Ground Beef Orzo Skillet Flavorful and Easy Recipe

Name: Savory Ground Beef Orzo Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 cup orzo pasta; 1 medium onion, finely diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 bell pepper diced (any color you prefer); 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (including juices); 2 cups beef broth; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; to taste salt and pepper; 1 cup fresh spinach (or kale), roughly chopped; 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional for topping); 1 tablespoon olive oil for sautéing

by Evelyn on January 14, 2025

Looking for a quick and tasty meal? This Ground Beef Orzo Skillet is your answer! Packed with rich flavors, tender ground beef, and wholesome veggies, it’s easy to whip up on any busy night. In this post, I’ll guide you through the simple steps and key ingredients needed to create this delicious dish. Let’s dive into the flavorful world of skillet meals and start cooking!

$- 1 pound ground beef - 1 cup orzo pasta - 1 medium onion, finely diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bell pepper, diced (any color you prefer) - 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (including juices) - 2 cups beef broth - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup fresh spinach (or kale), roughly chopped - 1 tablespoon olive oil for sautéing Each of these key ingredients plays a big role in creating a rich, tasty dish. Ground beef brings heartiness, while orzo adds a fun twist to your pasta experience. Fresh veggies keep the dish bright and colorful. Seasonings like Italian herbs and smoked paprika give it depth and warmth. - 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - Fresh herbs for garnish Adding cheese on top makes this dish even creamier and more indulgent. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley add a pop of color and freshness. - You can swap fresh spinach for kale if you prefer. Both greens work well and bring nutrients. - If you want to change the protein, try ground turkey or chicken. Both options keep the dish light while still being filling. These substitutions allow for creativity based on what you have on hand or your dietary needs. {{ingredient_image_2}} - Sautéing vegetables Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add 1 finely diced medium onion and 1 diced bell pepper. Sauté these for about 5 minutes. Stir them often until they soften and smell good. Next, add 2 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 1 more minute until you notice a nice aroma. - Cooking ground beef Raise the heat to medium-high. Add 1 pound of ground beef to the skillet. Cook it while breaking it apart with a spatula. Brown the beef for about 5 to 7 minutes until it's cooked through. Drain any extra fat from the skillet carefully. - Adding seasonings and tomatoes Now, sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix these in well. Then, add 1 can of diced tomatoes, with all the juices, and 2 cups of beef broth. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. - Cooking orzo and simmering Once simmering, add 1 cup of orzo pasta to the skillet. Lower the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it cook for 10 to 12 minutes. Stir it occasionally to stop the orzo from sticking. Cook until the pasta is soft and most of the liquid is gone. - Adding greens and optional cheese After the orzo is cooked, fold in 1 cup of roughly chopped fresh spinach or kale. Let it wilt for about 2-3 minutes. If you like cheese, sprinkle 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella on top. Cover the skillet again and let it sit for 2 more minutes. This will melt the cheese nicely. - Serving suggestions Serve your savory skillet hot. You can garnish with extra cheese or fresh herbs if you want. This meal is great served straight from the skillet for a cozy family-style dinner. - To cook orzo properly, use enough broth. It helps keep the pasta flavorful. - Stir the orzo every few minutes. This stops it from sticking to the skillet. - Add extra seasoning like red pepper flakes for heat. You can also try fresh herbs. - Use homemade broth for a richer taste. Store-bought works too but lacks depth. - Serve from the skillet for a cozy, family-style meal. It feels warm and inviting. - For a fancier look, plate servings in bowls. Garnish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley. This adds color and taste. Pro Tips Use Lean Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef (90% lean or higher) to reduce excess fat in the dish, making it healthier without sacrificing flavor. Add Extra Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms to boost nutrition and enhance the dish’s flavor profile. Customize the Cheese: Experiment with different cheeses like feta or goat cheese for a different twist on flavors and textures. Make it Ahead: This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to three days. Just reheat and enjoy for a quick meal! {{image_4}} You can swap out ground beef for ground turkey. It gives a lighter taste. Use the same amount, one pound. Or try vegetarian options like lentils or chickpeas. These add protein and fiber. They also bring a nice texture to your dish. Want some spice? Add red pepper flakes to the skillet. Start with a pinch and add more as you like. This will give your dish a warm kick. You can also play with herbs. Try using fresh basil or oregano for a fresh twist. If you need a gluten-free option, use zucchini noodles instead of orzo. Just spiralize the zucchini and sauté it briefly. For low-carb diets, this swap works wonders. It keeps the meal light while still being filling. - Refrigeration tips: Let the Ground Beef Orzo Skillet cool. Place it in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keeping it sealed helps maintain flavor and freshness. - Freezing guidelines: For longer storage, you can freeze the skillet. Transfer cooled dish to a freezer-safe container. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. Label the container with the date for easy tracking. - Microwave vs. stovetop methods: To reheat in the microwave, place a serving in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover it with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. For stovetop, add a splash of broth to a pan. Heat over low until warmed through, stirring often. - How long it lasts in the fridge and freezer: In the fridge, the Ground Beef Orzo Skillet stays fresh for about 3 days. In the freezer, it can last up to 3 months. Always check for any off smells or changes in texture before eating. It takes about 30 minutes to make Ground Beef Orzo Skillet. You spend 10 minutes on prep and 20 minutes cooking. This quick meal fits perfectly into a busy day. Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. To meal prep, cook the skillet as directed. Let it cool, then store it in the fridge for up to three days. You can also freeze it for up to three months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Serve this dish with a fresh salad or garlic bread. You can also pair it with steamed vegetables for a healthy side. For a heartier meal, add a side of roasted potatoes. Enjoy your flavorful meal! In this post, we explored how to make a delicious Ground Beef Orzo Skillet. We covered key ingredients like ground beef, orzo, and fresh veggies. You learned how to prepare, combine, and finish the dish, with helpful tips to enhance flavor and presentation. Remember, you can adjust ingredients based on your tastes. This dish is versatile and easy to store. Enjoy creating variations that fit your diet. Cooking can be simple and fun, so start your culinary adventure today!$

