Ground Beef Orzo Skillet Recipe
Introduction
This Ground Beef Orzo Skillet is a hearty and comforting one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Combining tender orzo, savory ground beef, and fresh spinach in a flavorful tomato sauce makes for a satisfying dish everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- ½ small yellow onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup dry orzo
- 1 ½ cups marinara sauce
- ½ cup beef broth
- ½ cup blended cottage cheese
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
Instructions
- Step 1: Add the ground beef and chopped onion to a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Cook, breaking up the beef as it browns, until fully cooked.
- Step 2: Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and salt. Cook for 1-2 more minutes until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add the dry orzo, marinara sauce, and beef broth to the skillet. Stir well to combine, then bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook uncovered for about 10 minutes, or until the orzo is tender.
- Step 4: Mix in the blended cottage cheese, Worcestershire sauce, grated Parmesan, and fresh baby spinach. Cook for another 2-4 minutes until the spinach wilts and the dish is heated through.
- Step 5: Serve immediately while warm and enjoy.
Tips & Variations
- Use part-skim cottage cheese and blend it smooth to create a creamy texture without adding too much richness.
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick or swap baby spinach for kale for a heartier green.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with cooked lentils or mushrooms and use vegetable broth.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if the mixture feels dry.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta instead of orzo?
Yes, small pasta shapes like acini di pepe or couscous can work well, but cooking times may vary slightly.
What can I do if I don’t have Worcestershire sauce?
You can substitute with soy sauce or omit it entirely; Worcestershire adds depth but the dish will still be flavorful without it.
PrintGround Beef Orzo Skillet Recipe
This Ground Beef Orzo Skillet is a hearty, one-pan meal featuring lean ground beef cooked with aromatic onions and garlic, tender orzo pasta simmered in marinara and beef broth, and finished with creamy blended cottage cheese, Parmesan cheese, and fresh baby spinach. It’s a comforting and easy dish perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- ½ small yellow onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
Dry Ingredients & Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup dry orzo pasta
Liquids & Sauces
- 1 ½ cups marinara sauce
- ½ cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Dairy
- ½ cup blended cottage cheese (see notes)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the ground beef and onion: In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook over medium heat, stirring and breaking up the beef until it is browned and cooked through.
- Add garlic and seasoning: Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and salt. Continue cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Simmer with orzo and liquids: Add the dry orzo, marinara sauce, and beef broth to the skillet. Stir well to combine all ingredients. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cook uncovered for about 10 minutes, or until the orzo is tender.
- Incorporate cottage cheese, Worcestershire, Parmesan, and spinach: Stir in the blended cottage cheese, Worcestershire sauce, grated Parmesan, and fresh baby spinach. Continue cooking for 2-4 minutes until the spinach wilts and the dish is heated through.
- Serve: Once everything is hot and well combined, serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- To blend cottage cheese: place cottage cheese in a blender or food processor and process until smooth for a creamy texture.
- This recipe can be customized by adding other vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers.
- Using lean ground beef keeps the dish lower in fat and calories.
- Ensure to stir frequently while the orzo cooks to prevent it from sticking to the pan.
Keywords: ground beef skillet, orzo pasta recipe, easy weeknight dinner, Italian skillet meal, one-pan dinner
