Description
This Savory Ground Beef Orzo is an incredible one-pan meal combining tender orzo pasta with flavorful ground beef, aromatic herbs, and rich tomato broth. It’s a hearty, comforting dish perfect for easy weeknight dinners or meal prep, boasting a Mediterranean-inspired twist with fresh spinach and Parmesan cheese. Ready in just 35 minutes, this recipe offers a delightful balance of protein, carbohydrates, and veggies for a 5-star dining experience at home.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef (85% lean)
- 1 small onion (finely diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 2½ cups beef broth (low sodium)
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (drained)
- 1½ cups baby spinach (optional)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook for about 6–7 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon until well browned. Drain excess grease if necessary to avoid a greasy dish.
- Sauté Onions and Aromatics: Add the finely diced onion to the beef and cook for 3 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, crushed red pepper flakes if using, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 1 minute to release the aromas.
- Add Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste thoroughly to coat the meat mixture, enhancing the richness and depth of flavor of the dish.
- Combine Orzo and Liquids: Add uncooked orzo, low sodium beef broth, and drained diced tomatoes to the skillet. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Simmer the Orzo: Reduce heat to low and cover the skillet. Let it simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Wilt the Spinach: If using baby spinach, stir it into the skillet and cook for another 1–2 minutes until wilted and incorporated.
- Finish with Cheese and Seasoning: Remove the skillet from heat, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and combined. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if desired.
- Rest and Garnish: Let the dish rest for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- For a creamy variation, stir in ¼ cup of heavy cream at the end of cooking.
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian-friendly version.
- This dish reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prepping or leftovers.
- Drain the canned diced tomatoes well to avoid excess liquid diluting the flavors.
- If you prefer spicier food, increase the crushed red pepper flakes to taste.
