This Easy Savory Ground Beef Orzo Dinner is a warm, hearty dish that mixes tender orzo pasta with flavorful ground beef and veggies. It’s comfort food in a bowl!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the star of the dish and provides great flavor. If you prefer a lighter option, you can swap it for ground turkey or chicken. Both work well and keep the dish tasty!
Orzo Pasta: Orzo is small pasta that cooks quickly and soaks up flavor. If orzo isn’t available, you can use any small pasta like couscous or ditalini instead.
Beef Broth: It adds depth to the dish. If you want a lighter taste, use chicken broth or vegetable broth. You can also use water, but the flavor will be milder. Just season it well!
Diced Tomatoes: Fresh or canned, tomatoes add acidity and moisture. If you want less tang, you can use tomato sauce, or even skip it altogether and add a bit more broth instead.
How Do You Ensure the Orzo is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking the orzo just right is key to enjoying this dish. Here’s how to get it perfect:
- After adding the broth and other ingredients, bring everything to a boil. This allows the orzo to absorb flavors.
- Once boiling, lower the heat to a simmer and cover the pan. This helps cook the orzo evenly without drying it out.
- Keep an eye on the timer. Check the pasta at the 10-minute mark—you’re looking for tender orzo that’s not mushy.
- If the liquid seems too low before it’s done, add a splash more broth or water, and stir gently.
Enjoy your cooking adventure with this easy recipe!
Easy Savory Ground Beef Orzo Dinner
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 1/2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (optional, cheddar or mozzarella)
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious meal will take about 10 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of cooking, for a total of about 30 minutes. It’s quick and easy, perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Oil:
In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. This is the base for your flavors!
2. Sauté the Onions:
Add the chopped onion to the pan. Cook it for about 3-4 minutes, until it turns translucent. This makes the onion sweet and aromatic.
3. Add the Garlic:
Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for about 30 seconds until you can smell its yummy aroma. Be careful not to burn it!
4. Brown the Beef:
Next, add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook it until browned and cooked through—this should take around 5-7 minutes. If there’s too much fat, you can drain some off.
5. Toast the Orzo:
Now, stir in the orzo pasta with the beef mixture. Toast it for 1-2 minutes, which adds a nice depth of flavor.
6. Combine the Ingredients:
Pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes, dried oregano, thyme, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Stir everything together so it’s well mixed.
7. Simmer:
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes or until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
8. Add Cheese (Optional):
If you’re using cheese, sprinkle it over the top, cover the pan again, and let it melt for about 2 minutes.
9. Garnish:
Before serving, add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil on top for a lovely touch.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Dish out your savory ground beef orzo dinner while it’s warm. It’s comforting and delicious—perfect for everyone!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of Orzo?
While orzo works best for this recipe, you can substitute with brown rice. Just keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook, so you may need to adjust the liquid and cooking time accordingly. Typically, it will take about 30-40 minutes to cook through.
What Can I Use Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even lentils for a vegetarian option work wonderfully in this recipe. Adjust the cooking time slightly depending on how long it takes for the alternatives to cook through.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave. If it seems dry, add a splash of broth or water while reheating.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in some chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach. Just add them when you first sauté the onions for a bit of extra nutrition and flavor!