This Easy Savory Ground Beef Orzo Dinner is a tasty one-pan meal that combines tender orzo pasta with flavorful ground beef and veggies. It’s quick, hearty, and perfect for busy nights!
You’ll love how everything cooks together, soaking up all those delicious flavors. Plus, it takes hardly any time to make—so you’ll have more time to enjoy your meal and relax!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Lean ground beef is great for this dish. You can use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option, or opt for plant-based ground meat if you want a vegetarian version.
Orzo Pasta: Orzo adds a nice touch, but you can substitute with other small pasta shapes like ditalini, couscous, or even quinoa for a different texture. Just keep cooking times in mind!
Canned Diced Tomatoes: If you have fresh tomatoes, chopped ones work well too. For a kick, try using fire-roasted diced tomatoes which adds nice depth of flavor.
Spinach: While fresh spinach is a good choice, you can also use frozen spinach. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before mixing in.
How Do You Cook Orzo Perfectly?
Cooking orzo is straightforward, but here are some tips to ensure it turns out just right. The key is to pay attention to the timing and liquid ratios.
- Toast First: Lightly toasting the orzo for a couple of minutes in the skillet before adding liquid enhances its flavor.
- Liquid Ratio: Generally, use a 2.5:1 liquid to pasta ratio. In this case, use 2.5 cups beef broth for 1 cup orzo.
- Simmer: Keep the heat low and let it simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Check for Doneness: Taste a few minutes before the suggested cooking time. Orzo should be tender but not mushy.
Easy Savory Ground Beef Orzo Dinner
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 ½ cups beef broth (or water with bouillon)
- 1 cup canned diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped (optional)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy dinner comes together in about 30 minutes! You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping the ingredients and another 20 minutes cooking everything in one pan. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it turns translucent. This step adds a lovely base flavor to your dish!
2. Add Garlic and Beef
Next, toss in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until it’s fragrant. Now, add the ground beef to the pan. Use a spoon to break it up and cook until it’s browned and fully cooked—about 6-8 minutes. While cooking, season the beef with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, oregano, and basil.
3. Incorporate the Orzo
Once the beef is cooked through, stir in the orzo pasta and allow it to cook for 1-2 minutes. This will lightly toast the pasta, enhancing its flavor before you add the liquids.
4. Add Liquid Ingredients
Pour in the beef broth and the can of diced tomatoes (including the juice). Stir everything together to combine. It’ll look delicious!
5. Simmer to Perfection
Bring the mixture to a boil. Then, reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Let it simmer for 12-15 minutes or until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. Stir occasionally to ensure nothing sticks to the bottom.
6. Finish with Spinach
If you’re adding spinach for a pop of color and nutrition, stir it in during the last 2 minutes of cooking until it wilts. It’ll make your dish look even more inviting!
7. Taste and Adjust Seasoning
Give your dish a taste and adjust any seasoning with more salt and pepper as needed. You can also add in additional herbs if you like.
8. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve the orzo hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired. This filling dish is best enjoyed with family or friends. Enjoy your quick, comforting dinner!
FAQ for Easy Savory Ground Beef Orzo Dinner
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken is a great alternative if you’re looking for a lighter option. Just keep in mind that the cooking times may be slightly shorter, so watch closely to avoid overcooking.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or water if it seems a bit dry.
What If I Don’t Have Beef Broth?
No worries! You can substitute beef broth with chicken broth or even vegetable broth for a lighter flavor. If you don’t have any broth, water with bouillon or simply using water will work too, although the flavor may be less rich.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes! For a vegetarian version, swap out the ground beef for plant-based ground meat or sautéed mushrooms. You can also add more vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for extra texture and flavor!
