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Ground Beef Orzo Skillet Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 65 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. Add garlic and seasoning: Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and salt. Continue cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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

Find it online: https://www.cheftara.com/ground-beef-orzo-skillet-recipe/