Orzo Soup
A hearty and flavorful orzo soup packed with ground beef, vegetables, and savory broth, perfect for comforting family dinners and cold weather cravings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a small amount of oil, fry onion and green pepper until tender.
- Add hamburger and cook until browned.
- Drain excess grease from the meat and vegetables.
- Add Veg-All, stewed tomatoes, water, beef bouillon cubes, and onion soup mix.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until flavors are well combined.
- Add the orzo pasta and cook until tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider sautéing minced garlic with the onion and green pepper. If you want a lighter dish, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the hamburger. You can also use fresh vegetables instead of canned Veg-All, such as diced carrots or zucchini. If you like a little heat, add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the orzo soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. For a hearty option, consider serving it with a side of Robin'S Baked Beans, which complements the flavors well.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, adding a splash of water if the soup thickens too much during storage.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Orzo Soup contains roughly 995 calories, with 44g protein, 96g carbohydrates, and 49g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (88% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (77% of the Daily Value), and iron (44% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2118mg per serving (92% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta instead of orzo?
Yes, you can substitute orzo with other small pasta shapes like ditalini or mini shells. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta package instructions to ensure it remains tender without overcooking.
Is there a vegetarian version of this soup?
Absolutely! You can make a vegetarian version by omitting the hamburger and using vegetable broth instead of water and bouillon cubes. Add more vegetables like spinach or kale for added nutrition and flavor.
How can I make this soup more filling?
To make the soup more filling, consider adding beans, such as kidney beans or chickpeas, or increase the amount of orzo. You can also serve it with a side of protein-rich dishes like Smothered Steak With Onions for a heartier meal.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).