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Delicious Ground Beef Orzo Recipe

Delicious Ground Beef Orzo Recipe

5.2 from 7 reviews

This Delicious Ground Beef Orzo recipe is a hearty, flavorful meal perfect for weeknight dinners. Combining tender ground beef, savory tomatoes, and nutritious spinach with tender orzo pasta, this dish is easy to prepare and satisfying for the whole family. The Italian seasoning adds a classic Mediterranean touch, creating a balanced and comforting plate.

Ingredients

Scale

Main 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)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prep the Ingredients: Chop the onion finely and mince the garlic cloves to ensure they cook evenly and release their flavors fully.
  2. Sauté Onion: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
  3. Cook Ground Beef: Add ground beef to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and no pink remains, about 6-8 minutes.
  4. Add Garlic and Tomatoes: Stir in minced garlic and the canned diced tomatoes with herbs. Let the mixture simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to blend the flavors.
  5. Add Orzo and Broth: Stir in the orzo pasta and pour in the low-sodium beef broth. Increase the heat and bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook uncovered for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
  6. Incorporate Spinach and Season: Stir in the fresh spinach and Italian seasoning. Cook for about 1 minute until the spinach wilts and is well incorporated.
  7. Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot as a delicious and filling dinner.

Notes

  • You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for lean ground beef for a lighter version.
  • For a vegetarian alternative, omit the beef and use vegetable broth instead.
  • Feel free to add grated Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor.
  • Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • To add more vegetables, consider stirring in chopped bell peppers or mushrooms along with the onion.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground beef orzo, easy dinner recipes, Italian ground beef recipe, one-pan meals, beef and pasta dinner