Description
Ground Beef Orzo is a cozy and savory Italian-inspired dish that pairs tender orzo pasta with seasoned ground beef simmered in a rich tomato and herb sauce. Enhanced with fresh spinach and Italian seasoning, this meal is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner that’s both flavorful and satisfying.
Ingredients
Ground Beef Mixture
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (basil, oregano, thyme)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Other Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with herbs
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 2 cups fresh spinach (or other greens)
Instructions
- Prep the Ingredients: Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic cloves to prepare for cooking.
- Sauté Onions: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and add the chopped onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet with the onions. Season generously with salt and pepper. Cook the beef, breaking it up with a spatula, until it is fully browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes.
- Add Garlic and Tomatoes: Stir in the minced garlic and canned diced tomatoes with herbs. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes to blend flavors.
- Cook Orzo: Pour in the orzo pasta and beef broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer gently for 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the broth.
- Add Spinach and Seasoning: Stir in the fresh spinach and Italian seasoning. Cook until the spinach wilts and the flavors meld, about 1 minute. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve the Ground Beef Orzo warm. Enjoy this hearty and comforting Italian-style meal.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to keep the dish lighter and reduce excess grease.
- Fresh spinach can be substituted with kale or Swiss chard if preferred.
- If desired, add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese before serving for extra richness.
- For a vegetarian version, replace ground beef with plant-based meat substitutes and use vegetable broth.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
