This Easy Savory Ground Beef Orzo Dinner is quick and tasty! It features ground beef and orzo pasta cooked together with veggies and spices, creating a warm hug in a bowl.
You’ll love how simple this dish is to whip up! I often make it on busy weeknights—just one pot and dinner is ready in no time. Plus, who can resist that comforting cheesy goodness? 🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the star of the dish, providing richness and flavor. If you’re looking for a healthier option, swap it for ground turkey or chicken. You could also use plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian version.
Orzo Pasta: Orzo gives a nice texture. If you don’t have orzo, small pasta shapes like ditalini or even rice can work in a pinch. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly!
Broth: Beef broth adds depth. If you’re vegetarian or want a lighter dish, vegetable broth or water with bouillon cubes can do the job. Homemade broth enhances the flavor if you have it!
Cheese: Cheddar is classic, but feel free to use mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even feta for a different taste. You can skip cheese entirely if you’re looking to reduce calories or have dairy concerns.
Greens: Adding spinach or kale adds a nutritional boost. If you don’t have these, you could use frozen peas or bell peppers for color and nutrition.
How Do I Get the Best Texture for the Orzo?
Cooking orzo to perfection is crucial for this dish. Here’s how to do it right:
- Use enough liquid! The orzo needs room to absorb and cook—follow the 2 1/2 cups of broth as directed.
- Bring the liquid to a boil before adding the orzo. This helps it cook evenly.
- Simmer on low with the lid on. You want a gentle cook to keep the orzo tender and absorb flavors without turning mushy.
- Stir occasionally, especially towards the end, to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
Following these steps will ensure your orzo is perfectly cooked every time!
Easy Savory Ground Beef Orzo Dinner
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 1/2 cups beef broth (or water with bouillon)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1 cup chopped spinach or kale (optional)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to cook, for a total of around 30 minutes. Perfect for a weeknight dinner when you’re short on time but still want something delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Onions:
In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent.
2. Add Garlic and Beef:
Next, add the minced garlic to the pan and cook it for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant. Then, add the ground beef. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and cooked through. If there’s excess fat, drain it off.
3. Season the Mixture:
Stir in the dried oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine all the flavors.
4. Add Orzo and Liquid:
Add the orzo pasta to the pan and stir it well to coat it with the beef mixture. Pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes. Bring everything to a boil.
5. Simmer Until Tender:
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally to make sure it doesn’t stick.
6. Add Greens (Optional):
If you’re using spinach or kale, stir it in during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking to let it wilt.
7. Melt the Cheese:
Remove the pan from heat and sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top. Cover the pan for a few minutes to let the cheese melt.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Finally, garnish with fresh parsley or basil if you’d like, and serve warm. Enjoy your quick and comforting meal!
With this recipe, you’ll have a savory ground beef orzo dinner that’s full of flavor and ready in just 30 minutes!
FAQ for Easy Savory Ground Beef Orzo Dinner
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat?
Absolutely! You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat for a healthier or vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time as needed, depending on the meat you choose.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to restore moisture.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Dish?
Definitely! Feel free to add any vegetables you like such as bell peppers, zucchini, or peas. Just chop them into small pieces and add them along with the garlic to ensure they cook through.
What Can I Use Instead of Orzo?
If you don’t have orzo on hand, small pasta shapes like ditalini, or even rice can work well. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary, so adjust accordingly to ensure they’re cooked through.
