Description
A hearty and comforting one-pan meal featuring ground beef, tender orzo pasta, savory vegetables, and melted cheeses. This Mediterranean-inspired dish comes together quickly on the stovetop, making it perfect for an easy weeknight dinner that’s packed with flavor and protein.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Main Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups uncooked orzo
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup baby spinach
Cheeses and Garnish
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 5 to 6 minutes.
- Sauté Aromatics: Stir in the diced onion, minced garlic, and diced red bell pepper. Cook until the vegetables soften, about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Season the Mix: Add smoked paprika, dried oregano, optional red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to evenly coat the beef and vegetables with the spices.
- Add Orzo and Liquids: Pour in the uncooked orzo, beef broth, and the can of diced tomatoes with their juices. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer Until Tender: Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 12 to 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and cook until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Wilt the Spinach: Stir in the baby spinach and cook just until wilted, about 1 to 2 minutes.
- Melt the Cheeses: Remove the skillet from heat. Fold in shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan until melted and the mixture becomes creamy.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top before serving for a burst of freshness and color.
Notes
- For extra richness, add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of ricotta cheese at the end before stirring in the cheeses.
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey or Italian sausage for different flavor profiles.
- This dish reheats well and makes excellent leftovers for quick meals.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the red pepper flakes to taste.
