Description
This Best Ever Ground Beef Orzo recipe combines lean ground beef, tender orzo pasta, fresh spinach, and aromatic Italian seasoning in a delicious and hearty skillet meal. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s a family favorite that’s perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound Lean Ground Beef (Substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.)
- 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 cup Orzo Pasta (Other small pasta shapes like ditalini can be used.)
- 14.5 ounces Canned Diced Tomatoes (Crushed tomatoes can be swapped for a smoother sauce.)
- 2 cups Low-Sodium Beef Broth (Vegetable broth can be used for a lighter profile.)
- 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning
- 2 cups Fresh Spinach (Kale or Swiss chard are great substitutes.)
- Olive oil, for sautéing
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: freshly grated Parmesan cheese for garnish
Instructions
- Prep Ingredients: Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic to ensure they cook evenly and release their flavors nicely during sautéing.
- Sauté Onion: Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes, allowing the onion to soften and develop sweetness.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add the lean ground beef to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper, and cook until the meat is browned and no longer pink, approximately 6-8 minutes. Break up the meat as it cooks for even browning.
- Incorporate Garlic & Tomatoes: Stir in the minced garlic and canned diced tomatoes. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes so the garlic’s aroma infuses the sauce and the tomatoes begin to meld with the beef.
- Add Orzo & Broth: Pour in the orzo pasta and low-sodium beef broth. Increase the heat to bring it to a boil, then reduce to low and let it simmer gently for 10-12 minutes until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Finish with Spinach and Seasoning: Stir in the fresh spinach and Italian seasoning, letting the spinach wilt for about 1 minute, which adds vibrant color and nutrients.
- Optional Garnish: Before serving, sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a creamy, salty finish that enhances the flavors.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter alternative to beef.
- Other small pasta shapes like ditalini can be used if orzo is unavailable.
- Use crushed tomatoes for a smoother sauce texture if desired.
- Vegetable broth can substitute beef broth for a lighter, vegetarian-friendly version.
- Kale or Swiss chard can replace spinach for a different green leafy texture.
- For lower sodium, use low-sodium or homemade broth and reduce added salt.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat beautifully.
