This Easy Savory Ground Beef Orzo Dinner is a cozy, one-pot meal that’s super simple to make! With tasty ground beef and fluffy orzo, it’s comforting and filling for everyone at the table.
Who doesn’t love a meal that cooks in just one pot? Clean-up is a breeze! I often throw in extra veggies for a colorful twist. Just remember to save some leftovers: they taste even better the next day!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the star of the dish, giving it richness and protein. If you prefer a leaner option, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead. Vegetarian substitutes like lentils or mushrooms work well too!
Orzo Pasta: Orzo is small and cooks quickly, making it perfect for this recipe. If you can’t find orzo, try using other small pasta shapes like ditalini or even rice. Just adjust the cooking time if necessary.
Beef Broth: This adds depth of flavor to the dish. You can use vegetable broth or chicken broth if you prefer. For a low-sodium version, go for unsalted broth or make your own at home.
Spinach or Kale: These greens are optional but add a nice color and nutrition. You can swap in other leafy greens like Swiss chard or even frozen spinach if that’s what you have handy. Just make sure to thaw and drain it first!
How Do I Make Sure the Orzo Doesn’t Stick?
Getting the orzo just right can be tricky, but there are a few tips to keep it from sticking together. Here are some steps to follow:
- Stir the orzo right after adding it to the pot. This helps separate any clumps.
- Keep the heat low and cover the pot. This creates a steamy environment and helps the orzo cook evenly.
- Stir occasionally while it’s simmering. This prevents it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- If it seems too dry, add a splash more broth or water to keep it moist as it cooks.
With these techniques, your orzo will turn out fluffy and delicious every time!
Easy Savory Ground Beef Orzo Dinner
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Ground Beef: 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- Vegetables: 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Pasta: 1 cup orzo pasta
- Broth: 2 ½ cups beef broth (or water with beef bouillon)
- Tomatoes: 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- Herbs and Spices: 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp dried basil, ½ tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil: 2 tbsp olive oil
- Greens (Optional): 1 cup fresh spinach or kale
- Cheese (Optional): ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes approximately 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend about 10 minutes on preparation and cooking will take about 20 minutes. This makes it a perfect option for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and sauté until it’s nice and translucent, which should take about 3-4 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it looks soft and glossy.
2. Add Garlic:
Next, add the minced garlic to the skillet and give it a good stir. Allow it to cook for another 30 seconds until you can smell that wonderful garlic aroma filling your kitchen!
3. Brown the Beef:
Now, it’s time to add the ground beef to the pot. Cook it while breaking it apart with a spoon, until it turns brown and is no longer pink, which will take about 6-8 minutes. If there’s any excess fat, carefully drain it off.
4. Season the Beef:
Once the beef is browned, sprinkle in the oregano, basil, paprika, as well as salt and pepper to your liking. Mix everything well so the spices are evenly distributed.
5. Mix in the Orzo:
Next, pour in the orzo pasta and stir it into the beef mixture, coating the orzo with all those tasty flavors.
6. Add Liquid Ingredients:
Pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes. Give everything a good stir to combine. This is where the magic happens!
7. Cook the Dish:
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 12-15 minutes until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. Don’t forget to stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking.
8. Add Greens (If Using):
If you’re adding fresh spinach or kale, toss it in during the last 2 minutes of cooking—just enough time for it to wilt down nicely.
9. Finishing Touches:
Remove the pot from heat and, if you’re using Parmesan cheese, sprinkle it on top right before serving for added flavor!
10. Serve It Up:
Now it’s time to eat! Serve the beef orzo hot, and feel free to add extra herbs or cheese as garnish if desired. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Dig in and enjoy your Easy Savory Ground Beef Orzo Dinner!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative to beef, and it will work perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly until it’s no longer pink!
What If I Don’t Have Beef Broth?
No problem! You can substitute beef broth with chicken broth or vegetable broth. If you don’t have any broth, simply use water with a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce for added flavor.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor. Just chop them into small pieces and sauté them along with the onion at the beginning.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth if it seems too dry.
