If you’re searching for the perfect one-pan comfort food that’s easy enough for a weeknight, but impressive enough for company, look no further than this Ground Beef and Orzo Recipe. This dish is a cozy blend of tender orzo pasta, hearty ground beef, juicy tomatoes, and savory spices, finished with a shower of melted Parmesan and fresh parsley. Each bite brings together rich, satisfying flavors and just the right amount of creamy, cheesy goodness, making it a recipe you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Ground Beef and Orzo Recipe lies in its simplicity: every ingredient is carefully chosen to build layers of flavor, texture, and color. These kitchen staples work together to create a satisfying meal that feels both familiar and special.
- Ground Beef (1 lb, 85–90% lean): The star protein—choose a slightly higher fat content for extra juiciness and flavor.
- Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): Adds a fruity richness and helps sauté the aromatics to perfection.
- Onion (1 small, finely chopped): Brings natural sweetness and depth to the base of the dish.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Delivers that irresistible aroma and punchy flavor we all know and love.
- Orzo (1 cup, uncooked): This rice-shaped pasta cooks right in the pan, soaking up all the savory flavors.
- Beef Broth (2 ½ cups): Infuses the orzo with a robust, meaty undertone, making every bite extra satisfying.
- Diced Tomatoes (1 can, 14.5 oz, undrained): Adds juicy texture and subtle acidity to balance the richness.
- Dried Oregano (1 teaspoon): Lends an herby Mediterranean note that ties everything together.
- Paprika (½ teaspoon): Gives a gentle warmth and beautiful color to the finished dish.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Essential for seasoning and bringing out every layer of flavor.
- Black Pepper (¼ teaspoon): Adds a gentle kick and rounds out the seasoning.
- Parmesan Cheese (½ cup, grated): Melts into the orzo for a creamy, savory finish—don’t skip it!
- Fresh Parsley (for garnish): A final pop of color and freshness that brightens up the whole plate.
How to Make Ground Beef and Orzo Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Begin by heating olive oil in a large skillet or deep sauté pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and let it cook for 3 to 4 minutes until it turns soft and translucent—this gentle sauté builds the sweet, savory flavor base that makes this Ground Beef and Orzo Recipe so cozy. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant (keep an eye out so it doesn’t burn!).
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Next, add your ground beef to the pan. Use a wooden spoon to break it up as it cooks—this ensures every bite will have little morsels of beef tucked in with the orzo. Let the meat brown for about 6 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally. If there’s extra fat in the pan, drain it off so your finished dish isn’t greasy.
Step 3: Add Orzo and Liquids
Now it’s time to introduce the orzo, beef broth, undrained diced tomatoes, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a thorough stir, making sure the orzo is evenly distributed and submerged. Bring the mixture up to a gentle boil, then lower the heat so it simmers softly. Cover your pan and let it cook for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring every few minutes—this is where the magic happens as the orzo plumps up, soaking in all those savory, tomatoey juices.
Step 4: Stir in Parmesan and Rest
When the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it’s melted and creamy, transforming everything into a luscious, cohesive skillet dinner. Let the Ground Beef and Orzo Recipe rest for a few minutes—this allows the flavors to meld and any remaining liquid to thicken up.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Just before serving, sprinkle fresh parsley over the top for a burst of color and garden-fresh flavor. Scoop generous portions into bowls, and get ready for the compliments to roll in—this dish is as inviting to look at as it is to eat!
How to Serve Ground Beef and Orzo Recipe
Garnishes
The finishing touches make all the difference! A generous shower of fresh parsley brightens up the dish, and a little extra grated Parmesan on top adds a salty, creamy kick. For a touch of heat, offer red pepper flakes at the table—or even a drizzle of good olive oil for extra richness.
Side Dishes
This Ground Beef and Orzo Recipe is hearty enough to stand alone, but it also pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or simply steamed veggies. I love serving it alongside roasted asparagus or sautéed spinach for a balanced, colorful plate.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving guests, try spooning the orzo into shallow bowls and topping each one with a swirl of extra-virgin olive oil and a few parsley leaves. For a fun family twist, stuff the finished mixture into roasted bell pepper halves and bake until bubbly—it’s a playful, crowd-pleasing way to enjoy this recipe!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Ground Beef and Orzo Recipe keeps wonderfully! Store any extras in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen as they sit, making leftovers even more delicious for lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well if you want to plan ahead. Allow the orzo to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It’ll keep for up to 2 months. For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, add a splash of beef broth or water to help loosen the orzo, then warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave individual portions—just cover and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While ground beef gives the dish its classic flavor, you can easily substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even pork for a lighter or slightly different taste. Adjust the seasoning to your preference if you make a swap.
Is it possible to make this Ground Beef and Orzo Recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute regular orzo with gluten-free orzo or a small gluten-free pasta shape. Keep in mind, the cooking time may vary, so check for doneness as you go.
Can I add more vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely! Stir in chopped spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers during the last 5 minutes of cooking. The recipe is very versatile and welcomes extra veggies for color and nutrition.
What’s the best way to avoid mushy orzo?
Stir the orzo occasionally as it cooks and keep an eye on the liquid—once it’s tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, remove from heat right away. Letting it sit uncovered for a couple of minutes before serving also helps keep the orzo from getting too soft.
Can I make this recipe ahead for meal prep?
Yes, this Ground Beef and Orzo Recipe is perfect for meal prep. Make a batch, portion into containers, and store in the fridge for up to 4 days. It reheats beautifully for quick lunches or dinners all week long.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to try this Ground Beef and Orzo Recipe in your own kitchen. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table, with big flavor and comforting, homey vibes in every bite. Give it a go and let it become your new weeknight favorite!
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Ground Beef and Orzo Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Ground Beef and Orzo recipe is a hearty, Mediterranean-inspired one-pot dish perfect for an easy weeknight meal. Combining savory ground beef with tender orzo pasta, diced tomatoes, and aromatic spices, it’s a flavorful and comforting skillet dinner topped with creamy Parmesan and fresh parsley.
Ingredients
Meat and Dairy
- 1 lb ground beef (85–90% lean)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- fresh parsley for garnish
Pantry
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup uncooked orzo
- 2 ½ cups beef broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: In a large skillet or deep sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds to release its aroma.
- Brown Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, about 6–7 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the pan if necessary to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Add Orzo and Liquids: Stir in the uncooked orzo, beef broth, diced tomatoes with their juice, oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Simmer: Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 12–15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to ensure the orzo cooks evenly. The orzo should be tender and most of the liquid absorbed by the end of the cooking time.
- Finish with Parmesan: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Let the dish sit for a few minutes to thicken slightly before serving.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the dish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve warm and enjoy your easy, flavorful meal.
Notes
- For extra veggies, stir in chopped spinach or zucchini during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- You can add red pepper flakes if you prefer a bit of heat.
- Ground beef can be swapped for ground turkey for a leaner option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
