Ground Beef Orzo Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a one-pan wonder that tastes like pure comfort, then you’re going to fall in love with Ground Beef Orzo. This dish brings together savory ground beef, tender orzo pasta, and vibrant greens in a way that’s soothing and exciting all at once. It simmers to savory perfection with rich tomato and herb flavors and comes together in about thirty minutes. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal-prepping for the week, Ground Beef Orzo is a satisfying go-to that delivers both big flavor and convenience without any fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe plays an important role, turning a handful of kitchen staples into a hearty, crave-worthy skillet meal. Here’s a closer look at the essentials you’ll need to create your own Ground Beef Orzo at home.

• Lean ground beef: Offers comforting richness and meaty flavor that forms the flavorful backbone of the whole dish.
• Orzo pasta: Cooks up tender and soaks up all the savory juices, creating a silkier, risotto-like texture you’ll love.
• Onion: Adds natural sweetness and enticing aroma, creating a savory foundation for the entire skillet.
• Garlic: Infuses the dish with a gentle, mouthwatering pungency for wonderful depth.
• Diced tomatoes with herbs: Brings brightness and herby notes, making each bite juicy and tangy.
• Low-sodium beef broth: Enhances the beefy flavor and gives the orzo the right texture without overpowering salt.
• Fresh spinach (or other greens): Lends a burst of color, nutrients, and freshness that balances the heartiness.
• Italian seasoning: Blends familiar Italian herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme so the whole skillet sings.
• Olive oil: Helps everything sauté smoothly while adding a touch of Mediterranean richness.
• Salt and pepper: Brings all the flavors together and lets you season to your exact taste preference.

How to Make Ground Beef Orzo

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Begin by finely chopping your onion and mincing the garlic. Having everything ready to go makes the entire cooking process smoother and stress-free, especially in a quick-cooking recipe like this.

Step 2: Sauté Onion

In your largest skillet, drizzle in a splash of olive oil and warm it over medium heat. Toss in your chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent and soft. This forms the aromatic base for your Ground Beef Orzo.

Step 3: Brown Ground Beef

Add the ground beef to your skillet with the sautéed onion. Sprinkle in a bit of salt and pepper at this stage for maximum flavor. Use a wooden spoon to break up the beef, cooking it for 6-8 minutes until it’s evenly browned and any liquid has mostly evaporated.

Step 4: Add Aromatics and Tomatoes

Stir the minced garlic into the skillet and immediately follow with your can of diced tomatoes with herbs. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes, just until the flavors start mingling and the aroma has a chance to bloom.

Step 5: Cook Orzo

Pour the orzo pasta and beef broth right into the skillet. Give everything a good stir, increase the heat to reach a gentle boil, then lower the heat and cover. Simmer for 10-12 minutes, checking occasionally to be sure the orzo is tender and most of the broth has been absorbed, but the mixture is still just a little saucy.

Step 6: Wilt Spinach

Uncover the skillet and scatter in your fresh spinach (or whichever leafy greens you’re using) along with the Italian seasoning. Stir well for about a minute until the spinach just wilts, turning bright green and melding seamlessly into the orzo.

Step 7: Serve

Taste and adjust the seasoning with a final sprinkle of salt and pepper if you’d like. Serve the Ground Beef Orzo piping hot, right from the skillet, for the ultimate cozy meal.

How to Serve Ground Beef Orzo

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese goes a long way on top of Ground Beef Orzo, lending an irresistible savory finish. You could also add a handful of chopped fresh basil, a drizzle of high-quality olive oil, or a light grating of lemon zest to lift all the flavors even more.

Side Dishes

This dish truly shines when paired with something simple to soak up its saucy goodness, like warm crusty bread or pillowy homemade focaccia. A crisp green salad dressed with a zesty vinaigrette or steamed green beans also make refreshing partners to round out the meal without stealing the spotlight.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, consider spooning portions of Ground Beef Orzo into individual oven-safe bowls, topping with mozzarella, and popping them under the broiler for a bubbly, golden finish. Or, serve family-style straight from the skillet with a scattering of extra herbs and a rustic wooden spoon for an inviting, homey look.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pack any leftover Ground Beef Orzo into airtight containers once cooled. It will keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days, making it a fantastic meal-prep option or a next-day lunch that tastes just as good—if not better—after the flavors have had extra time to mingle.

Freezing

You can freeze Ground Beef Orzo for up to 3 months. Just spoon it into freezer-safe bags or containers, making sure to press out as much air as possible. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for the tastiest results.

Reheating

To reheat, simply transfer a portion to a skillet and warm gently over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen things up. Alternatively, microwave individual servings in short bursts, stirring between each interval, until piping hot.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta instead of orzo?

Absolutely! While orzo provides the ideal texture for soaking up all the savory sauce, you can swap in other small shapes like ditalini or even tiny shells. You may need to adjust the cooking time and liquid a bit.

What can I substitute for beef broth?

If you don’t have beef broth on hand, chicken or vegetable broth are great alternatives. Water will work in a pinch, though you might want to boost the seasonings for a richer flavor.

Can I add more vegetables?

Definitely! This recipe for Ground Beef Orzo is endlessly adaptable. Try stirring in bell peppers, sliced mushrooms, zucchini, or shredded carrots in step four for added color and nutrition.

How can I make it vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, simply swap the ground beef for your favorite plant-based ground or use a mix of mushrooms and lentils. Substitute vegetable broth for beef broth, and you’re all set!

Is Ground Beef Orzo spicy?

This recipe is designed to be flavorful but mild. If you like a bit of heat, feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce while sautéing the onion and beef.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am to dig into this comforting skillet of Ground Beef Orzo. It’s a perfect combination of savory, bright, and cozy—and once you try it, it might just become a regular part of your dinner rotation. So gather your ingredients and treat yourself and your loved ones to a meal that’s as easy as it is delicious!

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