This Easy Savory Ground Beef Orzo Dinner is a quick and tasty meal! It features tender orzo pasta mixed with ground beef, tomatoes, and spices. A perfect one-pot wonder for busy nights!
You know what’s great? I only need one pot to make it—less cleanup means more time to relax! Plus, it’s a hit with the whole family every time. Yum! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I like using lean ground beef for this recipe, but you can also use turkey or chicken for a lighter version. If you’re vegetarian, try using a meat substitute like lentils, mushrooms, or plant-based crumbles.
Orzo Pasta: Orzo gives a nice texture, but if you don’t have any, you can substitute with any small pasta like ditalini or couscous. Even rice can work in a pinch, just adjust the liquid amount accordingly.
Diced Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes bring flavor and moisture. You can use fresh tomatoes instead, but make sure to chop them finely. For a spicy kick, consider using fire-roasted tomatoes!
Broth: Beef broth adds depth, but chicken broth, vegetable broth, or even water with a bouillon cube are good alternatives. Homemade broth is always a flavorful choice if you have it!
How Do I Cook Orzo Without It Getting Sticky?
Cooking orzo can be tricky if you want to keep it fluffy. Here’s how to avoid stickiness:
- Use plenty of water or broth to ensure the orzo has space to cook. This helps prevent clumping.
- Stir the orzo occasionally while it simmers. This keeps it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- Avoid overcooking. Check the orzo a minute or two before the suggested cooking time to catch it just right.
Let it sit after cooking for a few minutes covered. This helps the orzo absorb any remaining liquid and improves texture!
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
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 cups beef broth (or water with bouillon)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend around 10-15 minutes prepping the ingredients and then 15 minutes cooking. It’s a quick and straightforward meal ideal for busy weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Onions:
In a large skillet or pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until it becomes soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add Garlic:
Next, add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for another minute until you can smell that delicious garlic aroma!
3. Cook the Ground Beef:
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spoon to break it up as it cooks. Keep stirring until the beef is browned and no longer pink, which should take about 5-7 minutes. If there is any excess fat, drain it out before moving on.
4. Mix in the Orzo and Liquid:
Now, stir in the orzo pasta, the undrained diced tomatoes, beef broth, oregano, basil, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well to combine.
5. Simmer:
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 12-15 minutes. Check and stir occasionally to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom of the pan until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
6. Final Touches:
Once cooked, taste your dish and add more salt or pepper if needed. Remove it from the heat and let it sit covered for 2-3 minutes. This helps everything settle nicely!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish your dish with fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and freshness. If you like, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top. Serve warm and enjoy your easy, savory dinner!
FAQ for Easy Savory Ground Beef Orzo Dinner
Can I Use Other Types of Meat?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even a meat alternative like lentils or plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure it’s cooked through.
What If I Don’t Have Orzo Pasta?
No worries! You can use any small pasta shape, like ditalini or small shells. Alternatively, rice can also work; just simmer it a bit longer and adjust the liquid amount accordingly since rice absorbs more moisture.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture. Stir occasionally to heat evenly!
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Cook the whole dish ahead and then cool it completely before storing in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat it on the stove, adding a little liquid if it seems dry. Enjoy a quick meal on busy days!
