Ground Beef Orzo

Ground Beef Orzo is a delightful dish that combines the comfort of tender orzo pasta with savory ground beef in a rich, flavorful sauce. This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners and is sure to satisfy the whole family. Its simplicity and versatility make it an excellent choice for various occasions, whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a quiet night at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful: The combination of Italian seasoning and fresh ingredients creates a deliciously rich flavor profile.
• Customizable: Feel free to swap in turkey or chicken for the ground beef based on your preference.
• Nutritious: Packed with spinach and protein, this meal offers a balanced option that’s good for you.
• One-Pot Wonder: With everything cooked in one skillet, cleanup is a breeze!

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking, gather your tools to ensure a smooth preparation process. Having everything ready will save you time and make cooking more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large skillet
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet: A spacious skillet allows even cooking of the ground beef and ensures there’s enough room for all the ingredients.
• Cutting board: This provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables, keeping your kitchen organized.
• Knife: A sharp knife makes chopping onions and mincing garlic quick and efficient.

Ingredients

For the Meat and Pasta

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 cup orzo pasta

For the Vegetables

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups fresh spinach (or other greens)

For the Sauce

• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with herbs
• 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning (basil, oregano, thyme)

How to Make Ground Beef Orzo

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by chopping the onion and mincing the garlic. Having your ingredients prepped will help streamline the cooking process.

Step 2: Sauté the Onion

In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the chopped onion in olive oil until it becomes translucent (about 5 minutes). This step builds a flavorful base for your dish.

Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef

Add the ground beef to the skillet. Season it with salt and pepper. Cook until browned (6-8 minutes), breaking it apart as it cooks.

Step 4: Simmer with Garlic and Tomatoes

Stir in minced garlic and canned tomatoes. Let this mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 5: Add Orzo and Broth

Pour in the orzo pasta along with low-sodium beef broth. Bring everything to a boil. Then reduce heat to simmer for about 10-12 minutes until orzo is cooked through.

Step 6: Incorporate Spinach and Seasoning

Finally, stir in fresh spinach along with Italian seasoning until the spinach wilts (about 1 minute). This adds both color and nutrition to your meal.

Enjoy your delicious Ground Beef Orzo!

How to Serve Ground Beef Orzo

Ground Beef Orzo is a versatile dish that can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your meal experience.

Family Style

• Serve the Ground Beef Orzo directly from the skillet for a cozy family-style meal. This encourages sharing and makes it easy for everyone to help themselves.

With Fresh Herbs

• Garnish each serving with chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil. This adds a burst of flavor and a touch of color, elevating the dish’s presentation.

Lemon Zest

• Grate some lemon zest over the top just before serving. The citrus adds brightness and balances the richness of the ground beef.

Cheese Topping

• Offer grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese on the side. A sprinkle of cheese enhances the savory flavors of the dish, making it even more enjoyable.

Accompanying Salad

• Pair with a light green salad dressed in vinaigrette. The freshness of the salad complements the hearty Ground Beef Orzo beautifully.

Bread on the Side

• Serve with crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping. This adds texture and allows you to savor every bit of sauce from the orzo dish.

How to Perfect Ground Beef Orzo

To ensure your Ground Beef Orzo turns out perfectly every time, consider these handy tips.

• Use Quality Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and high-quality beef broth enhance flavors significantly.
• Cook Orzo Al Dente: Aim for slightly firm pasta that retains its shape; this provides better texture in your dish.
• Season Generously: Don’t shy away from seasoning your ground beef well with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs for maximum flavor.
• Add More Greens: Incorporate other greens like kale or arugula for added nutrients and color.
• Allow to Rest: Letting your dish sit for a few minutes after cooking allows flavors to meld together beautifully.
• Customize Proteins: Feel free to swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken based on your preference.

Best Side Dishes for Ground Beef Orzo

Complementing your Ground Beef Orzo with the right side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options.

