Best Ever Ground Beef Orzo

Why Make This Recipe

Ground Beef Orzo is a wholesome dish that brings classic comfort food to your table. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you’re short on time yet want something that fills your family up with goodness. The combination of lean ground beef, tender orzo pasta, and fresh spinach offers a delightful mix of flavors and nutrients.

This dish is not only quick to prepare but also economical, making it great for families on a budget. It’s versatile, too, allowing you to swap ingredients based on your dietary preferences or what you have in your pantry. You can serve it with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, making it feel a bit fancy while still being straightforward and homey.

Delicious and nutritious, this Ground Beef Orzo is a one-pot wonder that you will want to make again and again!

How to Make Best Ever Ground Beef Orzo

Making Ground Beef Orzo is straightforward and quick. Follow these simple steps to create a hearty meal that everyone will love.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound Lean Ground Beef (or ground turkey/chicken)
• 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 cup Orzo Pasta (or small pasta shapes like ditalini)
• 14.5 ounces Canned Diced Tomatoes (or crushed tomatoes)
• 2 cups Low-Sodium Beef Broth (or vegetable broth)
• 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning
• 2 cups Fresh Spinach (or kale/swiss chard)

Directions:

1. Cook the Ground Beef: Start by heating a large pot or skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes, breaking it into small pieces with a spatula. Cook until it’s browned and fully cooked.

2. Add Onions and Garlic: Once the meat is browned, add the chopped onion to the pot. Sauté for about 3 minutes or until the onion is soft and translucent. Next, mix in the minced garlic and continue to cook for another minute until it’s fragrant.

3. Incorporate Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in the canned diced tomatoes with their juice, adding a lovely depth of flavor. Next, add the beef broth. Stir everything together to combine the ingredients.

4. Add Orzo and Seasoning: Add the orzo pasta and Italian seasoning to the mixture. Stir well to ensure the pasta is fully immersed in the liquid.

5. Simmer: Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a simmer. Once simmering, cover the pot, and reduce the heat to medium-low. Allow it to cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step is important for the orzo to cook evenly.

6. Add Fresh Greens: When the orzo is al dente, stir in the fresh spinach. The heat will wilt the spinach within 1-2 minutes, adding vibrant color and nutrition to the dish.

7. Serve: Once cooked, serve the Ground Beef Orzo hot. For an extra touch, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese before serving if you wish.

How to Serve Best Ever Ground Beef Orzo

Serving Ground Beef Orzo is as simple as dishing it out from the pot. You can serve it in individual bowls or on a large platter for family-style dining. Here are some ideas to elevate the meal:

• Garnish with Cheese: Top each serving with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan. Not only does it add flavor, but it also gives a beautiful presentation.

• Accompany with Bread: Serve it alongside crusty bread or breadsticks. This helps to soak up the delicious juices, making each bite even more satisfying.

• Fresh Salad: A side salad can complement the dish nicely. A simple mixed greens salad with vinaigrette balances the heartiness of the orzo.

• Herb Sprinkles: Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can provide brightness. Sprinkle some chopped herbs on top just before serving.

How to Store Best Ever Ground Beef Orzo

Storing leftovers is easy and helps you enjoy this delicious dish later. Here’s how to do it:

• Cooling: Allow the Ground Beef Orzo to cool down at room temperature before storing it.

• Airtight Container: Transfer the cooled dish into an airtight container. This will prevent any moisture loss and keep the flavors fresh.

• Refrigeration: Store the container in the refrigerator. The orzo will last for about 3-4 days in the fridge.

• Freezing: If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the orzo. Pack it in a freezer-safe container, leaving some space on top for expansion. Ground Beef Orzo can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

• Reheat: When you’re ready to eat, reheat in a saucepan over medium heat. Add a splash of broth or water to loosen up the pasta and prevent it from drying out.

Tips to Make Best Ever Ground Beef Orzo

1. Make It Savory: For extra flavor, sauté the onions and garlic in olive oil before adding the ground beef. This will enhance the overall taste.

2. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spinach adds nutrients and color. You can also try kale or Swiss chard if preferred.

3. Customize the Meat: Feel free to use turkey or chicken instead of ground beef. These alternatives are leaner and still provide a hearty meal.

4. More Vegetables: Want to sneak in more veggies? Add diced bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini when sautéing the onion and garlic for more nutrition.

5. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the dish as it cooks and adjust the spices according to your preference. If you love heat, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes.

6. Rest Before Serving: Let the dish sit for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to come together even more.

Variation

There are countless ways to customize Ground Beef Orzo to suit your taste or dietary needs. Here are a few variations:

• Vegetarian Version: Use lentils or chickpeas in place of ground beef. Sauté them with the onion and garlic for a complete vegetarian option.

• Cheesy Delight: Stir in some cream cheese or shredded mozzarella towards the end of cooking to make it extra creamy.

• Herb-Infused: Instead of Italian seasoning, use fresh thyme or rosemary for a different herb profile.

• Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce if you want to spice things up.

FAQs

1. Can I make Ground Beef Orzo ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare Ground Beef Orzo ahead of time. Store it in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze it for longer shelf life. Just reheat when you’re ready to eat.

2. What can I serve with Ground Beef Orzo?
This dish goes well with a side salad, steamed vegetables, or warm crusty bread. A simple vinaigrette can balance the meal perfectly.

3. Can I use different types of pasta?
Absolutely! While orzo is used in this dish for its small size and quick cooking time, you can substitute with other small pasta shapes like ditalini or even rice if you prefer.

4. Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! You can use gluten-free pasta instead of regular orzo. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.

5. What can I do if my orzo is too dry?
If your orzo turns out dry, simply add a splash of broth or water while reheating. Stir well to incorporate the added liquid, and it’ll come back to life.

6. Can I add more proteins to this dish?
Certainly! You can mix in cooked shrimp or chicken for added protein. Just make sure they are fully cooked before adding to the pot near the end of the cooking time.

Conclusion

Ground Beef Orzo is a comforting, fulfilling dish that is perfect for any day of the week. It’s easy to make, nourishing, and allows for a variety of modifications to suit your dietary preferences. This recipe brings together rich flavors and wholesome ingredients, making it a home-cooked meal that everyone will enjoy. Try it out tonight and discover why it’s called the Best Ever Ground Beef Orzo!

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