Ground Beef Orzo: A Delicious and Easy One-Pan Recipe
If you’re craving a meal that tastes like pure comfort and comes together in under 30 minutes, Ground Beef Orzo: A Delicious and Easy One-Pan Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Imagine juicy ground beef seared to perfection, cozy pasta soaking up all the rich flavors, and a bubbly blanket of cheese—with a sneaky green boost if you want spinach! It’s all tossed together in a single pan, making cleanup almost as quick and easy as the cooking itself. Weeknights just got a serious upgrade, and you’ll want to make this one again and again for family, friends, or just you and your fork.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This ingredient list is as straightforward as it gets, but each one pulls its weight to make Ground Beef Orzo: A Delicious and Easy One-Pan Recipe shine. From the hearty beef to the creamy cheese and the bright freshness of herbs, every item adds a layer of flavor or texture that makes this dish irresistibly good.
- Ground Beef: Go for 80/20 for the best balance of flavor and juiciness; drain the excess fat if needed for a lighter result.
- Onion: Diced onion brings sweetness and a savory depth that infuses the whole dish.
- Garlic: Minced fresh garlic adds an aromatic kick you just can’t get from powder.
- Italian Seasoning: This classic blend ties all the savory notes together seamlessly.
- Paprika: A touch of paprika adds gentle warmth and a gorgeous color.
- Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for bringing out every other flavor—season to taste!
- Orzo Pasta: These tender, rice-shaped noodles act like little flavor sponges for every meaty, cheesy bite.
- Beef Broth: Cooking the orzo in broth, not water, builds layers of savory depth you can taste in every forkful.
- Diced Tomatoes: One can with juices brightens and balances the richness; it’s the “secret sauce” for just the right acidity.
- Mozzarella Cheese: All about that creamy, gooey melt that pulls you back for seconds.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty-sweet nutty finish and brings out other flavors.
- Spinach (optional): Stir in a few generous handfuls for a healthy green boost—totally optional, but highly recommended.
- Chopped Fresh Parsley: Bright, fresh, and pretty—sprinkle just before serving for the perfect finishing touch.
How to Make Ground Beef Orzo: A Delicious and Easy One-Pan Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and use a spatula or wooden spoon to break it up as it cooks. You want to see it turn from pink to a rich brown all over, which should take about 5–6 minutes. Browning really builds savory flavor, so don’t rush it! If your beef is a bit fatty, drain off any excess grease before moving on to keep the dish from feeling too heavy.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Once your beef is nicely browned, sprinkle in the diced onion. Keep everything moving around the pan for about three minutes until the onion softens and turns slightly translucent—it should smell amazing! Next, add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Stir constantly for just a minute more, letting the garlic bloom and the spices become fragrant without burning.
Step 3: Add Orzo, Broth, and Tomatoes
Now for the magic! Pour in your uncooked orzo, followed by the beef broth and the entire can of diced tomatoes, juices and all. Give everything a thorough stir so the orzo doesn’t clump. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then immediately lower the heat, cover with a lid, and let it simmer for about 12–15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and watch as the orzo soaks up all that savory broth and tomato goodness. The dish should be luscious and saucy, with most of the liquid absorbed but not dry.
Step 4: Stir in the Cheeses and Spinach
Once your orzo is tender, it’s time for the cheese party! Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan right on top; if you’re feeling virtuous, add your fresh spinach now too. Stir until the cheeses melt into a gooey blanket and the spinach wilts gently into the pasta and beef. Suddenly, everything comes together in the most irresistible way—creamy, stretchy, colorful, and downright delicious.
Step 5: Finish and Garnish
Turn off the heat and give the pan a few minutes to rest. Then scatter a generous handful of chopped fresh parsley over the top for color and a bright herbal finish. That’s it—Ground Beef Orzo: A Delicious and Easy One-Pan Recipe is ready to serve and devour. Get ready for oohs and aahs!
How to Serve Ground Beef Orzo: A Delicious and Easy One-Pan Recipe
Garnishes
The vibrant green of fresh parsley not only makes the dish pop visually but brightens all the savory flavors. For an extra flavor boost, try a final sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan or a little cracked black pepper just before serving. If you’re serving for a special occasion, some finely chopped fresh basil or chives also bring a burst of freshness and aroma.
Side Dishes
This meal is already hearty and satisfying, but a loaf of warm garlic bread or a crisp green salad pairs perfectly. The bread is ideal for scooping up any saucy bits left at the bottom of the plate, while a salad with tangy vinaigrette helps balance the richness of the Ground Beef Orzo: A Delicious and Easy One-Pan Recipe. Roasted vegetables, like broccoli or asparagus, round things out for a complete spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun weeknight dinner, spoon the Ground Beef Orzo: A Delicious and Easy One-Pan Recipe into individual bowls, and let everyone top their own with cheese, extra herbs, or even a dollop of ricotta. For a cozy family-style meal, bring the whole skillet right to the table and serve straight from the pan for a rustic, inviting look. Hosting guests? Consider serving in mini ramekins baked under the broiler for a bubbly, golden-cheese finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you end up with leftovers, Ground Beef Orzo: A Delicious and Easy One-Pan Recipe keeps beautifully. Scoop any extra into airtight containers and let cool completely before refrigerating. It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to four days, making it a meal-prep dream for lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.
Freezing
This recipe freezes surprisingly well! After cooling, portion into freezer-safe bags or containers. Lay flat for quicker thawing. For best flavor and texture, try to enjoy within two to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge or gently reheat from frozen—just note that the orzo may become a little softer, but the flavors will still be delicious.
Reheating
To reheat, add a splash of beef broth or water to revive the sauciness before microwaving or warming on the stovetop over low heat. Stir occasionally as it heats through. Covering the dish helps keep the orzo from drying out and ensures a melty, luxurious texture every time.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course, Pasta
Absolutely! Small pasta shapes like ditalini or small shells work well, though you may need to adjust liquid amounts or simmer time. The unique texture of orzo is what makes Ground Beef Orzo: A Delicious and Easy One-Pan Recipe so special, but it’s flexible if you need to substitute.
Is there a way to make this dish lighter or healthier?
Easy swaps include using lean ground beef or ground turkey, reducing the cheese, and loading up on more vegetables. Stir in extra spinach, kale, or even diced zucchini for added nutrients. The dish is already high-protein and satisfying, so it’s a breeze to sneak in those healthy adjustments.
How can I add even more flavor?
Bumping up the garlic or Italian seasoning is always a win, or stir in a little crushed red pepper for a gentle heat. Try swapping some mozzarella for smoked provolone or tossing in a handful of sun-dried tomatoes for an extra zing. Don’t be afraid to experiment until Ground Beef Orzo: A Delicious and Easy One-Pan Recipe tastes perfect for you.
Can I make this dish ahead of time for a party?
Yes, you can prepare Ground Beef Orzo: A Delicious and Easy One-Pan Recipe a day ahead, store it covered in the fridge, and reheat just before serving. If you’re feeding a crowd, simply double the recipe and use your largest skillet or transfer to a casserole dish for easy reheating in the oven.
What should I do if my orzo absorbs all the liquid before it’s done cooking?
If the mixture looks dry before the orzo is fully tender, just add a splash or two more of beef broth, stir well, and continue to simmer gently. Orzo is quick-cooking but sometimes thirsty, so this small adjustment keeps everything perfectly creamy and delicious.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve ever wanted a meal that checks every box—flavorful, quick, comforting, and minimal cleanup—this Ground Beef Orzo: A Delicious and Easy One-Pan Recipe is it. Give it a try, play with the add-ins, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular in your kitchen rotation. Happy cooking!
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Ground Beef Orzo: A Delicious and Easy One-Pan Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Ground Beef Orzo recipe is a flavorful one-pan dish that is both delicious and easy to make. It combines tender orzo pasta with seasoned ground beef, savory broth, and melted cheese for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Ground Beef Mixture:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Orzo and Other Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups uncooked orzo pasta
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach (optional)
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula.
- Prepare the Orzo Mixture: Add onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until onions are softened.
- Cook Orzo: Stir in orzo, beef broth, and diced tomatoes. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer until orzo is tender.
- Finish the Dish: Stir in mozzarella, Parmesan, and spinach until melted and wilted. Garnish with parsley.
Notes
- For extra creaminess, you can add heavy cream or cream cheese at the end.
- Variations: Try kale instead of spinach or add bell peppers for extra veggies.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Pasta
- Method: One-Pan, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 440
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 640 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 44 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
