If you love lasagne and orzo as much as I do, then this Lasagne Orzo recipe is about to become your new favorite meal! It’s a hearty, comforting dish that combines the best of both worlds tender orzo pasta with a rich, savory beef mixture and topped with a crispy, golden cheese layer. It’s perfect for any day of the week, and trust me, you won’t be able to stop at just one plate. This dish serves 4-5, so there’s plenty to go around for family dinners or even leftovers the next day. Let’s dive into how to make this cheesy, mouth-watering creation!
Method
Cook the Vegetables and Beef
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion, chopped celery, and carrot. Stir occasionally, cooking for about 10 minutes, until the vegetables become tender and softened. After that, add the 500g of 5% fat beef mince to the pan, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until the beef is browned and cooked through, ensuring there are no pink spots remaining.
Add Flavor with Garlic, Tomato Purée, and Tinned Tomatoes
Once the beef is fully cooked, stir in the crushed garlic and cook for another minute to release the flavors. Then, add 1 tablespoon of tomato purée and mix it well with the beef. This will give the sauce a rich, deep tomato flavor. Next, pour in the 400g tin of tomatoes along with 1 tablespoon of mixed herbs. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together, ensuring the ingredients are evenly combined.
Simmer the Beef Mixture
Pour in 100ml of beef stock to add moisture and enhance the flavors. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 20-30 minutes. During this time, the flavors will meld together, and the sauce will thicken slightly. Stir occasionally to make sure nothing sticks to the bottom of the pan. Keep the heat low to avoid burning the mixture.
Cook the Orzo
While the beef mixture is simmering, bring a pot of water to a boil. Add salt to the water for flavor and then drop in 400g of orzo pasta (dry weight). Cook the orzo according to the package instructions, which typically takes around 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the orzo and set it aside, ready to be mixed into the beef sauce.
Prepare the White Sauce
To make the creamy white sauce, blend 120g of light cream cheese with 100ml of skimmed milk. You can use a whisk or a blender to get a smooth, lump-free consistency. The creamy white sauce will add a rich and velvety texture to the lasagne orzo, balancing the savory beef mixture with a delightful creaminess.
Assemble the Lasagne Orzo
Once the beef mixture has thickened and the orzo is cooked, it’s time to bring everything together. Add the drained orzo into the beef mixture and stir to combine, ensuring the pasta is coated evenly with the rich, flavorful sauce. Pour this mixture into an ovenproof dish, spreading it out into an even layer. Next, top it with the white sauce you just made, spreading it evenly across the surface. Finally, sprinkle 120g of mozzarella cheese mix over the top, covering it generously for that melty, golden finish.
Grill to Golden Perfection
Preheat your grill and place the assembled dish under it. Grill for about 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese on top becomes golden brown and bubbly. Keep a close eye on the lasagne orzo while it’s under the grill to prevent the cheese from burning. Once the top is golden and crispy, remove the dish from the grill.
Necessary Tools
- Large pan or skillet
- Saucepan for boiling the orzo
- Grater for cheese
- Ovenproof dish
- Blender or whisk for the white sauce
- Spoon for stirring
Lasagne Orzo Recipe A Cheesy, Hearty Delight!
Cuisine: American, Italian, GreekDifficulty: Easy5
servings20
minutes50
minutes1
hour10
minutesIngredients
1 tbsp olive oil
500g 5% fat beef mince
1 onion, diced
2 celery stalks, finely chopped
1 carrot, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 tbsp tomato purée
1 x 400g tin of tomatoes
1 tbsp mixed herbs
Salt and pepper to taste
100ml beef stock
400g dry weight orzo
120g mozzarella cheese mix
For the white sauce
120g lightest cream cheese
100ml skimmed milk (blended together)
Directions
- Cook the Vegetables and Beef Start by heating the olive oil in a large pan. Add the diced onion, chopped celery, and carrot. Cook for 10 minutes until the vegetables are softened. Then, add the beef mince and cook until browned and cooked through.
- Add Flavor Stir in the garlic and tomato purée, then add the tinned tomatoes, mixed herbs, salt, and pepper. Pour in the beef stock and let everything simmer for 20-30 minutes, allowing the flavors to come together and thicken.
- Cook the Orzo While the beef mixture is simmering, bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the orzo according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the White Sauce In a blender or bowl, mix together the cream cheese and skimmed milk until smooth. This will be your creamy white sauce that adds richness to the dish.
- Assemble the Lasagne Orzo Stir the cooked orzo into the beef mixture, making sure everything is well combined. Pour the white sauce on top, then sprinkle with the mozzarella cheese mix.
- Grill to Perfection Place the dish under the grill and cook for 5-10 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. Enjoy the crispy cheese and creamy layers that come together for the perfect bite.
Notes
- Be sure to keep an eye on the white sauce while blending. It should be smooth, so blend thoroughly to avoid any lumps.
- When grilling the lasagne orzo, don’t walk away cheese can burn quickly, so make sure to check every few minutes for that golden, bubbly finish.
- If you’re using a non-stick pan for the beef mixture, you may not need as much olive oil. Adjust as needed to avoid excess oil in the dish.
Serving Suggestions
- This Lasagne Orzo pairs wonderfully with a fresh side salad or some garlic bread for a well-rounded meal.
- Add some extra veggies, like spinach or mushrooms, to the beef mixture to make it even more nutritious.
- Serve with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh parsley for an extra pop of flavor.
Fun Fact
Did you know that orzo is often called “rice pasta” because it’s shaped like grains of rice? It’s perfect for this lasagne-inspired dish because it soaks up all the delicious flavors without getting too heavy.
Conclusion
This Lasagne Orzo is everything you could ever want in a dish comforting, cheesy, and full of flavor. It’s the perfect meal for a cozy dinner, and it’s so easy to make! Whether you’re feeding a family or just craving something satisfying, this dish is a guaranteed winner. So grab your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a plate of cheesy goodness that will have you coming back for more. Happy cooking!
