Hearty Ground Beef Orzo Skillet Recipe
Introduction
Ground Beef Orzo is a simple, hearty dish perfect for busy weeknights. Combining savory ground beef with tender orzo creates a comforting and satisfying meal that cooks in one pot.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large skillet or pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Step 2: Add diced onion and minced garlic to the beef and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Step 3: Pour in the beef broth and bring to a boil.
- Step 4: Stir in the orzo, reduce heat to a simmer, and cook uncovered for about 10-12 minutes or until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Step 5: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve warm.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of dried oregano or thyme while simmering.
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Stir in fresh spinach or peas near the end of cooking for added greens.
- Use chicken or vegetable broth instead of beef broth if preferred.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if the orzo has absorbed too much liquid and dried out.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use instant orzo instead of regular orzo?
Instant orzo cooks faster, so reduce the simmering time accordingly to avoid overcooking. Watch closely once you add it to the broth.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, substitute regular orzo with a gluten-free pasta alternative. Be sure to check cooking times as they may vary.
PrintHearty Ground Beef Orzo Skillet Recipe
This Ground Beef Orzo recipe is a hearty and comforting one-pot meal combining savory browned ground beef with tender orzo pasta simmered in flavorful broth. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it delivers a satisfying blend of textures and rich umami flavors in a simple preparation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Ground Beef Orzo Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients: Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic cloves to have them ready for cooking.
- Brown the beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until fully browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Remove excess fat if desired.
- Sauté aromatics: Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the browned beef. Cook until onion is softened and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Add orzo and broth: Stir in the orzo pasta evenly with the beef mixture. Pour in the beef broth, ensuring the orzo is submerged. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Simmer until tender: Reduce heat to low and cover the skillet. Let the orzo simmer gently for about 10-12 minutes, or until tender and the broth is mostly absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Final seasoning and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed. Fluff the orzo with a fork and serve hot as a satisfying main dish.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like parsley or thyme during the simmering step.
- Use low-sodium broth to control the salt content if preferred.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner alternative.
- If you want a creamier texture, stir in a splash of cream or grated Parmesan after cooking.
Keywords: ground beef orzo, one-pot meal, quick dinner, beef pasta, easy weeknight recipe
