Cilantro-Infused Beef and Orzo Delight
This Cilantro-Infused Beef and Orzo Delight is a vibrant and flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. The tender slices of extra-lean beef are cooked to perfection and combined with the delightful texture of orzo pasta, complemented by sweet corn, zesty chilies, and spicy Ro-tel tomatoes. The freshness of cilantro elevates the dish, making it a refreshing yet hearty option for any meal. Leftovers taste just as delicious, whether enjoyed warm or cold, making it a great choice for lunch the next day. Try it out for a quick and satisfying family dinner that everyone's sure to love!
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
beef broth
3 cups (liquid)
uncooked orzo pasta
1 1/2 cups (9 ounces) (dry)
vacuum-packed whole kernel corn
1 (11 ounce) can, undrained (canned)
diced green chilies
1 (4 ounce) can, undrained (canned)
Ro-tel Mexican festival tomatoes
1 (10 ounce) can, drained (canned)
olive oil or vegetable oil
2 teaspoons (for sautéing)
extra-lean beef
1/2 lb (sliced (e.g., stirfry beef))
medium bell pepper
1, cut into strips (optional)
chopped fresh cilantro
1/4 cup (fresh)
sliced black olives
1/4 cup (optional)
Instructions
1
In a 2-quart saucepan, combine beef broth, uncooked orzo pasta, undrained corn, diced green chilies, and drained Ro-tel tomatoes.
2
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the saucepan and allow it to simmer for approximately 10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and al dente.
3
Once the pasta is cooked, remove the saucepan from heat and let it sit covered until most of the liquid is absorbed.
4
While the pasta cooks, heat a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat and lightly spray with cooking spray. Add 2 teaspoons of olive oil or vegetable oil.
5
Add the sliced extra-lean beef to the skillet, along with bell pepper strips if using. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and cooked to your preference.
6
Gently fold the sautéed beef and bell peppers into the orzo mixture. Add the chopped fresh cilantro and sliced black olives, stirring until evenly distributed.
7
Serve the dish hot, garnished with additional cilantro if desired, and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cilantro-Infused Beef and Orzo Delight?
It is a vibrant, flavorful dish combining extra-lean beef slices with orzo pasta, corn, green chilies, and Ro-tel tomatoes, finished with fresh cilantro.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
How much beef is required for this dish?
You will need 1/2 lb of sliced extra-lean beef, such as stir-fry beef.
What type of pasta is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 cups (or 9 ounces) of uncooked orzo pasta.
Should the corn be drained before cooking?
No, the vacuum-packed whole kernel corn should be added undrained.
Do I need to drain the Ro-tel tomatoes?
Yes, the recipe specifies that the Ro-tel Mexican festival tomatoes should be drained.
What should I do with the green chilies?
Add the diced green chilies to the mixture undrained.
How long should the orzo simmer?
Simmer the orzo for approximately 10 minutes until it is tender and al dente.
What size saucepan is needed?
A 2-quart saucepan is recommended for cooking the orzo mixture.
What size skillet should be used for the beef?
A 10-inch skillet is used to sauté the beef and optional bell peppers.
How much beef broth is needed?
The recipe requires 3 cups of beef broth.
Can I use vegetable oil instead of olive oil?
Yes, you can use 2 teaspoons of either olive oil or vegetable oil for sautéing.
Are bell peppers required for this recipe?
No, the medium bell pepper cut into strips is an optional ingredient.
When do I add the cilantro?
Gently fold the chopped fresh cilantro into the orzo mixture after the beef has been added.
Are olives included in this dish?
Yes, 1/4 cup of sliced black olives can be added, though they are optional.
How long does it take to cook the beef?
The beef should be sautéed for about 5 minutes until browned.
Is this a good recipe for meal prep?
Yes, it is excellent for meal prep as leftovers taste great warm or cold.
What is the recommended cooking method?
This is a stovetop recipe using a saucepan and a skillet.
Can this dish be served cold?
Yes, the description mentions it can be enjoyed either warm or cold.
How do I ensure the orzo isn't too liquidy?
Once cooked, let the saucepan sit covered until most of the liquid is absorbed.
What heat setting should I use for simmering?
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer.
Is this dish spicy?
It contains zesty chilies and Ro-tel tomatoes, providing a mild spice and vibrant flavor.
Can I garnish the dish?
Yes, you can garnish the dish with additional fresh cilantro before serving.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 10 total ingredients, including the optional ones.
What tags apply to this recipe?
Tags include one dish meal, beef, orzo, weeknight dinner, cilantro, easy recipe, quick meal, meal prep, and stovetop.
How should the beef be prepared?
The extra-lean beef should be sliced into strips, similar to stir-fry beef.
What type of corn is used?
The recipe uses an 11-ounce can of vacuum-packed whole kernel corn.
Do I need to spray the skillet?
Yes, lightly spray the skillet with cooking spray before adding the oil.
What is the texture of the beef in this dish?
The beef is intended to be tender and cooked to your preference through sautéing.
Is this a quick dinner option?
Yes, it is described as a quick and satisfying family dinner perfect for weeknights.