Why I Love This Recipe

One-Pot Convenience: This savory ground beef orzo skillet is a complete meal cooked in just one pan, making cleanup a breeze!
Packed with Flavor: The combination of Italian seasoning and smoked paprika adds depth and richness to the dish, elevating the simple ingredients.
Quick and Easy: With a total cooking time of only 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying dinner in a hurry.
Nutritious and Delicious: Incorporating fresh spinach (or kale) not only adds vibrant color but also boosts the nutritional value of this hearty meal.

Ingredients

Key Ingredients

– 1 pound ground beef

– 1 cup orzo pasta

– 1 medium onion, finely diced

– 2 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 bell pepper, diced (any color you prefer)

– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (including juices)

– 2 cups beef broth

– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

– Salt and pepper to taste

– 1 cup fresh spinach (or kale), roughly chopped

– 1 tablespoon olive oil for sautéing

Each of these key ingredients plays a big role in creating a rich, tasty dish. Ground beef brings heartiness, while orzo adds a fun twist to your pasta experience. Fresh veggies keep the dish bright and colorful. Seasonings like Italian herbs and smoked paprika give it depth and warmth.

Optional Ingredients

– 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

– Fresh herbs for garnish

Adding cheese on top makes this dish even creamier and more indulgent. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley add a pop of color and freshness.

Substitutions

– You can swap fresh spinach for kale if you prefer. Both greens work well and bring nutrients.

– If you want to change the protein, try ground turkey or chicken. Both options keep the dish light while still being filling.

These substitutions allow for creativity based on what you have on hand or your dietary needs.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation Steps

– Sautéing vegetables

Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add 1 finely diced medium onion and 1 diced bell pepper. Sauté these for about 5 minutes. Stir them often until they soften and smell good. Next, add 2 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 1 more minute until you notice a nice aroma.

– Cooking ground beef

Raise the heat to medium-high. Add 1 pound of ground beef to the skillet. Cook it while breaking it apart with a spatula. Brown the beef for about 5 to 7 minutes until it’s cooked through. Drain any extra fat from the skillet carefully.

Combining the Ingredients

– Adding seasonings and tomatoes

Now, sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix these in well. Then, add 1 can of diced tomatoes, with all the juices, and 2 cups of beef broth. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

– Cooking orzo and simmering

Once simmering, add 1 cup of orzo pasta to the skillet. Lower the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it cook for 10 to 12 minutes. Stir it occasionally to stop the orzo from sticking. Cook until the pasta is soft and most of the liquid is gone.

Final Touches

– Adding greens and optional cheese

After the orzo is cooked, fold in 1 cup of roughly chopped fresh spinach or kale. Let it wilt for about 2-3 minutes. If you like cheese, sprinkle 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella on top. Cover the skillet again and let it sit for 2 more minutes. This will melt the cheese nicely.

– Serving suggestions

Serve your savory skillet hot. You can garnish with extra cheese or fresh herbs if you want. This meal is great served straight from the skillet for a cozy family-style dinner.

Tips & Tricks

Cooking Tips

– To cook orzo properly, use enough broth. It helps keep the pasta flavorful.

