Mediterranean Beef & Orzo Skillet Delight
This Mediterranean Beef & Orzo Skillet Delight is a vibrant and satisfying one-pot meal that brings together the richness of lean ground beef, tender orzo pasta, and nutrient-packed spinach. Infused with the aromatic flavors of oregano and garlic, along with juicy tomatoes, this dish is perfect for busy nights when you crave a wholesome homemade dinner without the hassle. It's a comforting option that evokes the sunny Mediterranean, making it a family favorite any day of the week. With its quick cooking time and easy cleanup, this skillet supper is bound to become a staple in your meal rotation.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (Sprinkled into the pan)
Lean ground beef
1 lb (Crumble into the frying pan)
Onion
1 (Finely chopped)
Garlic cloves
2-4 (Minced)
Canned tomatoes
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can (Juices included and tomatoes broken up)
Beef broth
1 1/2 cups (Added straight into the skillet)
Fresh oregano or crumbled dried oregano
1 teaspoon or 1/2 teaspoon (Minced or crumbled)
Pepper
1/4 teaspoon (Added to the mixture)
Dried orzo pasta
8 ounces (1 cup) (Stirred into the skillet)
Frozen chopped spinach
1 (10 ounce) package (Thawed and squeezed of excess liquid)
Grated Parmesan cheese
1/2-3/4 cup (For garnish, added to taste)
Instructions
1
In a large 10 to 12-inch frying pan over medium-high heat, sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon of salt and crumble the ground beef into the pan. Cook the beef, stirring frequently, for about 3 to 5 minutes or until it begins to brown.
2
Reduce the heat to medium and add the finely chopped onion to the pan. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes until the onion is soft but not browned. If there is excess fat, spoon it off and discard it.
3
Add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Then, add the canned tomatoes (breaking them up with a spoon), broth, minced oregano, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
4
Once boiling, stir in the dried orzo pasta. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and simmer gently for 10 to 12 minutes or until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
5
While the pasta is cooking, thoroughly squeeze the thawed spinach to remove excess liquid, then stir the spinach into the pasta mixture until heated through, about 2 minutes.
6
Serve the dish hot, garnished with 1/2 to 3/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, allowing each person to add cheese to their taste.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Beef & Orzo Skillet Delight?
It is a vibrant and satisfying one-pot meal that combines lean ground beef, tender orzo pasta, spinach, and Mediterranean seasonings.
How many ingredients are needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires 11 ingredients including beef, orzo, spinach, tomatoes, and various seasonings.
What kind of beef is recommended?
The recipe specifies using 1 pound of lean ground beef for the best results.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use either 1 teaspoon of minced fresh oregano or 1/2 teaspoon of crumbled dried oregano.
What type of pasta is used in this skillet dish?
Dried orzo pasta is used, specifically 8 ounces or approximately 1 cup.
How do I prepare the frozen spinach?
The frozen chopped spinach should be thawed and then thoroughly squeezed to remove any excess liquid before being added to the pan.
What size pan should I use?
A large 10 to 12-inch frying pan is recommended for this recipe.
How long does it take to brown the beef?
The ground beef should be cooked for about 3 to 5 minutes until it begins to brown.
Should I drain the fat from the beef?
Yes, the instructions suggest spooning off and discarding any excess fat after cooking the onion.
How do I prepare the onion?
One onion should be finely chopped and cooked until soft, which takes about 5 minutes.
When should I add the garlic?
Add the minced garlic after the onions are soft and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Do I need to drain the canned tomatoes?
No, you should include the juices and break the tomatoes up with a spoon as they are added to the skillet.
What liquid is used to cook the orzo?
The orzo is cooked in a mixture of beef broth and the juices from the canned tomatoes.
How long does the orzo need to simmer?
The orzo should simmer covered for 10 to 12 minutes or until it is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
What temperature should I use for simmering?
After bringing the mixture to a boil, reduce the heat to low to simmer the orzo.
When do I add the spinach to the dish?
The spinach is added after the pasta is tender and then heated through for about 2 minutes.
How is the dish garnished?
The dish is garnished with 1/2 to 3/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
Is this recipe suitable for a quick weeknight dinner?
Yes, it is designed as a quick one-pot meal with easy cleanup, perfect for busy nights.
What are the primary flavors in this recipe?
The dish features aromatic garlic, oregano, and savory beef broth combined with tomatoes.
Is this a healthy meal option?
Yes, it contains lean protein, nutrient-packed spinach, and is described as a wholesome homemade dinner.
Can I adjust the amount of garlic?
The recipe suggests using between 2 to 4 cloves of minced garlic depending on your preference.
How much beef broth is required?
You will need 1 1/2 cups of beef broth.
Does the recipe use a lot of salt?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of salt sprinkled during the initial browning of the beef.
What is the serving suggestion for the cheese?
It is recommended to serve the dish hot and allow each person to add Parmesan cheese to their own taste.
What can I use if I don't have fresh oregano?
You can substitute with 1/2 teaspoon of crumbled dried oregano.
How much spinach is used?
The recipe uses one 10-ounce package of frozen chopped spinach.
What type of tomatoes should I buy?
One 14 1/2 ounce can of tomatoes is required for this skillet meal.
Is the onion supposed to be browned?
No, the onion should be cooked until soft but not browned.
How much pepper is added?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of pepper.
What is the texture of the finished orzo?
The orzo should be tender and should have absorbed most of the cooking liquid.