In a large heavy pot with a lid, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened and starting to brown, about 3 minutes. Next, add the ground beef and cook until fully browned, breaking apart as it cooks, approximately 5 minutes.

After browning the meat, stir in the tomato paste along with kosher salt, black pepper to taste, ground cinnamon, and dried spearmint. Cook this mixture until the tomato paste begins to brown slightly, about two minutes.

Next, add the water into the pot; bring it all to a boil while stirring occasionally.

Once boiling, add in the orzo; stir well before covering the pot with a lid. Let it simmer on low heat while stirring occasionally until the orzo is cooked through, approximately 20 minutes.

Once cooked, serve your delicious Manestra warm with optional toppings like grated romano cheese, fresh chopped mint or parsley, and extra-virgin olive oil if desired.