Ground Beef Orzo Recipe

If you’re in search of a cozy, one-pan dinner packed with big flavor, vibrant color, and total ease, let me introduce you to Ground Beef Orzo. This hearty skillet meal brings together juicy ground beef, tender orzo pasta, sweet onions, tomatoes, fresh greens, and savory herbs all simmered together for comforting deliciousness in every bite. Whether you’re cooking up a laid-back family dinner or meal-prepping for the week ahead, Ground Beef Orzo is about to become a trusted favorite in your kitchen!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This is one of those magical recipes where every ingredient shines! Each component adds its own delicious note, so let’s break down what you’ll need to make your Ground Beef Orzo the best it can be.

• Lean Ground Beef: Use 1 lb for rich flavor and protein; lean keeps it lighter and less greasy.
• Orzo Pasta: 1 cup brings a satisfying, almost creamy bite that soaks up all the savory juices.
• Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped, creates subtle sweetness and depth—good foundation flavor right here.
• Garlic: 3 cloves, minced, for that truly irresistible, aromatic base. Freshly minced makes a difference!
• Canned Diced Tomatoes with Herbs: One 14.5-ounce can; the herbs add extra pop without extra work.
• Beef Broth: 2 cups of low-sodium broth keeps things moist and savory without overpowering the dish.
• Fresh Spinach (or other greens): 2 cups wilt down beautifully and add color, freshness, and extra nutrients.
• Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon of classic basil, oregano, and thyme for a perfect, herby finish.

How to Make Ground Beef Orzo

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Take a few moments to give yourself a smooth, stress-free cooking experience: chop your onion finely and mince those garlic cloves. If your spinach isn’t already washed and ready, give it a quick rinse and set it aside. A little preparation upfront means you can focus on the fun part—bringing everything together in the pan!

Step 2: Sauté the Onions

Heat a generous drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add your chopped onions. Let them soften and turn translucent, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally so they don’t brown. This is the beginning of your incredible kitchen aroma adventure!

Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef

Next, add your ground beef to the skillet, seasoning with salt and pepper right away. Break it up with your spoon and cook until it’s browned and no longer pink, which should take 6-8 minutes. Browning the beef brings out that signature savory flavor that makes Ground Beef Orzo so satisfying.

Step 4: Add Garlic and Tomatoes

Stir in the minced garlic, letting it cook just until fragrant, about 30 seconds to a minute. Then, pour in the can of diced tomatoes with herbs. Bring everything together and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing those bright, herby tomato juices to mingle with the beef.

Step 5: Cook Orzo and Simmer

Sprinkle your orzo evenly into the pan, then carefully pour in the beef broth. Stir, bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to let it simmer. Keep it uncovered or partially covered and cook for 10-12 minutes, giving a little stir every few minutes so the orzo cooks evenly and doesn’t stick. You’ll see the orzo absorb the broth, plumping up beautifully.

Step 6: Wilt in Spinach and Herbs

With the orzo tender and most of the liquid absorbed, toss in your fresh spinach and scatter in the Italian seasoning. Stir gently until the spinach wilts right into the skillet, taking just about a minute. What you’ll have now is a vibrant, steaming pan of Ground Beef Orzo ready to devour!

How to Serve Ground Beef Orzo

Garnishes

Before you serve, think about your finishing touches. Try a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan, a handful of chopped parsley, or even a little red pepper flakes if you’re feeling bold. These simple garnishes take Ground Beef Orzo up a delicious notch—for both flavor and looks!

Side Dishes

Since this dish is hearty enough to stand on its own, all you need is something fresh alongside. I love to add a crisp green salad or a platter of roasted seasonal vegetables. Or, go the classic comfort route and serve with warm, crusty bread for soaking up all those incredible juices.

Creative Ways to Present

You can present Ground Beef Orzo family-style in a big, beautiful serving bowl right at the center of your table. Or, make it playful and plate it in individual shallow bowls, swirling in a little extra olive oil or topping each serving with a poached egg for extra richness. Leftovers also fit perfectly in handheld wraps for a next-day lunch twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’ve got leftovers, let your Ground Beef Orzo cool to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps beautifully for up to three days, making this recipe a lunch or quick dinner hero!

Freezing

To freeze, portion cooled Ground Beef Orzo into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. Try to lay them flat for faster, even thawing later on. It will keep well in the freezer for up to two months—just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat Ground Beef Orzo on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if it seems a little thick. Stir gently and heat until piping hot throughout—this brings back its original creamy texture and keeps it as irresistible as when you first made it.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta besides orzo?

Yes, you can swap in other small pasta shapes like ditalini or small shells, but orzo really gives Ground Beef Orzo its signature texture. If you do use something else, just check the package for cooking times.

What beef-to-fat ratio works best?

I love using 90% lean ground beef for the right balance of flavor and a lighter feel. If you use a fattier blend, you may want to drain a bit of grease after browning to keep the final dish from being overly rich.

Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely! Bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms are lovely additions to Ground Beef Orzo. Just chop them small and sauté with the onions to give them time to soften.

Is there a vegetarian way to make this?

You can make a plant-based version by swapping in your favorite veggie ground or crumbled lentils for the beef, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. The flavors and textures still work wonderfully!

Does this dish work for meal prep?

It’s fantastic for meal prep! Ground Beef Orzo tastes just as delicious after reheating, so portion it into individual containers and enjoy it for lunch or fast dinners throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

This Ground Beef Orzo is a total weeknight winner that brings together all the best things—comfort, flavor, and pure ease. If you’re looking for a new go-to dinner that’s sure to be a hit with everyone, give this recipe a try. You might just find yourself making it on repeat!

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