If you’re looking for a weeknight dinner that feels both cozy and hearty, with minimal fuss, this Ground Beef Orzo is about to become your new favorite. Tender orzo pasta cooks right in a savory, tomato-infused beef sauce, creating a skillet supper that’s supremely flavorful and satisfying—all in just one pan. It’s the kind of dish you’ll crave on chilly evenings, and it’s perfect for anyone who appreciates a blend of comfort and convenience. Plus, you won’t believe how quickly it disappears once it hits the table!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Ground Beef Orzo recipe is built on a handful of simple ingredients that each pull their weight in delivering rich flavor and hearty texture. Don’t be tempted to skip any fuss or swaps: each brings something special to the party, from the brightness of tomatoes to the creaminess of Parmesan.
- Olive oil: The foundation of flavor for sautéing onions and garlic, adding subtle fruitiness to the entire dish.
- Yellow onion: Diced for sweetness and depth, helping to mellow the savoriness of the beef.
- Garlic cloves: Minced, to infuse the sauce with an irresistible aromatic punch.
- Ground beef: The star of the dish, bringing protein and rich, meaty flavor to every bite.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for balancing all the other ingredients and highlighting natural tastes.
- Dried oregano: Adds an earthy, herbal note that makes the dish feel Italian-inspired and comforting.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For a touch of gentle heat—add as much or as little as you like!
- Tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and adds richness and color to the sauce.
- Diced tomatoes: These provide juiciness and a bit of acidity to brighten the entire dish.
- Beef broth: Infuses the orzo with savory depth as it cooks, making every spoonful more flavorful.
- Orzo pasta: This tiny, rice-shaped pasta turns creamy and tender, soaking up all the robust sauce.
- Parmesan cheese: Stirred in at the end for a luscious, salty creaminess that ties everything together.
- Fresh parsley (optional): Brightens up the final dish and adds a lovely touch of green for freshness and appeal.
How to Make Ground Beef Orzo
Step 1: Start with a Flavorful Base
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the diced yellow onion and sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes, or just until it turns soft and translucent. This creates a sweet, savory backbone for the dish. Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for another minute, until the kitchen smells warm and inviting.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef to your skillet, breaking it up with a spoon or spatula. Cook for about 6-8 minutes until it’s fully browned, making sure to crumble the meat as you go. As the beef cooks, sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if you want a hint of spice). This is the moment where all the savory flavors start to marry together.
Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Simmer
Next, make room in the pan’s center and stir in the tomato paste. Let it cook for a minute or two—this short step unlocks its sweeter, deeper flavors. Then, pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and the beef broth. Give everything a good stir and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer so the flavors blend beautifully.
Step 4: Cook the Orzo Pasta
Once everything is bubbling, add the uncooked orzo right into the skillet. Stir well, reduce the heat to low, and cover the pan. Let the mixture cook for 12–15 minutes, giving it an occasional stir to prevent sticking. You’ll know it’s ready when the orzo is tender and most of the broth has been absorbed into the pasta, creating that irresistible, saucy texture.
Step 5: Finish with Cheese and Fresh Herbs
Finally, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and the dish turns creamy and cohesive. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Scatter chopped fresh parsley over the top, if using, for a pop of color and an extra hint of garden-fresh flavor. Your Ground Beef Orzo is officially ready to serve!
How to Serve Ground Beef Orzo
Garnishes
For the perfect finishing touch, sprinkle your Ground Beef Orzo with a little extra grated Parmesan and a handful of chopped fresh parsley. If you love a bit of spice, a pinch of extra red pepper flakes makes for a vibrant, eye-catching garnish. Even a drizzle of good olive oil on top can add an extra layer of flavor and a glossy finish.
Side Dishes
This dish truly shines alongside simple sides like a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables, which help balance the richness of the Ground Beef Orzo. You could also serve it with toasted garlic bread or warm, crusty rolls to soak up every last drop of that luscious sauce. A light cucumber salad or roasted asparagus would also make fantastic pairings.
Creative Ways to Present
Get creative when you plate your Ground Beef Orzo! Serve it in individual bowls with a swirl of whipped ricotta or a soft-boiled egg on top for brunch. For a fun family-style meal, scoop big portions into a large serving dish or oven-safe pan, sprinkle with extra cheese, and broil for a golden, bubbly topping. You can even use it as a cozy bed for roasted vegetables or grilled shrimp for an unexpected twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Packed with flavor, Ground Beef Orzo keeps well if you have leftovers. Transfer cooled portions to airtight containers and store them in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. The sauce continues to infuse the pasta, making it taste even richer the next day.
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze this dish, wait until it cools completely. Spoon the Ground Beef Orzo into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, pressing out any extra air. It keeps beautifully for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, reheat Ground Beef Orzo in a skillet or saucepan over medium-low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water to loosen things up. You can also microwave individual servings, stirring halfway through for even warmth. Top with more Parmesan if desired for that fresh-from-the-pan feel.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
While orzo is ideal for soaking up the savory sauce, you can substitute other small pasta shapes like ditalini or small shells in a pinch. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time and add a bit more broth if the pasta needs it.
Is Ground Beef Orzo suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Ground Beef Orzo holds up beautifully for a few days in the fridge, making it a fantastic choice for prepping in advance. Just keep in mind the pasta will continue to absorb some sauce as it sits, so you may want to add a splash of broth or water when reheating.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
If you’d prefer a lighter touch, ground turkey or chicken works seamlessly here. You can even play with ground pork for a different spin, or a plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian option—just adjust seasonings as needed to match the protein.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to stir in chopped spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini along with the tomatoes. The extra veggies add color, nutrients, and a new layer of texture to your Ground Beef Orzo.
How can I make the dish even creamier?
For an ultra-creamy Ground Beef Orzo, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a generous handful of shredded mozzarella cheese at the end. This tweaks the texture to luscious and decadent, making it feel extra special.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a new comfort food classic, this Ground Beef Orzo is sure to steal your heart (and your tastebuds). Simple, satisfying, and packed with flavor in every bite, it’s a dish you’ll want to make on repeat—so why not give it a try tonight?
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Ground Beef Orzo Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Ground Beef Orzo recipe is a hearty and flavorful one-pot meal that is perfect for a cozy dinner. Tender orzo pasta cooked in a savory beef and tomato broth with seasoned ground beef, finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh parsley.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil.
- Cook onion and garlic: Add diced onion and cook until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Cook ground beef: Add ground beef, breaking it up and cook until browned. Season with salt, pepper, oregano, and red pepper flakes.
- Add tomato paste and tomatoes: Stir in tomato paste, diced tomatoes, and beef broth. Bring to a simmer.
- Cook orzo: Stir in orzo, cover, and cook for 12–15 minutes until tender. Stir in Parmesan cheese.
- Adjust seasoning and serve: Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- For extra creaminess, add heavy cream or shredded mozzarella at the end.
- Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a lighter alternative.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
