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I’ve always been a fan of quick weeknight dinners that don’t skimp on flavor, and let me tell you, this Ground Beef Orzo has become a staple in my kitchen. Picture this: tender orzo pasta mingling with savory ground beef, all simmered in a rich, tomatoey sauce that’s bursting with herbs and a hint of garlic. It’s the kind of dish that comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for those busy evenings when you want something hearty without the hassle.
What I love most about Ground Beef Orzo is how versatile it is—add some veggies for extra nutrition or keep it simple for picky eaters. In my experience, it’s a hit with the whole family, and leftovers? They reheat beautifully for lunch the next day. If you’re looking for an easy way to elevate your pasta game, this homemade Ground Beef Orzo is just what you need. I’m excited to share the recipe so you can try it yourself and see why it’s my go-to comfort food. For more beefy inspiration, check out our creamy beef and shells or the classic old-fashioned goulash.
Key Takeaways:
- This Ground Beef Orzo delivers a perfect balance of protein and carbs for a satisfying meal that keeps you full.
- Ready in just 25-30 minutes, it’s an ideal option for busy weeknights without sacrificing taste.
- The flavors are rich and comforting, with ground beef and orzo combining for an irresistible one-pot wonder.
- Use fresh herbs for the best results to elevate your Ground Beef Orzo to restaurant quality.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days; it reheats easily for quick meals.
Why You’ll Adore This Ground Beef Orzo
One-Pot Simplicity: Imagine skipping the sink full of dishes after dinner—this Ground Beef Orzo cooks entirely in one skillet, saving you time and cleanup. It’s a game-changer for weeknights, and in my experience, that means more family time around the table. You’ll wonder how you managed without it.
Budget-Friendly Ingredients: Ground beef and orzo are pantry staples that won’t break the bank, yet they create a meal that feels indulgent. Here’s the thing: you can feed a crowd without fancy extras, and it still tastes amazing. I always stock up on these basics for spontaneous cooking.
Customizable Comfort: This Ground Beef Orzo is forgiving—toss in spinach or swap beef for turkey if you like. The hearty base shines through any tweaks, making it adaptable to your mood or diet. What I find interesting is how a simple change can refresh the dish entirely.
Family-Pleasing Flavors: With its savory, garlicky profile and cheesy finish, this recipe wins over kids and adults alike. Let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a good pasta dish? It’s become our family’s request for cozy nights in.
Essential Ingredients for Ground Beef Orzo
Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef to keep things lighter while still getting that juicy, flavorful base for your Ground Beef Orzo. It browns beautifully, releasing fats that enhance the overall sauce. In my kitchen, I season it simply with salt and pepper at first to let the natural taste shine through the dish.
Orzo Pasta: This tiny rice-shaped pasta is the star alongside the beef, absorbing all the delicious juices for a creamy texture without needing cream. It cooks right in the skillet, making the Ground Beef Orzo cohesive and easy. I’ve found that rinsing it briefly prevents sticking, ensuring even cooking every time.
Tomato Paste and Broth: Tomato paste adds depth and richness to the sauce, while beef broth ties everything together with umami notes. These create the hearty liquid that simmers the orzo perfectly in your Ground Beef Orzo. Don’t skip the paste—it’s what gives that authentic, Italian-inspired flavor we all crave.
How to Make Ground Beef Orzo
Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat and adding a drizzle of olive oil—then toss in your ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of oregano to build flavor from the ground up. In about 5-7 minutes, it’ll be beautifully browned and aromatic, releasing those savory scents that make your kitchen feel like home. This step is crucial for the rich base of your Ground Beef Orzo, so take your time to drain excess fat if needed.
Add Aromatics and Orzo
Once the beef is ready, stir in diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until they’re soft and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes— the smell is irresistible! Next, sprinkle in the orzo and toast it lightly for a minute, which enhances its nutty taste. Pour in the beef broth and tomato paste, stirring well to combine; bring it to a gentle boil. Watch the colors meld as it simmers, creating that cozy sauce that defines this dish.
Simmer and Finish the Ground Beef Orzo
Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let everything simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking—the orzo will absorb the liquid and plump up nicely. Taste and adjust seasoning with more herbs or a dash of red pepper flakes for heat if you like. Uncover, stir in fresh spinach or parmesan for that final touch, and let it rest a minute off the heat. Your Ground Beef Orzo is now ready, steaming and full of comfort—serve it hot for the best experience. For a similar one-pot vibe, try our quick and easy pasta soup.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup orzo pasta, uncooked
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups fresh spinach (optional)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Olive oil, for cooking
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Ground Beef Orzo Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef, breaking it up, and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
- Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until softened, 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in tomato paste and oregano. Cook for 1 minute, then add orzo and toast briefly.
- Pour in beef broth, season with salt and pepper, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes until orzo is tender.
- Stir in spinach and Parmesan. Let sit for 2 minutes. Garnish with parsley and serve.
Pro Tips for the Best Ground Beef Orzo
Don’t Overcook the Orzo: Keep an eye on the simmer time to avoid mushy pasta—al dente is key for texture in your Ground Beef Orzo.
Fresh Garlic Makes a Difference: Use fresh minced garlic over powder for that punchy flavor that elevates the whole dish effortlessly.
Rest Before Serving: Let it sit off the heat for a couple minutes; this allows flavors to meld beautifully in your Ground Beef Orzo.
You Must Know
- Ground Beef Orzo is naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free orzo.
