Description
A quick and comforting weeknight dinner that combines ground beef, orzo pasta, marinara sauce, and melted cheese in a single skillet for minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 lean to fat ratio)
- 1 to 1.5 cups orzo pasta
- 1.5 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup beef broth (low-sodium)
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: Handful of fresh spinach
- Optional: Fresh chopped parsley or parmesan for garnish
Instructions
- Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Have all ingredients measured and ready.
- Heat a large skillet (12-inch) over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it up with a wooden spoon. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes until no longer pink. Remove beef from the pan and set aside on a plate.
- In the same skillet, add the diced onions. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent. If the pan is dry, add a splash of olive oil. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add the dry orzo pasta to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Stir and toast for 2-3 minutes until slightly nutty.
- Pour in the beef broth and marinara sauce. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and simmer for 10-12 minutes without lifting the lid. Check for tenderness; cook 2-3 minutes more if needed.
- Remove the lid. Stir the cooked ground beef back into the skillet. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Cover the skillet again and let it sit for 2-3 minutes off the heat to allow the cheese to melt.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. If adding spinach, toss it in now to wilt. Serve immediately.
Notes
Toast the orzo before adding liquid to prevent mushiness and add nutty flavor. Shred your own cheese for a smoother melt. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of broth or water. If too thin, uncover and cook for another minute. Do not freeze leftovers as the pasta may become mushy and cheese may separate.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 900
- Fat: 35
- Saturated Fat: 15
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 35
Keywords: one-skillet dinner, cheeseburger orzo, quick weeknight meals, easy pasta recipes, ground beef recipes, family friendly dinner, minimal cleanup