This one pot Libyan soup is an authentic recipe that my aunt Rima learned from her neighbor while living in Libya. She made it for us regularly growing up and now I get to share this recipe with you all. This dish comes together effortlessly and marries robust flavors with comforting textures. The tender ground beef imparts a rich, savory depth, while the onions and tomatoes infuse it with a sweetness and acidity that balance the dish perfectly. The addition of orzo adds a delightful chewiness, making every spoonful a satisfying and comforting experience.
While you can enjoy this one pot soup any time of year, this comforting dish comes into its own as temperatures start to drop, typically in the autumn and winter seasons. The warming and robust flavors of the soup provide a perfect respite from chilly weather, offering not only nourishment but also a sense of coziness.
If you love this dish, you will also love my warm and comforting healthy instant pot chicken noodle soup.
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Ingredients
- Olive Oil, Drizzled
- Large Onion, Chopped
- Ground Beef
- Water
- Salt
- Pepper
- Cinnamon
- Cayenne Pepper
- All Spice
- Turmeric
- Tomato Sauce
- Saffron
- Fresh Tomatoes, Chopped
- Dried Orzo
- Fresh Parsley, Chopped
- Crushed Dried Mint
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
- Set a Medium Pot on high heat, add a drizzle of olive oil and chopped onions. Cook until the onions begin to turn translucent then add your ground beef and spices. Cook until the meat is cooked almost all the way through.
- Then add your can of tomato sauce and fresh tomato. Stir constantly and let simmer for 3-4 minutes until the tomatoes begin to look like they are softening.
- Add your water and Orzo. Let Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally so the orzo does not stick to the bottom of the pan. The orzo should start to soak up some of the water and thicken.
- Once your orzo is mostly cooked through, you can add your chopped parsley into the soup, stir in for 2-3 minutes or until the parsley begins to wilt. Then add your crushed mint. Give it a stir and serve!
- Hint: You can also add fresh parsley to garnish.
Hint: You can also add fresh parsley to garnish.
Substitutions
If you are interested in making this libyan soup but you have dietary restrictions, you can make the following substitutions:
- Gluten-free – use a gluten-free orzo to make this recipe gluten-free.
This recipe is already dairy-free.
Variations
- Spicy – add more cayenne to make this recipe extra spicy.
- Toddler/ Kid friendly – you may skip the cayenne all together to make this recipe kid friendly.
Equipment
All you need to make this one pot libyan soup recipe is well, one pot!
I love using my La Creuset Enamled Cast Iron Dutch Oven Pot for this but this is not necessary and any pan will do!
Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I make a small commission if you choose to purchase through qualifying links.
Storage
You may store leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days but be aware that the orzo will likely swell up in size as it soaks up the liquid.
Top tip
If you want more of a true soup consistency, add an additional cup of water.
FAQ
While this recipe is not gluten-free it can be adapted to be gluten-free by substituting regular orzo for gluten-free orzo.
Dairy-Free
Looking for other dairy-free recipes like this? Try these:
Fall
Looking for some more fall recipes? Try these:
Jump to: Recipe
One Pot Libyan Soup
Equipment
- 1 pot
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 large Onion Chopped
- ½ pound Ground Beef
- 4 cups Water
- 1 & ¼ Teaspoon Salt
- ½ Teaspoon Pepper
- ¼ Teaspoon Cinnamon
- ½ Teaspoon Cayenne Pepper Add more or less to get to your desired spice level (this will provide you with a medium kick)
- ½ teaspoon All Spice
- ¼ teaspoon Turmeric
- 1- 8 Ounce Can of Tomato Sauce
- 1 Pinch of Saffron
- 3 large Fresh Tomatoes Chopped
- ¾ cup Dried Orzo
- ¼ cup Fresh Parsley Chopped
- 2 teaspoons Crushed Dried Mint
Instructions
- Set a Medium Pot on high heat, add a drizzle of olive oil and chopped onions. Cook until the onions begin to turn translucent then add your ground beef and spices. Cook until the meat is cooked almost all the way through.
- Then add your can of tomato sauce and fresh tomato. Stir constantly and let simmer for 3-4 minutes until the tomatoes begin to look like they are softening.
- Add your water and Orzo. Let Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally so the orzo does not stick to the bottom of the pan. The orzo should start to soak up some of the water and thicken.
- Once your orzo is mostly cooked through, you can add your chopped parsley into the soup, stir in for 2-3 minutes or until the parsley begins to wilt. Then add your crushed mint. Give it a stir and serve!
- Hint: You can also add fresh parsley to garnish.
Notes
Substitutions
If you are interested in making this libyan soup but you have dietary restrictions, you can make the following substitutions:- Gluten-free – use a gluten-free orzo to make this recipe gluten-free.
Variations
- Spicy – add more cayenne to make this recipe extra spicy.
- Toddler/ Kid friendly – you may skip the cayenne all together to make this recipe kid friendly.
Equipment
All you need to make this one pot libyan soup is well, one pot! I love using my La Creuset Enamled Cast Iron Dutch Oven Pot for this but this is not necessary and any pan will do! Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I make a small commission if you choose to purchase through qualifying links.Storage
You may store leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days but be aware that the orzo will likely swell up in size as it soaks up the liquid.Top tip
If you want more of a true soup consistency, add an additional cup of water.Nutrition
Food safety
- Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
- Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
- Wash hands after touching raw meat
- Don’t leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
Libby says
10/10. My husband loves this and asked for me to make it as part of our weekly rotation during the colder months!