Savor the Comfort of Ground Beef Orzo in Just 30 Minutes!

If you’re looking for a simple, hearty dinner that the whole family will love, look no further than Ground Beef Orzo. This one-pan wonder combines tender ground beef, flavorful orzo pasta, and fresh spinach in a savory tomato-based sauce. It’s a comforting, protein-packed meal that comes together quickly for an easy weeknight meal.

Table of Contents

The Appeal of Ground Beef Orzo

Ground Beef Orzo is a beloved Italian-inspired dish that has become a popular go-to for busy home cooks. The combination of ground beef, orzo pasta, and vibrant vegetables creates a satisfying and nutritious meal. Orzo, a small, rice-shaped pasta, adds a delightful texture and soaks up all the flavors of the dish. Plus, with the added spinach, you’re getting a boost of important vitamins and minerals in every bite.

Ingredients for Ground Beef Orzo

To make this delicious Ground Beef Orzo, you’ll need the following ingredients:

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

Step-by-Step Instructions for Ground Beef Orzo

Ready to get cooking? Here’s how to make the perfect Ground Beef Orzo:

1. Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and onion until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, about 5–6 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
2. Add Garlic & Seasoning: Stir in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add Orzo & Tomatoes: Stir in the orzo and diced tomatoes with their juices. Mix well to coat the orzo.
4. Pour in Broth: Add the beef broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
5. Stir in Spinach: Add the fresh spinach and stir until wilted, about 2 minutes.
6. Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if desired. Serve this comforting Ground Beef Orzo warm for a hearty one-pan dinner!

Tips for Perfecting Your Ground Beef Orzo

To ensure your Ground Beef Orzo turns out perfectly every time, here are a few tips:

• Choose the right ground beef: Opt for a leaner ground beef, around 90% lean, to keep the dish from becoming too greasy.
• Experiment with seasonings: Feel free to adjust the Italian seasoning blend to your taste, adding a bit more of your favorite herbs and spices.
• Cook the orzo just right: Be careful not to overcook the orzo, as it can become mushy. Keep an eye on it and stop the simmering as soon as it’s tender but still has a slight bite.
• Add extra veggies: For a nutritional boost, consider tossing in additional vegetables like diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini.

Serving Suggestions for Ground Beef Orzo

This Ground Beef Orzo makes for a wonderfully satisfying and complete meal on its own. However, you can also serve it with some tasty accompaniments to round out the meal:

• Garlic Bread: Crusty garlic bread is the perfect pairing to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Fresh Salad: A simple green salad or a Mediterranean-inspired salad would make a lovely side dish.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted Brussels sprouts, carrots, or asparagus would complement the dish nicely.
• Red Wine: For an adult twist, a glass of robust red wine, such as a Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, would be a delightful pairing.

Variations on Ground Beef Orzo

While the classic Ground Beef Orzo is absolutely delicious, you can easily customize the dish to suit your tastes or dietary needs:

• Protein Swaps: Try using ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat in place of the beef.
• Pasta Alternatives: If you don’t have orzo on hand, you can substitute other small pasta shapes like ditalini, acini de pepe, or even mini penne.
• Global Flavors: For a Mediterranean twist, add a sprinkle of feta cheese and some kalamata olives. For a Tex-Mex spin, incorporate taco seasoning and diced bell peppers.

Frequently Asked Questions about Ground Beef Orzo

What does orzo pasta taste like?

Orzo pasta has a mild, slightly nutty flavor that allows it to absorb the tastes of the other ingredients in a dish. It has a unique texture that is similar to rice, making it a versatile and satisfying addition to meals.

How long is pasta with ground beef good for?

Properly stored, cooked pasta with ground beef will last 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Be sure to store it in an airtight container and reheat it thoroughly before serving.

What is orzo traditionally served with?

Orzo is a versatile pasta that can be served in a variety of ways. Traditionally, it is often paired with Mediterranean-inspired ingredients like tomatoes, herbs, cheese, and protein sources like chicken or shrimp.

Can you meal prep with orzo?

Absolutely! Ground Beef Orzo is an excellent dish to meal prep. The leftovers reheat beautifully, making it a convenient and nourishing option for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

• Creamy Bacon Ranch Chicken and Orzo Casserole
• Spicy Cajun Chicken Orzo
• Spinach Mushroom Orzo Skillet

If you enjoyed this Ground Beef Orzo, be sure to check out these other delicious pasta and one-pan meal recipes. From creamy chicken and orzo to flavorful Cajun-inspired dishes, there’s something for everyone to love.

Looking for more visual inspiration? Follow me on Pinterest, where I share new recipes, dinner tips, and behind-the-scenes kitchen moments every week. Buon appetito!

Print