Description
This hearty Ground Beef Orzo is a one-pan dinner wonder! Packed with lean beef, tender orzo pasta, and rich tomato flavor, it’s a quick, family-friendly meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 lb lean ground beef
Salt and pepper to taste
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with herbs
1 cup orzo pasta
2½ cups low-sodium beef broth
2 cups fresh spinach (or other greens)
1½ tsp Italian seasoning (basil, oregano, thyme)
Optional: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for garnish
Instructions
Prep Ingredients – Chop the onion and mince the garlic before starting.
Sauté Onion – Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 5 minutes until translucent.
Brown the Beef – Add ground beef to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper, and cook for 6–8 minutes until fully browned.
Add Garlic and Tomatoes – Stir in minced garlic and canned tomatoes. Cook for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
Add Orzo and Broth – Pour in orzo and beef broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add Spinach and Seasoning – When orzo is tender and most liquid is absorbed, stir in spinach and Italian herbs. Cook for 1–2 more minutes until spinach wilts.
Serve – Optional: Top with Parmesan cheese and enjoy warm!
Notes
You can sub ground turkey or chicken for a lighter twist.
Frozen spinach works—just thaw and squeeze out excess moisture first.
Stir in cream or cheese at the end for extra richness!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 430 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 540 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 39 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg