This Easy Savory Ground Beef Orzo Dinner is a one-pot wonder! With tasty ground beef, chewy orzo pasta, and a sprinkle of veggies, it’s comfort food at its finest.
It’s super quick to make, which means you can whip it up even after a long day. I love how the flavors blend together, and my family always goes for seconds. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the star of the dish! You can use lean ground beef for a healthier option, or even darker cuts for a richer flavor. If you’re avoiding beef, ground turkey or chicken work well as alternatives.
Orzo Pasta: Orzo is a rice-shaped pasta that cooks quickly. If you don’t have orzo, you can substitute with any small pasta like rice-shaped pasta, quinoa, or even couscous for a different texture.
Beef Broth: Homemade is best, but store-bought broth is super convenient! If you want a lighter flavor, chicken broth or vegetable broth is a good choice too. For a vegetarian option, use water with vegetable bouillon.
Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes are my go-to for convenience, but fresh tomatoes are just as tasty. You can also use crushed tomatoes for a sauce-like consistency.
Spinach or Parsley: These greens add freshness and color. Fresh spinach is preferred but frozen works too—just thaw and drain excess water. Chopped kale can also make a great substitute!
How Do You Ensure the Orzo is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking orzo just right can be tricky, but it’s easy with a few tips! Since orzo absorbs a lot of liquid, you want to ensure it’s cooked al dente so it retains some bite. Here’s how to do it:
- Cook orzo in the beef broth instead of water. This way, it soaks up those delicious flavors.
- Keep an eye on the cooking time—usually about 10-12 minutes is enough, but stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Check the orzo a minute or two before the suggested time to catch that perfect texture.
- If it starts to look dry but isn’t quite done, you can add a little more broth to help it along.
Easy Savory Ground Beef Orzo Dinner
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups beef broth (or water with beef bouillon)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1 cup fresh spinach or chopped parsley (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Easy Savory Ground Beef Orzo Dinner takes approximately 25 minutes in total. You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping and chopping, and then just 15 minutes cooking it all together. Quick, hearty, and satisfying!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Olive Oil:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet or a sauté pan over medium heat. You want it to be hot enough to cook the onions and garlic quickly.
2. Sauté Onion and Garlic:
Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the hot oil. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes, or until the onion becomes fragrant and translucent. This step is key for building flavor!
3. Brown the Ground Beef:
Next, add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spoon or spatula to break it up into smaller pieces. Cook until browned and no longer pink, which should take about 5-7 minutes. If there’s a lot of fat in the pan, you can drain some off carefully.
4. Add the Orzo and Tomatoes:
Now, stir in the orzo pasta, diced tomatoes, dried oregano, and dried basil. You’ll want to cook this mixture for 1-2 minutes to combine all those lovely flavors before we move on.
5. Pour in the Beef Broth:
Carefully pour in the beef broth and season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil so it starts cooking the orzo.
6. Simmer the Mixture:
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes. This is all about letting the orzo soak up all those delicious flavors while cooking to tender perfection!
7. Add Cheese and Greens:
After the orzo is cooked, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese along with the fresh spinach or parsley if you chose to use it. Let it cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the spinach wilts.
8. Taste and Serve:
Finally, give your dish a taste and adjust the seasonings as you like. Serve it warm and enjoy your delightful, quick dinner!
With this Easy Savory Ground Beef Orzo Dinner, you’ve got a comforting meal in no time. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be great substitutes for ground beef. Keep in mind that they may cook a bit faster, so watch for doneness around the 5-minute mark.
What If I Don’t Have Orzo Pasta?
No problem! You can substitute with other small pasta shapes like ditalini, mini shells, or even couscous. Just adjust the cooking time based on the type of pasta you choose, as some may cook faster than orzo.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally for even heating.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add in zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms. Just chop them small and sauté them along with the onions and garlic to allow them to soften and blend with the flavors.
