If you’re searching for a comforting dinner that comes together quickly and bursts with Mediterranean-inspired flavor, this Ground Beef Orzo is exactly what you need! Juicy morsels of seasoned beef mingling with tender orzo, all simmered in a tomato-rich broth, create a one-pan meal that’s both hearty and easy enough for any busy weeknight. The sprinkle of parmesan and fresh parsley at the end adds a lovely finish that makes it feel extra special—trust me, everyone at your table will be asking for seconds!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed by how just a few essential ingredients work together to create the magic of this Ground Beef Orzo. Each one brings something vital—whether it’s depth, richness, color, or a hint of Mediterranean flair—so get ready to enjoy every bite.
- Ground Beef: Choose 80/20 beef for the perfect balance of flavor and juiciness in your orzo.
- Olive Oil: Just a touch is needed to start the onions and create savory notes throughout the dish.
- Yellow Onion: Diced onion adds aromatic sweetness and a gentle background flavor.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the beef and orzo an irresistible, savory punch.
- Dried Oregano: A sprinkle brings a warm, herby backbone typical of classic Mediterranean recipes.
- Paprika: For subtle color and a whisper of gentle spice that perks up the sauce.
- Salt: Essential for balancing all the flavors—don’t skip or skimp!
- Black Pepper: Adds a very slight heat and brings all of the seasonings together.
- Orzo Pasta: This rice-shaped pasta cooks quickly and soaks up all the saucy beef and tomato goodness.
- Beef Broth: Infuses everything with deep, savory notes and helps the orzo become tender.
- Diced Tomatoes: Use the full can, juice included, for a bright, tangy foundation.
- Parmesan Cheese: Just a quarter cup gives the final dish a creamy, slightly nutty finish.
- Fresh Parsley (optional): A sprinkle of green makes the dish pop and adds a light, fresh touch.
How to Make Ground Beef Orzo
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating a large skillet or a deep sauté pan over medium heat. Add the olive oil, then crumble in the ground beef. Use a spoon or spatula to break it up as it cooks—keep going until the beef is nicely browned and fully cooked through. If there’s extra grease, drain it off, but leave some for richness. This simple step gives your Ground Beef Orzo its savory, meaty base.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pan with the beef. Sauté for about 2 to 3 minutes, until the onion turns soft and translucent and the garlic is fragrant. These little aromatics are what make the whole kitchen smell incredible and infuse every bite of your Ground Beef Orzo with flavor.
Step 3: Season Everything
Now it’s time to sprinkle in the dried oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well, so every bit of beef and onion gets evenly coated in those cozy spices. This quick step transforms the base from simple to savory.
Step 4: Add Orzo, Broth, and Tomatoes
Pour in the uncooked orzo, beef broth, and the can of diced tomatoes (juice included). Give everything a good stir to mix it up and bring the flavors together. Bring it to a gentle simmer—you’ll love how the orzo starts soaking up all those rich, beefy, tomato flavors.
Step 5: Simmer Until Tender
Reduce the heat to low and cover the pan. Let the mixture simmer for about 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the orzo to be tender and most of the liquid absorbed. The result is a creamy, almost risotto-like Ground Beef Orzo that’s perfect comfort food.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Once the orzo is cooked, remove the pan from the heat. Sprinkle in the parmesan cheese and stir it through; this will instantly thicken the sauce and add a beautiful, cheesy depth. Let the dish rest for a few minutes so it thickens just a bit more. Finish with a handful of chopped parsley and serve your Ground Beef Orzo hot—you’re in for a treat!
How to Serve Ground Beef Orzo
Garnishes
For a truly gorgeous bowl, scatter fresh, bright parsley over the top just before serving. If you’re a cheese lover, an extra sprinkle of grated parmesan won’t hurt, and a dusting of cracked black pepper always makes everything taste even fresher.
Side Dishes
This dish shines on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables for added texture and color. A slice of warm, crusty bread on the side is absolutely perfect for scooping up any extra sauce from your Ground Beef Orzo bowl.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving Ground Beef Orzo family-style straight from the skillet for a cozy, communal feel, or nestle it into individual bowls with extra garnishes for a dinner-party vibe. You can even spoon it into halved bell peppers or roasted eggplant boats for a fun twist that adds extra veggies and color to your table!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Ground Beef Orzo (though that’s a big “if”), simply let it cool to room temperature, then transfer to airtight containers. It’ll keep beautifully in the fridge for up to four days, making for the easiest next-day lunch or dinner imaginable.
Freezing
This dish freezes surprisingly well. Spoon cooled portions of Ground Beef Orzo into freezer-safe containers, leaving a bit of space at the top. Freeze for up to two months—just be sure to thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for the best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, pop Ground Beef Orzo in the microwave with a splash of broth or water to loosen it up, or warm gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently. Add a little extra cheese or parsley if you want to freshen up the flavors!
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even lamb are all great substitutes if you want to change up the flavor profile of your Ground Beef Orzo. Just keep in mind that leaner meats may need a little extra olive oil for richness.
What other vegetables can I add?
Spinach, zucchini, or even chopped bell peppers all blend in beautifully and add extra color and nutrition to your Ground Beef Orzo. Stir in leafy greens at the end or sauté diced veg with the onion for best results.
Is this Ground Beef Orzo gluten-free?
Traditional orzo is made from wheat, so it’s not gluten-free. However, if you find gluten-free orzo or a small rice-shaped pasta alternative, you can easily adapt the recipe with fantastic results.
What type of pan works best?
A large, deep skillet or sauté pan is perfect for cooking Ground Beef Orzo in one go. A nonstick or heavy-bottomed pan will help prevent sticking and promote even cooking.
How can I make it creamier?
If you love ultra-creamy pasta, try stirring in a splash (about 1/4 cup) of heavy cream or a couple tablespoons of cream cheese at the end. It’ll make your Ground Beef Orzo decadently rich and extra comforting.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a flavorful, uncomplicated dinner that everyone will love, you simply can’t go wrong with Ground Beef Orzo. It’s hearty, comforting, and incredibly flexible—so don’t hesitate to make this recipe your own. Give it a try, and get ready for a new favorite on your weeknight rotation!
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Ground Beef Orzo Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and flavorful one-pan meal, Ground Beef Orzo is a hearty dish featuring tender orzo pasta cooked in a savory beef broth with seasoned ground beef, tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese. This Mediterranean-inspired recipe is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Ground Beef:
1 pound ground beef,
Olive Oil Mixture:
1 tablespoon olive oil,
Aromatics:
1 small yellow onion diced, 2 cloves garlic minced,
Seasonings:
1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper,
Orzo and Broth:
1 cup uncooked orzo pasta, 2 cups beef broth,
Tomatoes and Cheese:
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes with juice, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet or deep sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced onion and garlic, cook until softened.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Cook Orzo Mixture: Add orzo, beef broth, and diced tomatoes. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 10–12 minutes until orzo is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from heat, stir in Parmesan cheese, let sit briefly to thicken. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- For a creamy version, stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream or cream cheese at the end.
- You can add spinach or zucchini for extra veggies.
- Leftovers reheat well and can be stored for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 640 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
