Beefed-Up Spanish Orzo

Submitted by yooper

"A skillet supper that comes together in a matter of minutes!"

 

• Ready In: 25mins
• Ingredients: 10
• Serves: 4-6

ingredients

• 1 (16 ounce) package orzo pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1⁄2 lb mushroom, coarsely chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1⁄2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 (28 ounce) jar spaghetti sauce
• 1 cup salsa
• sliced pimento stuffed olive, for garnish

directions

1. Cook orzo according to package directions; drain, and set aside.
2. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat oil over high heat.
3. Add beef, mushrooms, onion, garlic powder, and black pepper.
4. Cook for 8-10 minutes, or until vegetables are tender and beef is no longer pink, stirring frequently.
5. Add cooked orzo, spaghetti sauce, and salsa.
6. Reduce heat to low and cook 3 to 5 minutes, or until heated through, stirring frequently.
7. Garnish with olives and serve.

Reviews

[Megicce]

Made this for dinner tonight and it was very good! I was skeptical about the salsa and almost didn't add it, but I'm glad I did; it makes this recipe. Used O Organics roasted garlic spaghetti sauce and Pace mild chunky salsa. I also only used about 8oz of orzo.<br/>As written, the recipe is a little spicy for my family (DH doesn't mind it, but 2-year-old DD doesn't handle spice well and neither do I!). I used slightly less than 1/2 tsp of black pepper this evening, but next time I will probably only use 1/4 tsp. With that change, this got a solid 4.5 stars from DH and from me. It's "comfort food"-y enough to please him, but different enough to keep me interested.<br/>Also, as another reviewer noted - this makes a LOT, even with only half a pound of orzo! Lots of leftovers for tomorrow. Thank you!

 

[Ginny Sue]

Great flavorful, filling meal. I used only about 8 oz. of orzo but full amounts of everything else. Leftovers were great reheated in the microwave.

 

[YiayiaMouse]

Prepared as written, which was a great use of several open jars and boxes in the 'fridge and pantry!:-D Gato (DH) said he liked the texture and it was quite good. His comment -- it needs stronger flavor. I couldn't agree more. Next time a HOT salsa and a spicy spaghetti sauce... we'll see how that goes! Thanks, Yooper!

 

[Svlange]

This turned out really great, but it does make a lot! I used 14oz of spaghetti sauce and a 14oz can of diced tomatoes. I also added a can of corn. Great!

 

[HEP MEP]

I'm surprised this is void of reviews - we thought it was great! An easy,tasty Monday night dinner. I followed the recipe, except that I didn't have a big enough frying pan for the whole works, so I put it in a casserole and heated it in the oven. Skipped the olives because we're not big fans, and added a little Italian cheese blend. Plenty for leftovers too. Thanks! We all liked the taste of this. (Also warmed some Italian rolls to accompany it)