Cozy Ground Beef Orzo

$- 1 lb ground beef - 1 cup orzo pasta - 1 medium onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices) - 2 cups beef broth - 1 cup spinach, chopped - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for serving) - Fresh basil leaves for garnish The main star of this dish is the ground beef. It gives great flavor and texture. Orzo pasta adds a nice bite and helps make the dish filling. The onion and garlic bring sweetness and depth. Diced tomatoes add acidity and color, while beef broth makes everything rich and savory. Spinach adds a fresh touch and a pop of green. Oregano and paprika give warmth and complexity. Salt and pepper are crucial to enhance all these flavors. Olive oil helps in cooking and adds richness. Finally, Parmesan cheese and fresh basil make for a lovely finish. - If you want a leaner option, try ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. - For a gluten-free dish, use rice or gluten-free orzo. - To make this dish vegetarian, swap the beef for lentils or mushrooms. These swaps help you adjust the recipe to fit your taste or dietary needs. Each alternative brings its own flavor and texture. Ground turkey is lighter, while lentils add a hearty feel. - Use fresh ingredients for the best taste. Check your veggies for firmness. - Cooked orzo can last up to 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. Always cool the dish before storing it. This helps keep it fresh longer. If you add spinach, it may wilt more quickly in leftovers, so enjoy it soon! {{ingredient_image_1}} - First, gather your ingredients. You need 1 pound of ground beef, 1 cup of orzo, 1 medium onion, 2 cloves of garlic, 1 can of diced tomatoes, and 2 cups of beef broth. - Next, wash and chop the spinach. Measure out your spices: 1 teaspoon each of oregano and paprika. Set aside salt and pepper for later. - Dice the onion and mince the garlic. This helps the flavors blend nicely in the dish. - In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until it looks clear, about 3 to 4 minutes. - Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute. This step adds a great aroma to your dish. - Now, add the ground beef. Break it apart with a spatula and cook until it turns brown, about 5 to 7 minutes. Season it with salt, pepper, oregano, and paprika for extra flavor. - Once the beef is brown, stir in the can of diced tomatoes, including the juices, and add the beef broth. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil. - When it reaches a boil, add the orzo pasta. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer uncovered for about 10 to 12 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep it from sticking. - After the orzo is cooked, stir in the chopped spinach. Let it wilt for 2 to 3 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. - Serve your cozy ground beef orzo warm. Top it with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves for a lovely finish. Using fresh herbs can really lift your dish. I love adding chopped basil at the end. It gives a bright flavor. You can also try fresh parsley or oregano. Experimenting with spices is fun too. Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes can give a nice kick. Try smoked paprika for a deeper taste. Browning meat properly is key for flavor. Make sure your skillet is hot. This helps lock in the juices. Cook the beef until it is nice and brown. For orzo, achieving the perfect texture is important. Stir it often to prevent sticking. You want it tender, but not mushy. Pairing your dish with sides can enhance the meal. A simple green salad or garlic bread works well. You can also serve it with crusty rolls. For a creative presentation, serve in individual bowls. Top each bowl with fresh basil and cheese. This makes it look fancy and inviting. Pro Tips Brown the Beef Well: Ensure the ground beef is browned properly to develop rich flavors. Don't rush this step! Cook Orzo Al Dente: Stirring occasionally will help prevent the orzo from sticking together and ensure it’s cooked just right. Add Fresh Spinach Last: Adding spinach towards the end keeps it vibrant and packed with nutrients—perfect for a healthy dish! Garnish Generously: Fresh basil and Parmesan on top elevate the dish—don’t skip this step for extra flavor! {{image_2}} You can easily change the ground beef in this dish. Try ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. If you want a vegetarian meal, swap the beef for lentils or mushrooms. These options keep the dish hearty and flavorful. Adding other vegetables can also boost nutrition and taste. Consider diced bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots. These veggies add color and crunch. Just remember to sauté them briefly with the onions. If you crave heat, add some chili flakes or diced jalapeños. This twist brings a spicy kick to your cozy meal. You can adjust the amount to suit your taste. For a comforting creamy orzo, stir in some cream cheese or sour cream before serving. This adds richness and a velvety texture. It makes each bite more indulgent and satisfying. For a Mediterranean-inspired dish, add olives and feta cheese. These ingredients bring a salty, tangy flavor that pairs well with the beef and orzo. You can also sprinkle some za'atar spice for an extra layer of taste. If you're in the mood for an Italian-style Cozy Ground Beef Orzo, add basil and oregano. Use marinara sauce instead of diced tomatoes. This change creates a rich, tomato-based sauce that feels like a warm hug. Don't forget to finish with fresh Parmesan for that authentic touch! Let your Cozy Ground Beef Orzo cool down before storing. I suggest putting it in a shallow container for faster cooling. This method helps keep the food safe. You should store the dish in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to seal it tightly to keep out air and moisture. You can freeze Cozy Ground Beef Orzo in portions. Use airtight containers or freezer bags for best results. This way, you can enjoy a warm meal later. Make sure to label the bags with the date. When you’re ready to eat, take it out and thaw it in the fridge overnight. This method keeps the flavors intact. Reheating can be done on the stovetop or in the microwave. For stovetop reheating, place the orzo in a pan over low heat. Add a splash of beef broth to keep it moist. Stir it frequently until warm. If you use the microwave, heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This method helps keep the texture and flavor just right. How long does it take to make Cozy Ground Beef Orzo? It takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. You can get a delicious meal fast. Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge. Reheat before serving. Is orzo the same as rice? No, orzo is pasta shaped like rice. It cooks differently and has a unique texture. Is this recipe gluten-free? No, this recipe is not gluten-free. Orzo contains wheat, which has gluten. Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes, you can use any small pasta. Try ditalini or shells for a fun twist. What to do if my orzo is overcooked? If overcooked, it may become mushy. You can add a bit of broth to help. How to make this recipe more nutritious? Add more veggies like bell peppers or zucchini. You can also use leaner beef for a healthier dish. This blog post covered your guide to making Cozy Ground Beef Orzo. We explored essential ingredients, smart substitutions, and tips for freshness. I detailed step-by-step cooking instructions, plus ways to enhance flavor and adapt the recipe. You can even experiment with flavors and serving styles. Finally, I shared storage tips to keep your dish tasty later. Cooking can be fun and flexible. Enjoy creating your own cozy dish!$

A comforting dish featuring ground beef, orzo pasta, and spinach, perfect for a cozy meal.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 cup orzo pasta
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
2 cups beef broth
1 cup spinach, chopped
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon paprika
to taste salt and pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
to taste fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, oregano, and paprika.
Stir in the can of diced tomatoes (with juices) and the beef broth, bringing it to a gentle boil.
Once boiling, add the orzo pasta, reduce the heat to medium-low, and let it simmer uncovered for about 10-12 minutes or until the orzo is tender, stirring occasionally.
When the orzo is cooked, stir in the chopped spinach and allow it to wilt for 2-3 minutes. Adjust seasoning as needed.
Serve warm, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh basil leaves.

Notes

Adjust seasoning to taste and garnish with fresh basil for added flavor.

Keyword comfort food, ground beef, one-pot meal, orzo