This Easy Savory Ground Beef Orzo Dinner is a quick and tasty meal! It features ground beef and orzo pasta, all cooked together with yummy spices and veggies.
What I love most is how it’s a one-pot dish—less dishes to wash! Plus, it’s super filling and always a hit with my family. You’ll want to make it again and again! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the star of the dish! You can use lean ground beef for less fat or substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Orzo Pasta: Orzo is little pasta that cooks quickly. If you don’t have orzo, you can swap it for any small pasta like couscous or even rice, though cooking times may vary.
Onion and Garlic: Fresh onion and garlic build the base flavor. If you’re in a pinch, you can use onion powder and garlic powder instead, but fresh is always better!
Beef Broth: This adds depth to the dish. If you want a vegetarian twist, use vegetable broth instead. Homemade broth is awesome if you have it!
Cheese: I love adding cheese for creaminess. Try to use a melting cheese like mozzarella or cheddar. Vegan cheese can be a good substitute, too.
How Do I Get My Ground Beef to Brown Perfectly?
Getting that nice brown color on the beef is key for flavor. First, make sure your skillet is hot before adding the oil and beef.
- Use medium-high heat and let the beef cook undisturbed for a couple of minutes.
- Once you see it browning on the bottom, then start breaking it up. This way you get that delicious caramelization!
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; if there’s too much meat, it’ll steam instead of brown.
With these tips, your ground beef will be wonderfully flavorful! Happy cooking!
How to Make Easy Savory Ground Beef Orzo Dinner
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese (optional)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish is quick and easy! You’ll need about 25-30 minutes total. This includes around 10 minutes for prep (chopping and measuring) and 15-20 minutes for cooking and simmering. Soon enough, you’ll have a warm, delicious meal on the table!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Beef:
In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef to the pan and cook it until browned. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart as it cooks. If there’s any excess fat after browning, drain it off to keep your meal from being too greasy.
2. Sauté Onions and Garlic:
Next, put the chopped onion and minced garlic into the pan with the beef. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion turns soft and translucent. This adds great flavor!
3. Add Spices:
Now it’s time to add some flavor! Sprinkle in the dried oregano, basil, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together, allowing the spices to infuse into the beef and onions.
4. Mix in Orzo:
Throw the orzo pasta into the pan and stir it well to coat with the beef and spices. This helps the orzo absorb all those yummy flavors!
5. Add Liquids and Tomatoes:
Pour the beef broth, water, and diced tomatoes into the pan. Give everything a good stir to combine. This mixture will cook the orzo perfectly.
6. Simmer:
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Then, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer for about 12-15 minutes. Be sure to stir occasionally so the orzo doesn’t stick to the bottom.
7. Add Cheese:
If you’re using cheese, sprinkle it over the top once the orzo is cooked and the liquid is mostly absorbed. Put the lid back on and let the cheese melt for a few minutes.
8. Final Taste Check:
After the cheese is melted, taste your dish. Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. You want all the flavors to shine!
9. Serve and Garnish:
Finally, serve it up hot! Garnish with fresh parsley or basil to add a touch of color and freshness. Enjoy your hearty ground beef orzo dinner!
Dig in and savor every bite of this delicious meal! Happy cooking! 😊
FAQ for Easy Savory Ground Beef Orzo Dinner
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great, lean alternative to ground beef. Just follow the recipe as directed, cooking the turkey until it’s browned and fully cooked through.
How Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or just increase the veggies! You can use mushrooms, lentils, or even chickpeas. Also, remember to swap out the beef broth for vegetable broth.
What If I Don’t Have Orzo Pasta?
No worries! You can substitute orzo with any small pasta, such as small shells or ditalini. If you want to go for something even quicker, you can use pre-cooked rice or quinoa—just add them in at the end to warm through!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of broth or water if it seems dry.