- This recipe serves 4-6 people, perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
- It’s high in protein from the beef, making it a balanced one-dish meal.
- Vegetarian swap: Use lentils instead of beef for a plant-based version.
How to Store Ground Beef Orzo
To keep your Ground Beef Orzo fresh, let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container and refrigerating—it’ll last up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, portion into freezer bags and freeze for up to 2 months; just thaw overnight when ready. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of broth to restore creaminess, or microwave in short bursts, stirring in between. This way, you can enjoy the flavors almost as good as fresh.
Customizing Your Ground Beef Orzo
Feel free to swap the ground beef for ground turkey or Italian sausage to mix up the taste in your Ground Beef Orzo without much change to the method. If you’re veggie-focused, stir in bell peppers or mushrooms during the sauté step for added crunch and nutrition. For a spicy twist, add chili flakes—I’ve done this for potlucks and it always gets rave reviews. Check out our Korean ground beef bowl for more ground beef ideas.
What to Serve with Ground Beef Orzo
Pair this hearty Ground Beef Orzo with a simple green salad tossed in vinaigrette to balance the richness—crisp lettuce and cherry tomatoes add freshness. Crusty garlic bread is a must for sopping up the sauce, and I love serving it alongside roasted veggies like zucchini for extra color. For drinks, a light red wine or iced tea works wonderfully, keeping the meal casual and inviting. Don’t forget dessert; something light like fruit sorbet rounds it out perfectly.
Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce
This one pot ground beef orzo recipe comes together in just 30 minutes and is a creamy, comforting, and delicious meal for busy weeknights!
Timing
Recipe Details
Ingredients
- 01 1 pound lean ground beef
- 02 1/2 medium onion ((chopped))
- 03 3-4 cloves garlic ((minced))
- 04 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes ((optional))
- 05 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 06 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 07 1 (14 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 08 3/4 cup beef broth
- 09 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
- 10 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 11 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 12 2 cups (packed) fresh baby spinach
- 13 Salt & pepper ((to taste))
Instructions
Add the ground beef to a soup pot/Dutch oven and break it up a little bit with your spoon. Let it cook, without stirring, over medium-high heat for 5-6 minutes.
Add the onion to the pot and stir/break the beef up into small pieces. Let it cook for another 5 minutes or so. If there's a lot of excess fat (like if you didn't use lean beef), spoon some of it out. Otherwise, leave it in the pot.
Stir in the garlic, red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, and orzo. Cook for about a minute.
Stir in the tomato sauce, beef broth, cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Once it starts to bubble, continue cooking for 10 minutes, uncovered, stirring fairly often (so the orzo doesn't stick to the bottom of the pot). You will likely need to turn the heat down a bit (to medium or even medium-low). It should gently bubble vs. boil (you don't want the liquid to reduce too much before the pasta has cooked).
Take the pot off the heat, stir in the parmesan and spinach, and cover the pot for about 3-5 minutes or until it has thickened up to your liking. Season with salt & pepper as needed and serve immediately. See more troubleshooting tips in the blog post and notes below.
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NUTRITION FACTS (PER SERVING)
Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. In cases where multiple ingredient alternatives are given, the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ground Beef Orzo
Can I make Ground Beef Orzo ahead of time?
Absolutely, you can prepare Ground Beef Orzo up to a day in advance by cooking it fully and storing in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove with a bit of extra broth to loosen it up. It’s great for meal prepping and tastes even better the next day as flavors deepen.
How long does Ground Beef Orzo last in the fridge?
Your Ground Beef Orzo will stay good in the fridge for 3-4 days when kept in an airtight container. Always check for any off smells before reheating. For safety, consume within that window to enjoy it at its best.
Is Ground Beef Orzo gluten-free?
Standard orzo contains gluten, but you can easily make it gluten-free by using certified gluten-free orzo pasta. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so it’s a simple swap. I’ve tried this variation and it holds up just as well in texture and taste.
Can I use chicken instead of beef in Ground Beef Orzo?
Yes, ground chicken works great as a lighter alternative in Ground Beef Orzo—just ensure it’s fully cooked through. It brings a milder flavor that pairs nicely with the tomato base. Adjust seasoning slightly if needed, as chicken can be less robust than beef.
What’s the best way to reheat Ground Beef Orzo?
The stovetop is ideal for reheating Ground Beef Orzo; add a splash of broth and stir over low heat until warmed through. Microwave works too, but cover it to retain moisture. Avoid high heat to prevent drying out the pasta.
How can I make Ground Beef Orzo vegetarian?
For a vegetarian take on Ground Beef Orzo, substitute the beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils, which mimic the texture beautifully. Use vegetable broth instead for full flavor infusion. This version is just as satisfying and ready in the same time.
Does Ground Beef Orzo freeze well?
Yes, Ground Beef Orzo freezes excellently in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. It’s a lifesaver for busy weeks—see our crockpot chili for more freezer-friendly tips.
Can kids eat Ground Beef Orzo?
Definitely, it’s kid-friendly with its familiar pasta and mild flavors, but you can omit spices for little ones. Hide veggies in the sauce if needed. My family loves it as an easy dinner that sneaks in nutrition without fuss.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a dish like this Ground Beef Orzo that brings warmth and satisfaction to any table, blending simple ingredients into pure comfort. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just yourself, it never fails to impress with its ease and deliciousness. Give this recipe a whirl tonight—you won’t regret it, and I bet it’ll become a favorite in your home too. Share your tweaks in the comments; I’d love to hear how you make it your own!