Introduction
Remember those cozy evenings when dinner just magically came together? This Savory Ground Beef Orzo recipe is like a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for those nights when you want something hearty, flavorful, and oh-so-easy. Seriously, this dish is a lifesaver for busy weeknights, and it tastes like it took hours to make!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast: Ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish.
- Easy: Minimal prep and just one pot means less cleanup.
- Giftable: Imagine sharing a container of this comforting meal with a friend who’s feeling under the weather or just needs a break.
- Crowd-pleasing: Kids and adults alike will be asking for seconds.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delightful one-pot wonder:
- 1 lb lean ground beef: This is our hearty base, packed with flavor.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Because no savory dish is complete without a little garlic goodness.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: It adds a lovely sweetness and depth.
- 2 cups fresh spinach: We’re sneaking in some greens – you won’t even notice it’s there!
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with herbs, undrained: These little flavor bombs bring so much to the party.
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth: This is the liquid gold that cooks our orzo and makes everything so saucy.
- 1 cup orzo pasta: These tiny pasta shapes are perfect for soaking up all that delicious flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A little sprinkle of magic to tie all the flavors together.
How to Make It
Let’s get cooking! You’ll be amazed at how simple this is.
- Brown the Beef: Grab a large skillet (your trusty one-pot hero!) and brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Once it’s nicely browned, drain off any excess fat. We want flavor, not grease!
- Sauté Aromatics: Toss in your chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook them up for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re nice and soft and smell absolutely amazing.
- Bring it All Together: Now for the magic! Stir in the diced tomatoes (don’t drain them!), the beef broth, the orzo pasta, and the Italian seasoning. Give it all a good stir to combine.
- Simmer to Perfection: Bring the mixture to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat to low, pop on a lid, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. Your goal is for the orzo to be perfectly tender and for most of that liquid to be absorbed, creating a wonderfully thick and savory sauce.
- Wilt the Greens: In the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, stir in your fresh spinach. It’ll wilt down in no time, adding a beautiful touch of green and extra nutrients.
- Serve and Enjoy! Ladle this warm, comforting goodness into bowls and get ready for happy sighs.
Substitutions & Additions
Feeling adventurous? Here are a few ways to make this recipe your own:
- Protein Swap: Instead of ground beef, try ground turkey or even plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian option.
- Veggies Galore: Feel free to toss in other veggies like diced bell peppers, carrots, or peas along with the onions and garlic.
- Spice it Up: For a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when you add the garlic and onions.
- Cheesy Goodness: Stir in a handful of shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or Parmesan would be delicious!) at the very end for extra creaminess.
- Herbs: If you have fresh herbs like parsley or basil, a sprinkle over the top before serving adds a lovely fresh finish.
Tips for Success
A few little tricks to ensure your Savory Ground Beef Orzo is absolutely perfect every time:
- Don’t Overcook the Orzo: Keep an eye on it towards the end of the simmering time. You want it al dente, not mushy!
- Adjust Liquid: If it seems a little too dry towards the end, add a splash more beef broth. If it’s too saucy, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes.
- Prep Ahead: Chop your onions and mince your garlic ahead of time to make the actual cooking process even quicker.
- Taste and Season: Always taste your food before serving! You might need a little more salt or pepper to suit your preference.
How to Store It
Leftovers are the best! Let the orzo cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should keep well for about 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if it seems a little dry.
FAQs
- Can I use a different type of pasta? While orzo is fantastic here, you could try other small pasta shapes like ditalini or acini di pepe. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta package instructions.
- Is this recipe freezer-friendly? Yes! This dish freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely, then store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat as usual.
- Can I make this dairy-free? Absolutely! Just omit the optional cheese addition, and you’re good to go.
One-Pot Savory Ground Beef Orzo
This one-pot Savory Ground Beef Orzo recipe is a hearty, flavorful, and easy meal perfect for busy weeknights. It comes together in under 30 minutes with minimal cleanup.
Equipment
- Large skillet Your trusty one-pot hero!
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef This is our hearty base, packed with flavor.
- 3 cloves garlic minced. Because no savory dish is complete without a little garlic goodness.
- 1 medium onion chopped. It adds a lovely sweetness and depth.
- 2 cups fresh spinach We’re sneaking in some greens – you won’t even notice it’s there!
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with herbs undrained. These little flavor bombs bring so much to the party.
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth This is the liquid gold that cooks our orzo and makes everything so saucy.
- 1 cup orzo pasta These tiny pasta shapes are perfect for soaking up all that delicious flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning A little sprinkle of magic to tie all the flavors together.
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Drain off any excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes (undrained), beef broth, orzo pasta, and Italian seasoning. Combine well.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- In the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, stir in the fresh spinach until wilted.
- Serve hot.
Notes
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if needed. This dish also freezes well for up to 3 months.
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