Basic Bitch Beef Pilaf

This pilaf recipe is not a meal that you make when you want to ipress a date or stun the relatives. This is a quick and dirty dinner recipe for those nights whne you don’t want to cook, but ytou are hungry and and need something that fills your belly and warms your soul.

If your pantry is even moderately well stocked, you should have everything you need.

Ready in under 30 minutes, and using only one pan, this is a mid-week, damn-I-don’t-wan’t-to-cook favorite of mine.

Ingredients For This Recipe

• Hamburger
• Orzo (or other pasta)
• Chicken/beef broth
• Onion
• Garlic
• Lemon Juice
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt and Pepper

What if I don’t have orzo?

You don’t have orzo in your pantry? You should, but if you don’t then take spaghetti or other pasta and break it up into small chunks.

Don’t have ANY pasta? You better have white rice, and you can sub in 3/4 of a cup of that for the pasta, increasing the broth to 2 1/2 cups.

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Basic Bitch Ground Beef Pilaf

A balanced one-pan wonder blending lean protein from grass-fed beef with fiber-rich orzo and zesty lemon for vitamin C—comfort food that supports steady energy and muscle repair without the bun guilt.

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Keyword Ground Beef, Pilaf

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes minutes

Total Time 35 minutes minutes

Servings 4

Calories 450kcal

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for richness; opt for grass-fed for added omega-3s
• 1 cup orzo pasta whole wheat variety for extra fiber if available
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth low-sodium to keep it heart-friendly
• 1 small onion finely diced (about ½ cup); yellow for natural sweetness
• 2 garlic cloves minced; fresh for maximum anti-inflammatory benefits
• 1 tbsp olive oil extra-virgin for healthy monounsaturated fats
• 1 lemon zest and juice (about 2 tbsp juice); organic for peel safety
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp salt plus more to taste; use sea salt for minerals
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ¼ cup fresh parsley chopped (or a mix of parsley and dill for brighter flavor)

Optional Toppings

• crumbled feta reduced-fat for a tangy, calcium boost
• chopped tomatoes cherry variety for lycopene antioxidants
• pickles sliced dill for probiotic perks
• yogurt or ketchup a dollop; Greek yogurt for protein twist
• ¼ cup toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds for healthy crunch and magnesium

Instructions

• In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed, but leave a little for flavor—pro tip: A cast-iron skillet distributes heat evenly for perfect browning without sticking.
• Push the beef to one side of the pan. Add diced onion to the empty side and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened—use a sharp chef’s knife for quick, even dice to release those natural sugars. Stir in garlic and orzo, toasting everything together for 1-2 minutes until the orzo is lightly golden and fragrant, enhancing its nutty notes for better digestion.
• Pour in the broth, lemon zest, and half the lemon juice. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the pan (that’s flavor gold packed with umami!). Bring to a boil, then reduce to a low simmer. Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring halfway, until orzo is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed. If it thickens too much, splash in a bit more broth—health boost: Lemon adds vitamin C to support immune health.
• Remove from heat, stir in the remaining lemon juice, chopped herbs, and nuts if using. Let it sit covered for 2 minutes to fluff up. Spoon into bowls and add your optional toppings for extra burger flair—tool tip: A microplane zester makes quick work of that lemon for bright, even infusion.

Notes

For a cheesier vibe, stir in ½ cup shredded cheddar during the last minute of simmering—it melts right into the pilaf like a burger melt. 

Meal prep tip: Store in airtight glass containers for up to 4 days; reheat with a splash of broth to keep it moist and nutritious. Pairs great with a side salad for extra veggies!