A wholesome, all-in-one meal that's perfect for babies starting their weaning journey, toddlers finding their foodie feet, and the whole family to enjoy! This comforting dish combines tender minced beef, soft peppers, and orzo pasta in a mild, flavorful broth, making it easy for little ones to eat and share with the whole family. It's the ideal way to introduce new textures and flavors while keeping everyone satisfied at the dinner table.
🕰️ Preparation Time: 10 minutes
🍳 Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
🍴 Servings: 4 (depending on portion size)
👶🏻 Suitable from: 12 months (6 months if mashed, blended or finely chopped)
Ingredients
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 500g minced beef
- 2 bell peppers, diced (any color)
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp garlic granules
- 1 tbsp tomato puree
- 1 stock cube (beef or vegetable)
- 600ml boiling water
- 200g orzo pasta
To Serve
Optional: Cheese and extra veggies for serving
Method
- Sauté the onions: Heat 1 tsp of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Brown the beef: Add the minced beef to the pan, breaking it up as it cooks. Stir in the diced peppers and cook until the beef is browned and the peppers begin to soften.
- Add the spices and garlic: Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, cumin, ground coriander, and garlic granules. Stir well to coat the meat and peppers in the spices and garlic, ensuring everything is evenly mixed.
- Add tomato puree: Stir in the tomato puree and cook for about 1 minute, allowing the flavors to deepen and thicken.
- Pour in the stock: In a separate jug, dissolve the stock cube in 600ml of boiling water. Pour the stock into the pan and stir everything together, letting it come to a gentle bubble.
- Add orzo: Stir in the orzo, making sure the pasta is submerged in the stock. Bring it to a simmer.
- Simmer and stir: Reduce the heat, cover the pan, and let the dish simmer for 20-25 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom.
- Check and serve: Once the orzo is tender and cooked through, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve with extra veggies or a sprinkle of cheese for a creamy finish.
Tip: This is a great make-ahead meal! We love saving a portion for the freezer, so we always have a comforting meal on hand. ❄️❤️
Nutritional Benefits
- Protein for Growth
Minced beef gives a good dose of protein, great for growth and development—perfect for toddlers and active families. - Vitamins from Veggies
Bell peppers are rich in vitamin C (for immunity) and vitamin A (for eye health). They also provide folate for growth. - Energy from Orzo
Orzo pasta provides complex carbs that give a steady energy boost without the sugar crash. - Healthy Fats
Olive oil adds heart-healthy fats, supporting good cholesterol and brain function. - Antioxidants from Spices
Smoked paprika, cumin, and coriander are full of antioxidants that fight inflammation and support overall health. - Fiber for Digestion
The peppers and orzo provide fiber, helping digestion and keeping little ones regular. - Calcium for Strong Bones (Optional)
Adding cheese gives a calcium boost for strong bones and teeth, especially for toddlers. - No Added Sugars
There are no added sugars, making this a healthier option for cutting down on sugar intake.
Product Highlight
This recipe would be perfect to serve in a doddl 2-in-1 baby to toddler bowl. The suction stops the bowl moving around on the table whilst your little one is scooping, and helps avoid mealtime frustrations.
Community Corner
Love the recipe? Share your experience, photos, or adaptations with the hashtag #doddlrecipes on Instagram.