This Ground Beef and Orzo Skillet is a savory, one pan dish that brings comfort and warmth to your dinner table. The tender orzo, juicy ground beef, and colorful vegetables come together in a deliciously hearty meal that’s simple to make and perfect for any night of the week.
It’s an ideal choice for busy nights when you need a quick, satisfying dinner. The beef and vegetables provide a balanced mix of protein and nutrients, while the orzo adds a satisfying bite. Garnished with fresh parsley, this dish is as flavorful as it is visually appealing. You’ll love how easy it is to prepare and how everyone at the table will enjoy it!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 lb ground beef
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1 cup orzo pasta
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 onion, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 red bell pepper, chopped
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1 zucchini, chopped
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1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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2 cups beef broth
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Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Directions:
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In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
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Add the chopped onion, garlic, bell pepper, and zucchini to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
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Stir in the diced tomatoes, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
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Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.
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Add the orzo and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
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Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 450 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Ground Beef and Orzo Skillet: A Delicious, One-Pan Comfort Food
If you’re looking for a hearty, flavorful, and easy to make dinner, then look no further than the Ground Beef and Orzo Skillet. This dish is an excellent choice for busy weeknights when you want something quick but satisfying. Combining the savory goodness of ground beef with the tenderness of orzo pasta, vibrant vegetables, and aromatic spices, this skillet meal offers the best of both worlds. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also simple to make and requires minimal cleanup, making it a perfect meal for any home cook.
Why Choose Ground Beef and Orzo Skillet?
The appeal of a one pan dish is undeniable. Not only does it make cooking easier, but it also simplifies cleaning up afterward. With just a single skillet, you can create a full meal with protein, vegetables, and carbs in one go. And with ground beef as the base, you are guaranteed a rich, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the tender orzo.
Ground beef is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from burgers to casseroles, but it shines particularly well in skillet meals like this one. It cooks quickly, absorbing the flavors of the seasonings and vegetables, ensuring that every bite is packed with flavor. Moreover, ground beef is an affordable protein source that is commonly available in most grocery stores, making it a staple in many households.
On the other hand, orzo is a small, rice-shaped pasta that is often used in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cooking. It cooks relatively quickly and adds a wonderful texture to the dish. Orzo has a neutral flavor, which allows it to absorb the seasonings and juices from the ground beef and vegetables, making it an ideal complement to the other ingredients in this skillet.
The Perfect Combination of Ingredients
The beauty of the Ground Beef and Orzo Skillet lies in its simplicity. While it uses a few basic ingredients, it packs in plenty of flavors. The ground beef is browned to perfection, giving the dish a deep, savory flavor that serves as the base for the other ingredients. The onions and garlic sautéed in olive oil form the aromatic foundation for the dish, while the colorful vegetables such as bell peppers and zucchini add both texture and nutrition.
The tomatoes, whether fresh or canned, provide a touch of acidity that helps to balance out the richness of the beef, creating a harmonious flavor profile. The beef broth acts as the cooking liquid, ensuring that the orzo cooks in a flavorful base, infusing the pasta with savory goodness. A sprinkle of fresh parsley as a garnish adds a pop of color and freshness, bringing the entire dish together.
One of the main reasons this recipe works so well is the way the ingredients are cooked together in one skillet. As the beef browns and the vegetables cook, they release their juices, which are then absorbed by the orzo. This process ensures that the orzo is infused with the rich flavors of the beef, garlic, and vegetables, creating a dish that is far more flavorful than if each ingredient were cooked separately.
Quick, Easy, and Nutritious
Not only does this dish come together quickly, but it also provides a balanced and nutritious meal. Ground beef is a great source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body. It also contains important nutrients like iron, zinc, and B vitamins, which are vital for maintaining a healthy immune system, energy production, and overall well being.
The vegetables in this recipe, such as bell peppers and zucchini, add fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Bell peppers are packed with vitamin C, which helps support a strong immune system, while zucchini is a great source of antioxidants that help fight inflammation in the body. These vegetables help to round out the dish, making it not only filling but also nourishing.
Additionally, orzo is a good source of carbohydrates, providing the energy your body needs to function throughout the day. When combined with the other ingredients, orzo helps to balance the dish, making it a well rounded meal that includes protein, vegetables, and carbs.
Versatility of the Ground Beef and Orzo Skillet
While the basic version of this recipe is already delicious, it’s highly adaptable to your personal tastes and dietary preferences. The vegetables used in this dish can be easily swapped for other types, depending on what you have available. If you prefer a different kind of vegetable, you can use carrots, peas, or even spinach. Feel free to experiment with different flavors to make the dish your own.
You can also customize the seasoning to suit your preferences. Add more garlic, increase the amount of oregano for a Mediterranean twist, or introduce a little bit of heat with red pepper flakes. The options are endless, so don’t be afraid to get creative and try new combinations of spices and ingredients.
For a lighter version of the dish, you can use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. This will reduce the fat content while still providing a delicious protein base. Additionally, if you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can easily substitute the orzo with a gluten-free pasta or a cauliflower rice alternative.
Perfect for Meal Prep
Another great benefit of the Ground Beef and Orzo Skillet is that it’s an excellent dish for meal prep. Since the recipe makes several servings, you can easily store leftovers in airtight containers for later use. It will keep well in the fridge for 3 to 4 days, and it reheats beautifully in the microwave or on the stovetop.
This makes the skillet meal a great option for busy individuals or families who need to have quick, nutritious meals throughout the week. Simply cook it once, and you’ll have a satisfying meal ready for lunch or dinner the next day. Plus, it’s easy to pack for work or school, making it a convenient and tasty option for on the go meals.
Conclusion:
The Ground Beef and Orzo Skillet is the perfect weeknight meal quick, easy, and packed with flavor. It’s the ideal dish for anyone looking to enjoy a comforting, one-pan meal that can be customized to suit any taste. Whether you stick to the basic recipe or experiment with different vegetables and seasonings, this dish will always deliver a satisfying and hearty meal that everyone at the table will enjoy. The best part? It requires minimal cleanup, so you can spend more time enjoying your meal and less time in the kitchen.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or a group of friends, this Ground Beef and Orzo Skillet is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire. Its versatility, ease of preparation, and delicious flavor make it a go to choice for any occasion. Give it a try tonight and savor the deliciousness that comes with this simple yet satisfying meal!