Savory Ground Beef Orzo Recipe for Cozy Nights 🍝🌙✨
1. Introduction
Welcome to your new favorite one pot dinner! This savory ground beef orzo recipe is the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you need a quick, hearty, and comforting meal. Combining tender ground meat with the perfectly cooked orzo pasta, this dish offers excellent dinner ideas for 16 people or smaller gatherings. Whether you’re craving good ground beef recipes or simply want easy ground beef recipes that are flavorful and satisfying, this one pot casserole dinner is a must-try.
2. Ingredients for Savory Ground Beef Orzo
- 1 lb ground beef (beef, turkey, or chicken as alternatives)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 3 cups beef or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheese (optional but recommended)
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
3. Preparing the Ground Beef and Aromatics
**Step 1: Cook the ground beef**
In a large, deep skillet or non-stick cookware, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Season with salt and pepper while cooking. Drain excess fat if necessary.
**Step 2: Add onions and garlic**
Stir in chopped onions and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This creates a flavorful base for your comfort ground beef recipes.
4. Cooking the Orzo Pasta with the Ground Beef
**Step 3: Combine ingredients in the skillet**
Add the uncooked orzo pasta to the beef and onion mixture. Stir to coat the pasta with the flavors. Pour in the diced tomatoes (with juice) and broth, stirring well. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
**Step 4: Simmer until the orzo is cooked**
Bring everything to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and the liquid has been absorbed. This creates a creamy, flavorful one pot casserole dinner.
5. Finishing Touches and Serving Suggestions
**Step 5: Add cheese and herbs**
Once cooked, sprinkle shredded cheese over the hot dish and cover until melted. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for a burst of freshness. Serve hot with crusty bread or a side salad for an irresistible dinner experience.
**Step 6: Serve and enjoy**
This easy and cheap oven dinner is perfect for weeknights and makes excellent leftovers. For a complete meal, pair it with roasted vegetables or a simple green salad.
6. Storage Tips and Make-Ahead Ideas
Leftovers can be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of broth or water and microwave until hot. This dish also reheats well on the stovetop, making it ideal for make-ahead dinner ideas. For long-term storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
7. Variations and Customizations
- Swap ground beef for turkey or chicken for a lighter variation.
- Add chopped vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for extra nutrients.
- Mix in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese for creaminess.
- Top with crispy bacon bits for added flavor and texture.
8. Tips for Perfectly Creamy and Flavorful Ground Beef Orzo
- Use a good quality broth to enhance the dish’s flavor.
- Don’t overcook the orzo; keep an eye on the simmering process.
- Finish with fresh herbs and cheese for maximum flavor.
- For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes during cooking.
9. Conclusion
This savory ground beef orzo recipe is the ultimate comfort food that is both quick and budget-friendly. Its simplicity makes it perfect for busy weeknights and large family dinners. By incorporating easily accessible ingredients and a straightforward cooking process, you can enjoy a satisfying dinner idea for 16 people or just a cozy night in. Whether you’re searching for good ground beef recipes or compiling easy cheap oven dinners, this dish delivers a hearty, flavorful meal every time. Happy cooking!
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Savory Ground Beef Orzo Recipe for Cozy Nights
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Main Dish
Description
Discover the ultimate cozy night dinner with this savory Ground Beef Orzo Recipe. Perfect for busy weeknights, this one-pot meal combines tender ground beef, flavorful herbs, and perfectly cooked orzo pasta for a hearty and satisfying dish everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (beef, turkey, or chicken)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 3 cups beef or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Instructions
- Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef, cook until browned, breaking apart with a spatula. Season with salt and pepper. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add chopped onions to the skillet, cook until translucent (about 3-4 minutes). Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add orzo pasta to the beef mixture, stirring to coat. Pour in diced tomatoes with juice and broth. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until orzo is tender and liquid has been absorbed, stirring occasionally.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over the hot mixture and cover until melted. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil.
- Serve hot, perfect with crusty bread or a simple side salad.
Notes
- Swap ground beef for turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
- Add chopped vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for extra nutrients.
- Mix in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese for creaminess.
- Top with crispy bacon bits for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American