Ground Beef Orzo is a hearty, one-skillet meal packed with savory flavor, tender orzo pasta, and rich tomato and beef broth. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this dish combines pantry staples and fresh herbs to deliver a comforting, satisfying meal that the whole family will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Ground Beef Orzo recipe is the ultimate easy comfort food. It comes together in one pan with minimal cleanup and uses simple, wholesome ingredients. The combination of seasoned ground beef, soft orzo, and a tomato-broth sauce results in a dish that’s cozy, filling, and ready in just 25 minutes. It’s also super versatile—great for picky eaters, busy nights, or when you just want something warm and comforting.
Ingredients
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1 lb ground beef
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 small onion, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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2 cups orzo pasta
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1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
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1 cup beef broth
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1 teaspoon dried basil
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1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
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Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
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Stir in the diced tomatoes, beef broth, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer.
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Add the orzo pasta to the skillet, stirring to combine. Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
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Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve warm.
Servings and Timing
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cooking Time: 15 minutes
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Total Time: 25 minutes
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Servings: 4 servings
Variations
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Cheesy Version: Stir in a handful of shredded mozzarella or parmesan cheese at the end for extra creaminess.
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Add Veggies: Mix in spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers during the cooking process for added nutrition and color.
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Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat.
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Herb Swap: Use fresh basil and oregano instead of dried for a more vibrant flavor.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat with a splash of broth or water to loosen it up. You can also microwave individual servings until warmed through.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute orzo with small pasta shapes like ditalini or small shells, though cooking times may vary slightly.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! This dish reheats well and can be made a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge and reheat before serving.
3. Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, you can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
4. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are great lean alternatives to beef.
5. What’s the best way to keep orzo from sticking?
Make sure to stir the orzo a few times while it cooks and ensure there’s enough liquid in the skillet to keep it from sticking.
6. Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally dairy-free unless you add cheese. Just skip the cheese if needed.
7. Can I add tomato paste for a richer flavor?
Yes, adding 1-2 tablespoons of tomato paste with the diced tomatoes will deepen the tomato flavor.
8. Can I cook this in the oven?
This recipe is designed for stovetop cooking, but you could transfer it to a baking dish, top with cheese, and broil for a baked finish.
9. What can I serve with this dish?
This dish is complete on its own, but it pairs well with a simple green salad or garlic bread.
10. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just make sure to use a large enough skillet or pot and adjust cooking times slightly as needed.
Conclusion
Ground Beef Orzo is a cozy, flavorful one-pan meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. With just a few pantry staples and 25 minutes, you’ll have a hearty, satisfying dinner on the table. Whether you serve it for a quick family dinner or prep it ahead for busy days, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Give it a try and enjoy the savory simplicity!
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Ground Beef Orzo
Ground Beef Orzo is a hearty, one-pan meal packed with savory ground beef, tender orzo pasta, and a rich tomato-broth sauce. Ready in just 25 minutes, this quick and easy recipe is perfect for busy nights and guarantees a comforting, filling meal that the whole family will love!
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
For the Dish:
1 lb ground beef
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups orzo pasta
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 cup beef broth
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
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Add chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
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Stir in diced tomatoes, beef broth, dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
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Add orzo pasta, stirring to combine. Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
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Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve warm.
Notes
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Cheesy Version: Stir in shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese for extra creaminess.
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Add Veggies: Add spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers for more flavor and nutrition.
-
Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for heat.
-
Herb Swap: Use fresh basil and oregano for a more vibrant, fresh flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish, Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
