This Easy Savory Ground Beef Orzo Dinner is perfect for a quick meal. It’s packed with tasty ground beef and chewy orzo, all in a yummy sauce that brings it together!
What I love most about this dish is how fast it comes together. Just cook the beef, mix in the orzo, and watch it disappear from the plate—everyone always asks for seconds!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Ground beef is the star of this dish. You can also use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter option.
Orzo Pasta: Orzo brings a unique texture and bite to the dish. If you can’t find orzo, substitute with any small pasta like elbows or ditalini.
Beef Broth: Using beef broth adds depth of flavor, but you can swap it for chicken broth or vegetable broth if that’s what you have on hand.
Canned Diced Tomatoes: These add a nice juiciness. Feel free to use fresh tomatoes, just dice them up and adjust the cooking time, or even use crushed tomatoes for a different texture.
Spinach or Kale: These greens are optional but add nutrition and color. You can also use frozen spinach or any other leafy green you enjoy.
How Do I Ensure the Orzo Is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking orzo can be tricky if you’re not careful with the timing. Follow these simple steps to achieve perfectly cooked orzo every time:
- Add the orzo when the beef mixture is simmering to make sure the pasta cooks evenly.
- Stir occasionally while cooking to prevent it from clumping or sticking to the pan.
- Keep an eye on the broth level. If it evaporates too quickly, add a little more broth or water to keep the dish creamy.
- Test a spoonful for doneness towards the end of cooking; it should be al dente, tender but still slightly firm.
Letting it rest after cooking helps the flavors meld beautifully too!
Easy Savory Ground Beef Orzo Dinner
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth (or water with bouillon)
- 1 cup canned diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup fresh spinach or kale (optional)
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dinner takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend approximately 10 minutes preparing the ingredients, and 20 minutes cooking everything together. It’s a quick and wholesome meal that the whole family will love!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them together for about 3 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent. You want those lovely flavors to start mingling!
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook it, breaking it apart with a spatula, until it is browned and no longer pink. This should take about 6 to 8 minutes. If there’s any excess fat, make sure to drain it off so your dish isn’t greasy.
3. Add the Herbs and Seasonings:
Sprinkle in the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together to ensure the beef is well-seasoned. This step really enhances the flavor!
4. Mix in the Orzo:
Now, add the orzo pasta to the pan, stirring to coat it with the beef mixture. This helps the orzo soak up all those tasty juices.
5. Pour in the Broth and Tomatoes:
Next, pour in the beef broth and add the canned diced tomatoes (with their juice). Give everything a good stir to combine, then bring the mixture to a boil. This will get the cooking started!
6. Simmer to Perfection:
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pan. Let it gently simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. Make sure to stir occasionally so nothing sticks to the bottom of the pan.
7. Stir in the Greens:
If you’re using fresh spinach or kale, now’s the time to stir it in! Just toss it in during the last few minutes of cooking until it’s wilted and bright green.
8. Final Touches:
Once everything is cooked through, remove the skillet from the heat. Let the dish rest, covered, for a few minutes. This will help all the flavors meld together beautifully!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Dish out the orzo and beef mix while it’s hot. If desired, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra delicious finish. Everyone will be asking for seconds!
Enjoy your easy, savory ground beef orzo dinner! It’s quick to make and oh so satisfying!
FAQ for Easy Savory Ground Beef Orzo Dinner
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute for a leaner option. Just follow the same cooking instructions, but keep an eye on the cooking time as turkey may cook a bit more quickly.
What if I Don’t Have Beef Broth?
No worries! You can use chicken broth or vegetable broth instead. If you’re in a pinch, water with a splash of soy sauce or some bouillon cubes works well too!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to keep the orzo from drying out!
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! This dish is quite versatile. You can add bell peppers, zucchini, or even mushrooms. Just chop them up and add them in with the onions for sautéing!
