This Easy Savory Ground Beef Orzo Dinner is a cozy meal that combines tender beef with soft orzo pasta, all cooked together in one pot. Perfect for a busy weeknight!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef for a healthier option. If you want to cut down on fat, ground turkey or chicken can work well too. They add a lighter taste but still give you that hearty feel!
Orzo Pasta: Orzo is a fun pasta shape, but if you can’t find it, feel free to use any small pasta like ditalini, macaroni, or couscous. It will change the texture, but it’ll taste great!
Beef Broth: For a lighter version, use chicken broth, or go veggie with vegetable broth. I often use low-sodium versions to control the saltiness of the dish.
Diced Tomatoes: If you’re not a fan of tomatoes, you can skip them. Alternatively, pureed tomatoes or tomato sauce can add a nice flavor without the chunks!
How Do You Ensure the Orzo is Cooked Perfectly?
Cooking orzo perfectly is all about timing and liquid. Here’s how to get it right:
- Start with plenty of broth; it’s key to cooking the pasta well.
- Keep the heat at a gentle simmer once you cover the pot. This helps the orzo cook evenly.
- Set a timer for 10 minutes. Check for doneness; it should be tender but still have a slight bite.
- If it looks dry before it’s done, add a splash more broth. You want it creamy, not mushy!
These tips will help you achieve a tasty, well-cooked orzo every time!
Easy Savory Ground Beef Orzo Dinner
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 ½ cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (optional)
- 1 cup frozen peas or mixed vegetables
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes roughly 30 minutes to prepare and cook. In just a few simple steps, you’ll have a delicious one-pot dish that’s perfect for dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Oil
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large skillet or medium saucepan over medium heat. This will make sure that your onion will sauté beautifully.
2. Sauté the Onion
Add the chopped onion to the pan and sauté it until it softens, which should take about 3 minutes. Keep stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
3. Add Garlic
Now, toss in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. The garlic should smell wonderful and fragrant by this point!
4. Cook the Ground Beef
Next, add the ground beef to the pan. Using a spoon, break it apart and cook until it’s browned and completely cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. If there’s any excess fat, don’t forget to drain it away.
5. Season It Up
Stir in the dried oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper to the beef mixture. This is where the flavor really starts to shine!
6. Add Orzo
Mix in the orzo pasta, stirring well to coat it in the beef and seasonings. You want each piece of orzo to soak in that deliciousness!
7. Pour in Broth and Tomatoes
Carefully pour the beef broth and diced tomatoes (if you’re using them) into the skillet. Stir it up good to combine everything nicely.
8. Simmer
Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to simmer. Cover the skillet and let it cook for about 10 minutes or until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. Keep an eye on it!
9. Add Vegetables
Stir in the frozen peas or mixed vegetables, cover again, and cook for an additional 3–4 minutes until the veggies are hot and cooked through.
10. Taste and Serve
Before serving, taste your dish and adjust the seasoning if needed. Then, it’s time to serve! Garnish your meal with fresh parsley or basil, and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if you like.
Enjoy your flavorful and comforting ground beef orzo dinner! It’s a dish that’s sure to satisfy everyone at the table!
FAQ for Easy Savory Ground Beef Orzo Dinner
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works well in this recipe. Just be mindful that they may cook quicker than beef, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
What Can I Substitute for Orzo Pasta?
If you can’t find orzo, feel free to use any small pasta shape like ditalini, mini shells, or even couscous. The cooking time might vary slightly, so just check for doneness based on the package instructions.
How Long Can Leftovers Be Stored?
You can store leftover orzo dinner in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to prevent it from drying out.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! This dish is very versatile. Feel free to mix in other veggies like bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini. Just remember to adjust cooking times based on how long each vegetable takes to soften.
