Introduction
Remember those comforting, no-fuss meals that just made everything feel right? The kind that filled your kitchen with the most delicious aroma and left you with a happy, full belly without a mountain of dishes to tackle? Well, get ready to recreate that magic because today we’re diving into a recipe that’s pure comfort in a pan: Savory Ground Beef Orzo! This dish is so incredibly easy, it practically makes itself, and the flavors are just out-of-this-world good. It’s the perfect answer to those busy weeknights when you crave something hearty and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast: Seriously, dinner on the table in under 30 minutes!
- Easy: Minimal prep, one pot, and simple steps.
- Giftable: This makes a fantastic meal to share with friends or family who need a little comfort.
- Crowd-pleasing: Even the pickiest eaters in your house will be asking for seconds of this savory goodness.
Ingredients
Gather ’round, friends! Here’s what you’ll need for this delightful one-pan wonder:
- 1 lb lean ground beef: Our hearty base that makes this dish so satisfying.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: For that irresistible aromatic kick.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Adds a touch of sweetness and depth.
- 2 cups fresh spinach: Our secret ingredient for adding a healthy pop of green and extra nutrients.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with herbs, undrained: These bring so much flavor and a little sauciness. Using ones with herbs already in them is a little cheat I love!
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth: The liquid magic that cooks our orzo and brings everything together.
- 1 cup orzo pasta: These tiny pasta shapes are perfect for soaking up all the delicious flavors.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: A classic blend that ties all the savory notes together beautifully.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: To taste, of course! The finishing touch.
How to Make It
Alright, let’s get cooking! Grab your favorite large skillet – a cast iron one works wonders here – and let’s create some magic.
- Brown the Beef: Pop your ground beef into the skillet over medium-high heat. Give it a good stir and break it up as it cooks until it’s nicely browned. Once it’s done, drain off any excess grease. Nobody wants a greasy orzo!
- Sauté the Aromatics: Now, toss in your chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook them with the beef for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re nice and soft and smelling absolutely divine.
- Add the Liquids and Seasonings: It’s time to bring in the flavor! Stir in the can of diced tomatoes (don’t drain them – we want all that juicy goodness!), the beef broth, and the Italian seasoning. Give it a good stir to combine everything.
- Bring to a Boil and Add Orzo: Let this savory mixture come to a gentle boil. Once it’s bubbling happily, it’s time for the orzo! Pour it right in and give it another good stir.
- Simmer Away: Now, turn the heat down to low. Pop a lid on your skillet and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes. Your mission is to keep an eye on it, giving it a stir every so often. You’re looking for the orzo to be perfectly tender and for most of the liquid to have been beautifully absorbed.
- Wilt the Greens: In the last few minutes of simmering, stir in your fresh spinach. It will wilt down super fast, usually within 2-3 minutes, adding a lovely touch of color and freshness.
- Season and Serve: Give your Savory Ground Beef Orzo a taste. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper until it’s just perfect for your palate. Serve it up hot and enjoy every single bite!
Substitutions & Additions
This recipe is fantastic as is, but I love to get a little creative in the kitchen. Here are some ideas to make it your own:
- For the Veggies: Feel free to add other quick-cooking vegetables like chopped bell peppers (any color!), zucchini, or even some frozen peas or corn in the last 5 minutes of simmering.
- Spice it Up: Love a little heat? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes when you add the garlic and onion, or stir in some sriracha at the end.
- Cheesy Goodness: Once the orzo is cooked, stir in a handful (or two!) of shredded Parmesan cheese or mozzarella for extra creaminess and flavor.
- Different Protein: While ground beef is classic, you could also use ground turkey or chicken for a slightly lighter version.
- Herbs: If you have fresh herbs like parsley or basil, a sprinkle over the top before serving adds a beautiful fresh finish.
Tips for Success
A few little secrets from my kitchen to yours to ensure this dish is always a winner:
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Use a large enough skillet so everything can cook evenly. If your skillet is too small, the ingredients might steam instead of sauté.
- Stirring is Key: While it’s simmering, give it a stir every 5 minutes or so. This prevents the orzo from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- Adjust Broth as Needed: If your orzo seems to be absorbing liquid too quickly and is still tough, don’t be afraid to add another splash of broth or even water. Conversely, if it looks too wet at the end, you can simmer it uncovered for a few extra minutes.
- Prep Ahead: Chop your onion and mince your garlic earlier in the day or the night before to save even more time when you’re ready to cook.
How to Store It
Leftovers are practically as good as the original! Once cooled, transfer any remaining Savory Ground Beef Orzo to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if it seems a bit dry. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.
FAQs
Got a question? I’ve probably got an answer!
Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Absolutely! Simply swap the ground beef for your favorite plant-based ground alternative or a can of drained and rinsed lentils. You might want to add a little extra seasoning to boost the flavor!
Q: What kind of skillet is best for this recipe?
A: A large, deep skillet is ideal. A cast-iron skillet is fantastic because it distributes heat evenly and holds it well. A good quality non-stick skillet will also work wonderfully.
Q: Can I use dried spinach instead of fresh?
A: While fresh spinach adds a lovely texture, you can use dried spinach. You’ll want to use about 1/4 cup of dried spinach and add it with the broth and diced tomatoes, allowing it to rehydrate as the orzo cooks.
One-Pan Savory Ground Beef Orzo
Equipment
- Large skillet Cast iron or non-stick recommended.
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with herbs undrained
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- salt to taste
- freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Stir and break up the beef as it cooks until browned. Drain off any excess grease.1 lb lean ground beef
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.1 lb lean ground beef
- Stir in the undrained diced tomatoes, beef broth, and Italian seasoning. Mix well.1 lb lean ground beef
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Add the orzo pasta and stir.1 lb lean ground beef
- Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- In the last 2-3 minutes of simmering, stir in the fresh spinach until wilted.1 lb lean ground beef
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve hot.1 lb lean ground beef