Go Back
Andre Lewis

Ground Beef Pesto Orzo Bake

Print Recipe
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 8
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 pounds 90% lean ground beef
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 2 medium zucchini diced
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 1/2 cups dry orzo
  • 3 cups low-sodium beef broth
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 cup basil pesto
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cups shredded low-moisture mozzarella
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan

Method
 

  1. Heat the oven to 375°F and grease a 9-by-13-inch dish. Brown the beef and onion in a skillet and drain.
  2. Add the zucchini and cook for 7 minutes until tender and dry, then add garlic for 30 seconds. Stir in orzo, broth, milk, salt and pepper.
  3. Bring to a simmer, pour into the dish and cover tightly with foil.
  4. Bake for 20 minutes. Uncover, stir in the pesto and 1 cup mozzarella, then top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
  5. Bake uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes until the orzo is tender and top browned. Rest 10 minutes.