This Easy Savory Ground Beef Orzo Dinner combines tasty ground beef, fluffy orzo, and a colorful mix of veggies. It’s like a hug in a bowl—warm and filling!
Making this dish is a breeze! Just brown the beef, toss in some seasonings, and mix in the orzo until it’s all cooked together. Who knew dinner could be this simple and delicious? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I like to use lean ground beef for this recipe to keep it a bit healthier. For a lighter version, you could substitute with ground turkey or chicken. If you’re looking for vegetarian options, try lentils or plant-based meat alternatives.
Orzo Pasta: Orzo is perfect for this dish, but if you don’t have any on hand, you can swap it with other small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni or ditalini. Quinoa or rice would also work, but you may need to adjust the liquid proportions.
Diced Tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes add great flavor, but canned diced tomatoes (with Italian herbs) are a great time-saver. I often use fire-roasted tomatoes for an extra punch. For a lower-sodium option, look for no-salt-added varieties.
Spinach or Kale: These leafy greens boost nutrition. If you don’t have them, other veggies like zucchini or bell peppers can be chopped and added for color and crunch.
What’s the Best Way to Cook Orzo Perfectly?
Cooking orzo just right can make or break your dish! The key is to keep an eye on it as it cooks. Follow these simple steps:
- Stir it into the mixture early, so it can absorb flavors.
- Add enough liquid, then increase your heat to bring it to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat and cover, simmering until tender—strain any excess liquid if necessary.
Give it a little stir a couple of times while it cooks; this helps prevent sticking!
Easy Savory Ground Beef Orzo Dinner
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1 cup chopped spinach or kale (optional)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 15 minutes to cook, totaling around 25 minutes from start to finish. Super quick and easy for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
First, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and sauté until it’s translucent, which takes about 3-4 minutes. This is where your kitchen starts smelling delicious!
2. Add Garlic and Beef:
Next, add the minced garlic and let it cook for another minute until it’s fragrant. Now, it’s time to add the ground beef! Break it apart with a spoon and cook until it’s browned and fully cooked through. If there’s any excess fat, drain it off carefully.
3. Season the Beef:
Stir in the dried oregano, basil, paprika, salt, and pepper. Give it a good mix to coat the beef evenly with all the lovely seasonings—this step adds so much flavor!
4. Add Orzo and Liquid:
Dump in the orzo pasta and stir to combine it with the beef mixture. Then pour in the beef broth, water, and diced tomatoes. Bring everything to a boil so that it starts bubbling.
5. Simmer to Perfection:
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer. You want the orzo to cook until it’s tender and much of the liquid is absorbed, which should take about 12-15 minutes. Give it an occasional stir to keep things from sticking.
6. Add Greens (Optional):
If you’re using spinach or kale, stir it in during the last 3 minutes of cooking until it’s wilted. This adds some nice color and nutrients!
7. Final Touches:
Once everything is cooked, remove it from the heat and sprinkle with the shredded cheese, allowing it to melt into the warm mixture.
8. Serve It Up:
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving for a pop of color. Enjoy your easy, savory ground beef orzo dinner—it’s hearty, comforting, and sure to please!
FAQ for Easy Savory Ground Beef Orzo Dinner
Can I Substitute Ground Beef with Another Protein?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works wonderfully as substitutions for a leaner option. If you’re looking for a vegetarian alternative, consider using lentils or crumbled tofu that’s well-seasoned.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the mixture if it thickens too much.
Can I Add More Vegetables to This Dish?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in other veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces and add them along with the onion in the first step so they cook well.
What Can I Serve with This Dish?
This dish is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but you can serve it with a side salad or some crusty bread to soak up any extra sauce. A light dessert would also make a nice finish to your dinner!