– Stir the orzo every few minutes. This stops it from sticking to the skillet.

Flavor Enhancements

– Add extra seasoning like red pepper flakes for heat. You can also try fresh herbs.

– Use homemade broth for a richer taste. Store-bought works too but lacks depth.

Presentation Tips

– Serve from the skillet for a cozy, family-style meal. It feels warm and inviting.

– For a fancier look, plate servings in bowls. Garnish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley. This adds color and taste.

Pro Tips

Use Lean Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef (90% lean or higher) to reduce excess fat in the dish, making it healthier without sacrificing flavor.
Add Extra Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms to boost nutrition and enhance the dish’s flavor profile.
Customize the Cheese: Experiment with different cheeses like feta or goat cheese for a different twist on flavors and textures.
Make it Ahead: This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to three days. Just reheat and enjoy for a quick meal!

Variations

Different Protein Options

You can swap out ground beef for ground turkey. It gives a lighter taste. Use the same amount, one pound. Or try vegetarian options like lentils or chickpeas. These add protein and fiber. They also bring a nice texture to your dish.

Flavor Profile Changes

Want some spice? Add red pepper flakes to the skillet. Start with a pinch and add more as you like. This will give your dish a warm kick. You can also play with herbs. Try using fresh basil or oregano for a fresh twist.

Dietary Adjustments

If you need a gluten-free option, use zucchini noodles instead of orzo. Just spiralize the zucchini and sauté it briefly. For low-carb diets, this swap works wonders. It keeps the meal light while still being filling.

Storage Info

Storing Leftovers

– Refrigeration tips: Let the Ground Beef Orzo Skillet cool. Place it in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keeping it sealed helps maintain flavor and freshness.

– Freezing guidelines: For longer storage, you can freeze the skillet. Transfer cooled dish to a freezer-safe container. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. Label the container with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating Instructions

– Microwave vs. stovetop methods: To reheat in the microwave, place a serving in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover it with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. For stovetop, add a splash of broth to a pan. Heat over low until warmed through, stirring often.

Shelf Life

– How long it lasts in the fridge and freezer: In the fridge, the Ground Beef Orzo Skillet stays fresh for about 3 days. In the freezer, it can last up to 3 months. Always check for any off smells or changes in texture before eating.

FAQs

How long does it take to make Ground Beef Orzo Skillet?

It takes about 30 minutes to make Ground Beef Orzo Skillet. You spend 10 minutes on prep and 20 minutes cooking. This quick meal fits perfectly into a busy day.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. To meal prep, cook the skillet as directed. Let it cool, then store it in the fridge for up to three days. You can also freeze it for up to three months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.

What can I serve with Ground Beef Orzo Skillet?

Serve this dish with a fresh salad or garlic bread. You can also pair it with steamed vegetables for a healthy side. For a heartier meal, add a side of roasted potatoes. Enjoy your flavorful meal!

In this post, we explored how to make a delicious Ground Beef Orzo Skillet. We covered key ingredients like ground beef, orzo, and fresh veggies. You learned how to prepare, combine, and finish the dish, with helpful tips to enhance flavor and presentation.

Remember, you can adjust ingredients based on your tastes. This dish is versatile and easy to store. Enjoy creating variations that fit your diet. Cooking can be simple and fun, so start your culinary adventure toda

Savory Ground Beef Orzo Skillet

A delicious one-pot meal featuring ground beef, orzo pasta, and fresh vegetables, perfect for a family dinner.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
1 cup orzo pasta
1 medium onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 bell pepper diced (any color you prefer)
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (including juices)
2 cups beef broth
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
to taste salt and pepper
1 cup fresh spinach (or kale), roughly chopped
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional for topping)
1 tablespoon olive oil for sautéing

Instructions

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for an additional 1 minute until it becomes aromatic and slightly golden.
Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the skillet carefully.
Stir in the Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper for flavor. Then, add the can of diced tomatoes along with their juices, followed by the beef broth. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Once simmering, add the orzo pasta to the skillet. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it cook for 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure the orzo doesn't stick, cooking until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
After the orzo is cooked and the liquid is mostly absorbed, fold in the chopped spinach (or kale). Allow it to wilt, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
If desired, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the dish. Cover the skillet again and let it sit for an additional 2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve the savory skillet hot, garnished with extra cheese or fresh herbs if you like. Enjoy your delicious one-pot meal!

Notes

Serve directly from the skillet for a family-style meal, or plate individual portions in bowls and garnish with fresh herbs.

Keyword beef, one-pot meal, orzo, skillet