Cilantro Orzo and Beef

As I was searching through all my cookbooks for healthy recipes, I came across this easy skillet meal.  Healthy recipes can be hard for me, so I like to find inspiration in cookbooks.  This is a great healthy skillet meal and my family really liked it.  It's super simple to make and can easily be ready in less than 30 minutes.  

It does have a lot of orzo compared to meat, but my family actually liked the extra orzo.  If you want less pasta, feel free to reduce the measurements slightly.  Or, you could always add one pound of lean ground beef.  You could even use lean ground turkey if you prefer.  I like to top mine with a dollop of light sour cream and stir it into the pasta, that way it makes it nice and creamy.  

This was very good and it tastes great leftover.

If you have any favorite healthy main dish recipes, feel free to send them my way :)

Cilantro Orzo and Beef
adapted from: Betty Crocker
(Printable Recipe)

3 c. low-sodium beef broth
1 1/2 c. uncooked orzo pasta
1/2 Lb. lean ground beef
1/2 c. finely chopped onion
1 red bell pepper, ribbed, seeded and chopped
1 (15.25 oz.) can corn, drained
1 (4 oz.) can diced green chiles, undrained
1/2 tsp. ground cumin, or to taste
1/4 c. chopped fresh cilantro
salt and pepper, to taste

For serving (optional):
light sour cream
crumbled Feta cheese
diced avocado

Combine beef broth and orzo in a large saucepan.  Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer about 10 minutes or until orzo is tender and all the liquid is almost absorbed; remove from heat.  Meanwhile, brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, add the onion and bell pepper and saute about 5 minutes or until tender.  Add the corn, diced green chiles, cumin and fresh cilantro.  Stir in the cooked orzo.  Season with salt and pepper, to taste.  Serve with sour cream, crumbled Feta cheese and diced avocado, if desired.  Serves: 4-6.  

Jenn's Notes:  There is a lot of pasta in this dish compared to meat.  If you would like more meat, feel free to add one pound of lean ground beef or reduce the orzo. 

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