Description
Learn how to make delicious ground beef orzo. Easy recipe with step-by-step instructions.
Ingredients
To keep things simple and approachable, I’ve put together a list of ingredients that are likely already in your pantry or easy to find at your local grocery store. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup beef broth or water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a bit of heat)
- 1 cup fresh spinach or kale (optional for added greens)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or parmesan cheese (optional for topping)
Substitution ideas: You can swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version, and use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option. Feel free to toss in any vegetables you have on hand, like bell peppers or zucchini.
Instructions
Let’s get cooking! Here’s how to make this delicious dish:
- In a large skillet or pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
- Stir in the diced onion and garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the uncooked orzo pasta to the skillet, stirring frequently for 1-2 minutes until lightly toasted.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and beef broth. Stir in the dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- If using spinach or kale, stir it in during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking until wilted.
- Remove from heat and let the dish sit, covered, for 2-3 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Top with shredded cheese if desired, and serve warm.
Pro tip: Use the same skillet for browning the beef and cooking the orzo to save on cleanup time—a trick I learned from those Wednesday dinners in college.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
Keywords: ground beef orzo, recipe, cooking, food