Ground Beef Orzo Recipe

If you’re after a comforting, all-in-one meal that comes together in a single pan and absolutely bursts with flavor, this Ground Beef Orzo recipe will quickly become your go-to. Juicy ground beef, tender orzo pasta, and bright spinach mingle together in a savory tomato and herb sauce. It’s the kind of weeknight dinner that’s hearty enough to satisfy a crowd, flexible enough for any season, and quick enough for the busiest evenings. If you haven’t tried Ground Beef Orzo before, get ready to fall in love with just how easy and rewarding this dish can be!

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of pantry staples and fresh ingredients, you can whip up this Ground Beef Orzo in no time. Each ingredient brings something special, whether it’s richness, texture, or freshness. Let’s see what you’ll need and why each deserves its spot in the pan.

• Lean Ground Beef: Provides heartiness and rich meaty flavor, giving the orzo something substantial to cling to.
• Orzo Pasta: This rice-shaped pasta cooks right in the sauce, soaking up all those savory juices for maximum taste.
• Onion: Finely chopped onion caramelizes beautifully and brings sweet, aromatic depth to the dish.
• Garlic: Adds a punchy, savory aroma that absolutely transforms the base flavors.
• Diced Tomatoes with Herbs: These bring tangy sweetness and instant herby notes, making the sauce irresistibly bright.
• Low-Sodium Beef Broth: Infuses everything with a savory backbone without overpowering with saltiness.
• Fresh Spinach (or other greens): Tossed in at the end, spinach wilts down for color, nutrients, and a touch of earthiness.
• Italian Seasoning (basil, oregano, thyme): A fragrant mix that ties the dish together and wakes up all the other flavors.

How to Make Ground Beef Orzo

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

First thing’s first: take a moment to chop your onion finely and mince your garlic. This upfront prep means everything can move smoothly and quickly as you start cooking. Having your ingredients ready ensures the base aromatics don’t burn or overcook while you hunt for your next item.

Step 2: Sauté the Onion

Set a large skillet over medium heat and add a splash of olive oil. Toss in your chopped onion and let it sauté for about 5 minutes. You’re not just softening the onion here—you’re coaxing out natural sugars for a gentle sweetness that will make your Ground Beef Orzo sing!

Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef

Next, crumble in the lean ground beef, seasoning right away with salt and pepper. Stir often, breaking up the meat so it browns evenly and develops flavorful bits. After 6 to 8 minutes, you’ll notice any extra moisture has cooked away and the beef has that appetizing golden look.

Step 4: Add Garlic and Tomatoes

Now, stir in your minced garlic and the entire can of diced tomatoes with herbs. The garlic gets just a minute or two to bloom and become aromatic before mingling with those juicy tomatoes. Allowing everything to simmer for a couple of minutes lets the flavors begin to meld.

Step 5: Add Orzo and Broth

Pour in the orzo pasta followed by the beef broth. Give it a good stir, making sure every grain of orzo is moistened. Bring it all up to a boil, then drop the heat so it simmers gently for about 10 to 12 minutes. The orzo will soak up the liquid, plump beautifully, and take on every delicious note from the sauce.

Step 6: Finish with Spinach and Herbs

Right before serving, add your fresh spinach and sprinkle in the Italian seasoning. Stir until the spinach wilts into the dish—this only takes a minute! Finish with a taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Your Ground Beef Orzo is now ready for prime time.

How to Serve Ground Beef Orzo

Garnishes

The best way to finish this dish is with a generous shower of chopped fresh basil, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan, or even a little cracked black pepper. Fresh herbs and cheese really make the colors and flavors pop, and they add a beautiful final touch right before you dive in.

Side Dishes

More often than not, Ground Beef Orzo is hearty enough to fly solo, but it also loves good company. A crisp green salad with lemony vinaigrette or a warm piece of crusty bread is perfect for mopping up extra sauce. You could also serve some roasted veggies on the side for even more color and nutrition.

Creative Ways to Present

This dish feels homey in a big skillet brought right to the table, but you can dress it up if you’d like. Try spooning Ground Beef Orzo into individual gratin dishes with a dusting of cheese under the broiler for a bubbly finish, or serve portions inside hollowed bell peppers for a fun twist at dinner parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you end up with leftover Ground Beef Orzo, count yourself lucky! Once cooled, transfer it to a sealed container and refrigerate. It’ll keep well for up to three days, making lunch or a speedy dinner the next day a breeze.

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully! Let it cool completely before portioning into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to two months, and just remember to leave a little headspace, as orzo can expand a bit once frozen and reheated.

Reheating

To reheat Ground Beef Orzo, simply add a splash of water or broth and warm it gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until it’s heated through. If you’re microwaving, cover loosely and stir midway, as the orzo can heat unevenly. A little extra broth restores its creamy consistency perfectly.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Absolutely! Try ground turkey, chicken, or even lamb for a different twist. Keep in mind that leaner meats will need an extra splash of olive oil to stay juicy, but the Ground Beef Orzo method stays the same.

What if I don’t have orzo pasta?

No orzo? No problem! Small pasta shapes like ditalini, small shells, or even rice work in a pinch. Just monitor the liquid and cooking time, since each shape absorbs differently.

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Simply swap out the ground beef for your favorite plant-based ground meat, or try canned lentils or black beans. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth, and you’ve got a vegetarian Ground Beef Orzo just as hearty as the original!

Can I add extra vegetables?

Definitely! Bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms are delicious additions. Sauté them right after the onions for more texture, color, and a bigger veggie boost in your Ground Beef Orzo.

How do I prevent the orzo from sticking?

Make sure there’s enough liquid in the pan, and stir occasionally as the orzo cooks. If it starts to look dry before the pasta is tender, just add an extra splash of broth until it’s perfectly cooked and saucy.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you try Ground Beef Orzo, it’ll earn a permanent place in your recipe rotation. It’s nourishing, crowd-pleasing, and welcoming of any improvisation you like. I hope you give it a spot on your table soon and see just how easy and satisfying one-skillet comfort food can be!

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