Ground Beef Orzo

When I first discovered the magic of combining ground beef with orzo pasta, it quickly became one of my go-to comfort dishes. I remember a weeknight when I came home tired, searching for something quick yet satisfying to put on the table. Instead of reaching for takeout, I opened my pantry and found a box of orzo. With ground beef already in the fridge, I decided to experiment. What came out of that kitchen was warm, hearty, and delicious—a dish that has now become a family favorite. Each time I cook it, the aroma fills the home with cozy vibes, and it reminds me that comfort can come from the simplest ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Ground Beef Orzo recipe is not only full of flavor but also easy enough for any day of the week. The orzo absorbs the rich sauce, giving every bite a creamy and savory texture. Paired with seasoned ground beef, tomatoes, and spinach, it balances comfort with nutrition. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or cooking just for yourself, this dish guarantees satisfaction without requiring hours in the kitchen.

Versatile
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily swap ground beef for chicken, turkey, or even plant-based alternatives. If spinach isn’t your favorite, kale or zucchini makes a wonderful substitute. You can also play around with seasonings—paprika, red pepper flakes, or fresh parsley all work beautifully to enhance the flavor.

Budget-Friendly
Ground beef and orzo are both affordable staples, making this dish perfect for anyone who wants to eat well without spending too much. With just a few pantry basics and some fresh vegetables, you can create a hearty meal that tastes restaurant-quality at home. It’s an excellent option for families, students, or anyone wanting to stretch their grocery budget.

Ingredients for Ground Beef Orzo

• 1 lb lean ground beef

• 1 cup orzo pasta

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with herbs

• 2 cups low-sodium beef broth

• 2 cups fresh spinach (or other greens)

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning (basil, oregano, thyme)

  How to Make Ground Beef Orzo
  Cooking this dish doesn’t take much effort, and the reward is a flavorful, filling meal that comes together in less than 30 minutes. By preparing your ingredients in advance, you’ll breeze through the steps. Orzo cooks quickly, and the ground beef adds depth and heartiness to the recipe, while spinach brings a boost of nutrition. With only one skillet required, cleanup is simple, too.

  Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Ground Beef Orzo

  1. Prepare your ingredients
     Begin by chopping the onion finely and mincing the garlic. Having everything ready before you turn on the stove makes the cooking process smooth and stress-free.

  2. Sauté the onion
     Heat a large skillet over medium heat and drizzle in a little olive oil. Once the oil is warm, add the onion. Stir often, allowing it to soften and become translucent. This usually takes about five minutes, and it builds the flavor base for the entire dish.

  3. Cook the ground beef
     Add the ground beef to the skillet with the softened onion. Break it apart with a wooden spoon and season lightly with salt and pepper. Keep stirring until the beef is browned and no longer pink, which should take six to eight minutes. Browning the meat properly ensures a rich and savory flavor.

  4. Add the garlic and tomatoes
     Once the beef is cooked, stir in the minced garlic. Let it cook for about a minute so it becomes fragrant but doesn’t burn. Then pour in the canned diced tomatoes with herbs. Mix everything well and let the mixture simmer for two to three minutes so the flavors combine.

  5. Incorporate the orzo and broth
     Add the uncooked orzo to the skillet, followed by the beef broth. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Let it simmer for ten to twelve minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom. The pasta will absorb the broth and create a creamy, rich texture.

  6. Finish with spinach and seasoning
     When the orzo is tender and most of the broth has been absorbed, stir in the fresh spinach. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and stir until the spinach wilts, which should take only one to two minutes. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with a pinch more salt or pepper if needed.

  7. Serve and enjoy
     Once everything is cooked, remove the skillet from the heat. Scoop generous portions into bowls and serve warm. You can sprinkle fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice on top for added brightness.

  Quick and Easy
  This recipe is ideal for busy nights when you want something fast yet filling. With a total cook time of just 20 minutes and only one skillet required, it saves both time and effort. You don’t need to juggle multiple pots or complicated steps, making it a great choice for beginners in the kitchen as well.

  Customizable
  One of the highlights of Ground Beef Orzo is how easy it is to customize. You can replace the ground beef with ground chicken or turkey for a lighter option. If you prefer a vegetarian version, swap in lentils or mushrooms. Add extra vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or peas for more color and nutrition. The seasonings are also flexible—try smoked paprika for a deeper flavor or crushed red pepper for a little heat.

  Crowd-Pleasing
  This dish is hearty, balanced, and loved by both adults and kids. The creamy orzo paired with flavorful beef makes it familiar and comforting, while the vegetables add freshness. It’s also a perfect meal for gatherings since it scales up easily—just double the ingredients, and you’ll have enough to feed a larger group. Whether served at a family dinner or casual get-together, it always earns compliments.

  FAQs 

  Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
  Yes, you can prepare Ground Beef Orzo in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to bring back the creamy texture.

  Can I freeze Ground Beef Orzo?
  Freezing works well with this dish. Allow it to cool completely before placing it into freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to two months. To serve, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove with added broth.

  What can I use instead of spinach?
  If spinach isn’t available, kale, chard, or even zucchini work well. You can also use frozen spinach, just make sure to thaw and drain it first to avoid extra liquid in the dish.

  Is orzo gluten-free?
  Traditional orzo is made with wheat, so it’s not gluten-free. However, many stores now offer gluten-free orzo alternatives made from rice or corn. You can substitute one of those without changing the method.

  Can I make this dish vegetarian?
  Absolutely. Replace the ground beef with plant-based crumbles, mushrooms, or lentils. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth, and the recipe will still turn out hearty and flavorful.

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  Ground Beef Orzo

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  Ground Beef Orzo is a cozy and comforting dish that combines tender orzo pasta with seasoned ground beef, fresh spinach, and a savory tomato-based sauce. It’s quick to prepare, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights. With its creamy texture and balanced ingredients, this recipe is both nourishing and satisfying for the whole family.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

  Ingredients

  Scale 1x2x3x

  • 1 lb lean ground beef

  • 1 cup orzo pasta

  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with herbs

  • 2 cups low-sodium beef broth

  • 2 cups fresh spinach (or other greens)

  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning (basil, oregano, thyme)

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

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  Instructions

  • Chop the onion and mince the garlic.

  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.

  • Add the ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned, about 6–8 minutes. Break up the meat with a spoon as it cooks.

  • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

  • Add the diced tomatoes with herbs. Stir well and let the mixture simmer for 2–3 minutes.

  • Add the orzo and beef broth. Stir everything together and bring to a boil.

  • Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

  • Stir in the fresh spinach and Italian seasoning. Cook for 1–2 minutes until the spinach wilts.

  • Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

  • Serve warm with optional garnish of fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice.

  Notes

  • Substitute ground beef with turkey, chicken, or plant-based protein if preferred.

  • Spinach can be replaced with kale, chard, or zucchini.

  • To make it vegetarian, use vegetable broth and lentils or mushrooms instead of beef.

  • For extra flavor, try adding smoked paprika or crushed red pepper flakes.

  • Author: Layla
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes