This Easy Savory Ground Beef Orzo Dinner is a cozy one-pot meal! With tender orzo pasta, flavorful ground beef, and yummy seasonings, it’s perfect for busy nights.
You’ll love how quickly this dish comes together—just cook everything in one pot! Plus, it’s a hit with the whole family. Who doesn’t enjoy a good pasta dish? 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I usually go for lean ground beef (80/20) for a good balance of flavor and fat. If you’re looking for a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken can be great substitutes!
Orzo Pasta: Orzo is a small pasta that cooks quickly. If you have other small pasta like couscous or even quinoa, those can work too. Just adjust the cooking time according to package instructions!
Beef Broth: Homemade beef broth is the best, but store-bought works just fine. You can also use vegetable broth for a lighter flavor, or water with a dash of soy sauce for a twist.
Diced Tomatoes: If fresh tomatoes are in season, feel free to use them. Canned diced tomatoes in juice are super convenient and add great flavor. You can even use crushed tomatoes if you prefer a smoother texture.
How Do You Get the Best Flavor from Ground Beef?
To really enhance the flavor of the ground beef, make sure to season it well while cooking! Start by browning the beef until it’s fully cooked. This caramelizes the meat and adds depth to the dish. Remember to drain excess fat for a lighter meal.
- Cook the beef until it’s nicely browned; this usually takes around 6-8 minutes.
- Don’t forget to mix in your spices (oregano, thyme, and paprika) while it’s cooking. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully with the meat!
Easy Savory Ground Beef Orzo Dinner
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 1/2 cups beef broth (or water with beef bouillon)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese or Parmesan (optional)
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Savory Ground Beef Orzo Dinner will take about 30 minutes in total. You’ll need around 10 minutes for preparation and about 20 minutes for cooking. It’s quick and perfect for a busy weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Base
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion. Sauté the onion for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until it smells fragrant.
2. Cook the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook it while breaking it up with a spoon until it turns brown and is fully cooked, which should take about 6-8 minutes. If there’s any excess fat, drain it off for a leaner meal.
3. Mix in the Fun Stuff
Next, stir in the orzo pasta, diced tomatoes (with their juices), dried oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good mix so that the flavors combine nicely!
4. Add Broth and Cook
Pour in the beef broth and bring everything to a boil. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for about 12-15 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Stir occasionally to ensure nothing sticks to the bottom.
5. Add Cheese & Let Rest
If you want to add some cheese, sprinkle it on top in the last few minutes of cooking and cover until it melts. Once done, remove the skillet from the heat and let it sit covered for about 5 minutes to thicken up a bit.
6. Serve and Garnish
Before serving, garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil for an extra pop of flavor and color. Enjoy your hearty, savory ground beef orzo dinner, perhaps with a side salad or steamed veggies for a complete meal!
Happy eating! 🍽️
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Substitute Ground Beef with Another Meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are great lean alternatives. For a richer flavor, you can also use ground lamb or pork. Just keep an eye on the cooking time as it may vary slightly.
What If I Don’t Have Beef Broth?
No problem! You can use vegetable broth for a lighter option or simply use water with a bouillon cube to enhance the flavor. Just be sure to season accordingly as water will have less salt than broth.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Prepare everything up to the cooking step, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to eat, just bring it back to room temperature and then cook as directed. You may need to add a splash of broth or water while reheating.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a bit of broth or water to prevent it from drying out.