1. Garlic Bread
   Deliciously buttery with a hint of garlic, perfect for soaking up leftover sauce from your orzo.

2. Caesar Salad
   Crisp romaine lettuce tossed with creamy dressing, croutons, and cheese offers a refreshing contrast.

3. Roasted Vegetables
   Seasonal vegetables roasted until caramelized add depth and healthiness to your meal.

4. Steamed Broccoli
   Lightly steamed broccoli adds vibrant color and crunch; it’s an easy addition packed with nutrients.

5. Caprese Salad
   Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze provides bright flavors that pair well with orzo.

6. Grilled Zucchini
   Marinated zucchini grilled until tender brings a smoky flavor that complements the savory beef nicely.

7. Mixed Green Salad
   A simple salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers offers lightness alongside your hearty dish.

8. Quinoa Pilaf
   Nutty quinoa cooked with herbs adds an interesting texture and is a nutritious alternative to traditional side dishes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Preparing Ground Beef Orzo can be simple, but there are common mistakes that can affect the dish’s flavor and texture.

• Boldly skip the prep work: Failing to chop onions and mince garlic beforehand can lead to uneven cooking. Always prepare your ingredients before starting to cook.

• Boldly neglect seasoning: Under-seasoning the beef can result in a bland dish. Be sure to season your ground beef well with salt and pepper during cooking for better flavor.

• Boldly ignore the cooking time: Overcooking orzo can make it mushy. Keep an eye on the cooking time; orzo should be tender but still firm.

• Boldly rush the simmering process: Skipping the simmering step after adding broth and orzo can lead to insufficient flavor development. Allow it to simmer properly for at least 10-12 minutes.

• Boldly forget about greens: Not adding fresh spinach or other greens may lead to a less nutritious meal. Stir in greens right before serving for freshness and added nutrients.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Ground Beef Orzo can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Ground Beef Orzo

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• This dish can be frozen for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Ground Beef Orzo

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and reheat in a covered dish for about 20 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a skillet, adding a splash of broth if needed to prevent sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Ground Beef Orzo that might help you as you prepare this dish.

What is Ground Beef Orzo?

Ground Beef Orzo is a savory dish combining tender orzo pasta with seasoned ground beef and a rich tomato sauce, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.

Can I customize my Ground Beef Orzo?

Absolutely! You can switch out ground beef for turkey or chicken, and add different vegetables or spices according to your taste preferences.

How do I enhance the flavor of Ground Beef Orzo?

You can enhance flavor by adding spices like paprika or fresh herbs. A splash of lemon juice before serving adds brightness too!

What side dishes go well with Ground Beef Orzo?

This dish pairs nicely with a simple green salad or garlic bread, providing a balanced meal that’s satisfying and delicious.

How long does it take to prepare Ground Beef Orzo?

The total time is around 30 minutes, including 10 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of cooking time.

Final Thoughts

Ground Beef Orzo is not just easy to make; it’s also versatile. Customize it with your favorite proteins or spices for a unique twist. It’s sure to become a beloved staple at your dinner table!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Ground Beef Orzo

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• Author: Amelia
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Ground Beef Orzo is a comforting and satisfying dish that seamlessly blends tender orzo pasta with savory ground beef, all enveloped in a rich tomato sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this one-pot meal comes together in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for families seeking both nutrition and flavor. With the added goodness of fresh spinach and Italian herbs, each bite is packed with deliciousness. Customize it by swapping ground beef for turkey or chicken to suit your preferences. Whether served family-style or garnished with fresh herbs and cheese, Ground Beef Orzo is sure to become a favorite at your dinner table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with herbs
• 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

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Instructions

1. Prepare the ingredients by chopping the onion and mincing the garlic.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the onion in olive oil until translucent (about 5 minutes).
3. Add the ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned (6-8 minutes), breaking it apart as it cooks.
4. Stir in minced garlic and canned tomatoes; simmer for 2-3 minutes.
5. Pour in orzo pasta and beef broth; bring to a boil then reduce heat to simmer for about 10-12 minutes until orzo is cooked.
6. Stir in fresh spinach and Italian seasoning until wilted (about 1 minute).

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Skillet
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 680mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 80mg