Ground Beef Orzo is a rich, comforting one-skillet meal that delivers bold flavor with minimal effort. Tender orzo pasta simmers in a savory tomato-based sauce with well-seasoned ground beef, garlic, herbs, and a touch of cheese. It’s a cozy, satisfying dinner that’s quick enough for weeknights and hearty enough to please the whole family.
What Makes This Dish Special?
This recipe is a perfect mix of pasta and protein in one pan. The orzo absorbs all the flavors of the beefy tomato sauce, giving every bite a deep, comforting taste. It’s quick, budget-friendly, and super adaptable—add veggies, spice, or different cheeses to make it your own. Plus, cleanup is a breeze since it’s all made in one pot.
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil (if needed)
- ½ onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups orzo pasta
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 ½ cups beef broth
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat. If the pan is dry, add olive oil.
2. Sauté Aromatics
Add chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook another 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Stir in Orzo & Tomato
Add orzo, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
4. Add Broth & Simmer
Pour in the beef broth. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and cook for about 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
5. Finish with Cheese
Stir in shredded cheese until melted and creamy. If the mixture is too thick, add a splash more broth or water.
6. Serve
Garnish with fresh parsley or basil. Serve hot as a comforting one-dish meal.
Variations
- Cheesy Upgrade: Stir in cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream for extra richness.
- Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
- Add Veggies: Mix in spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini in the last few minutes of cooking.
- Mediterranean Style: Add olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta instead of mozzarella.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet with lid
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board and knife
Nutritional Information (Approx. Per Serving)
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 25g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 5g
Storage Tips
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Gently reheat on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of broth.
- Freezing: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
My Cooking Experience
I’ve made this dish countless times when I need something hearty without the hassle. It’s especially great on cold nights or when I’m cooking for a crowd. The one-pot method saves time, and the flavors always taste like they took hours to develop. My family loves it, and I love how easy it is to make and clean up.
Conclusion
Ground Beef Orzo is the ultimate weeknight dinner—filling, flavorful, and made in just one pan. Whether you’re craving comfort food or looking to use pantry staples in a new way, this recipe is sure to become a go-to in your rotation.
ground beef orzo
Ingredients
Method
- In a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat. If the pan is dry, add olive oil.
- Add chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add orzo, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Pour in the beef broth. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and cook for about 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in shredded cheese until melted and creamy. If the mixture is too thick, add a splash more broth or water.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil. Serve hot as a comforting one-dish meal.
Notes
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Gently reheat on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of broth.
