Ground Beef And Orzo – Easy One-Pot Skillet Dinner Packed With Flavor

Introduction

Ground Beef And Orzo is a quick and comforting one-pot meal that comes together with simple ingredients and big flavor. Tender orzo cooks directly in a rich, savory beef sauce, making every bite warm, satisfying, and perfect for busy weeknights. Whether you’re cooking for family or just want an easy dinner with minimal cleanup, this dish delivers hearty results without any fuss.

Why Ground Beef And Orzo Work So Well

Ingredients for Ground Beef And Orzo

Equipment You Need

You don’t need fancy tools—just a few basics:

• A large, deep skillet
• A wooden spoon for stirring
• A lid, essential for steaming the orzo
• A grater for cheese
• A knife and board for chopping

A heavy-bottomed pan helps avoid sticking and promotes even cooking.

Step-by-Step: Classic One-Pot Ground Beef And Orzo Recipe

Below is a full breakdown of how to create a flavorful skillet dinner from scratch. Follow these steps to build the richest, most comforting dish possible.

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Chop your onion, garlic, and veggies. Measure out the orzo, broth, tomatoes, and spices. Preparing everything ahead ensures a smooth cooking process.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

• Heat a splash of oil in your skillet.
• Add the beef and break it into crumbles.
• Cook until browned and no pink remains.
• Drain excess fat if necessary.

Proper browning builds depth, richness, and aroma.

Step 3: Add Aromatics and Develop the Flavor Base

Add the onions first; once soft, stir in garlic. Cook until fragrant. If using bell peppers, carrots, or celery, add these now.

Stir in tomato paste and spices to “wake them up” with heat.

Step 4: Toast the Orzo

Add the orzo directly to the skillet and let it lightly toast for 1–2 minutes. This helps strengthen the pasta and deepen its nutty flavor.

Step 5: Add Broth and Tomatoes

Pour in broth and tomatoes. Stir thoroughly to combine ingredients and ensure the orzo is submerged.

Bring to a simmer. Reduce heat, cover, and cook while stirring occasionally.

Step 6: Simmer Until Tender

Orzo cooks quickly. After about 12 minutes, begin checking for tenderness. If too dry, add a little broth. If too soupy, leave uncovered briefly.

Step 7: Add Dairy, Cheese, or Greens

If using cheese or cream, fold it in now for a velvety sauce. Add spinach or other greens at the very end so they wilt gently.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Let the dish rest for 3–5 minutes. This final step thickens the sauce beautifully.

Serving Suggestions

Ground Beef And Orzo is satisfying on its own, but here are some ideal pairings:

• Garlic bread
• Greek salad
• Roasted vegetables
• Crusty bread rolls
• Simple cucumber salad
• Fresh herbs on top

A garnish of parsley, basil, dill, or lemon zest adds brightness.

Make-Ahead, Storage & Freezer Tips

This dish stores exceptionally well, provided you follow a few simple techniques.

Refrigerating

• Allow to cool before storing.
• Use airtight containers.
• The dish continues absorbing liquid as it sits, so add broth when reheating.

Freezing

If freezing:

• Slightly undercook the orzo.
• Store cooled servings in freezer-safe containers.
• Thaw overnight before reheating for best texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with added broth or water to loosen the sauce.

Troubleshooting: Fixing Common Issues

Even experienced cooks run into occasional hiccups. Here’s how to correct them.

Orzo Too Mushy

• Reduce cooking time next round.
• Add liquid gradually instead of all at once.

Orzo Still Hard and Pan Is Dry

• Add a splash of hot liquid.
• Continue simmering until softened.
• Stir frequently to prevent sticking.

Dish Too Soupy

• Simmer uncovered for a few minutes.
• Stir in cheese to thicken.

Mild or Bland Flavor

Try:

• Adding more herbs
• Increasing garlic
• Browning beef more deeply
• Adding tomato paste earlier

Season in layers for best results.

Sticking or Scorching

• Use a heavy pan.
• Lower the heat.
• Stir during the final 5 minutes.

FAQs About Ground Beef And Orzo

Is orzo pasta or rice?

Orzo is pasta, though shaped like rice. This makes it ideal for saucy dishes.

Do I need to cook the orzo separately first?

No. For one-pot recipes, the orzo cooks directly in the sauce and absorbs flavor beautifully.

Can I use another type of meat instead of ground beef?

Absolutely. Turkey, chicken, lamb, sausage, or plant-based grounds work well.

How do I stop orzo from clumping?

Stir regularly, especially during the last few minutes, and ensure the pasta remains coated in liquid.

Can I bake this dish?

Yes. Add cheese on top and bake until bubbling and golden.

Final Thoughts

Ground Beef And Orzo is more than just a quick dinner—it’s a flexible, flavor-rich, family-friendly dish that you can tailor to any taste. Whether you lean Greek, Italian, Tex-Mex, or purely creamy comfort, the foundational method stays simple while the possibilities expand endlessly.

Ground Beef And Orzo – Easy One-Pot Skillet Dinner Packed With Flavor

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• Author: Velma
• Total Time: PT30M
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Ground Beef and Orzo is a comforting, one-pan skillet meal made with tender orzo pasta, seasoned ground beef, tomatoes, garlic, onions, and warm spices. It cooks into a rich, hearty dish that resembles a creamy rice-meets-pasta comfort bowl.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Beef and Orzo

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 tbsp olive oil (if beef is very lean)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup dry orzo pasta
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 3 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp oregano
• ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Optional Add-Ins

• 1 cup baby spinach
• ½ cup frozen peas or corn
• ½ cup grated Parmesan
• Fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Cook the Ground Beef

1. Heat skillet over medium heat.
2. Add beef (plus oil if needed) and cook until browned, breaking apart with a spoon.
3. Drain excess fat if necessary.
4. Add onions and garlic; cook 3 minutes until softened.

2. Add the Orzo and Seasonings

1. Stir in orzo pasta and let it toast for 1–2 minutes.
2. Add paprika, Italian seasoning, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.

3. Simmer

1. Pour in beef broth and diced tomatoes with juice.
2. Mix well, bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low.
3. Cover and cook 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and liquid absorbed.

4. Finish the Dish

1. Stir in Parmesan if using.
2. Fold in spinach, peas, or corn until warmed and wilted.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning.

5. Serve

• Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
• Serve hot as a full meal.

Notes

• For a creamy version, add ¼ cup heavy cream or 3 tbsp cream cheese at the end.
• Ground turkey or chicken can replace beef.
• Add diced bell peppers with the onions for more veggies.

• Prep Time: PT10M
• Cook Time: PT20M
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl
• Calories: 430 Kcal
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 720mg
• Fat: 17g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 27g
• Cholesterol: 70mg