutes until soft.