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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
1. Cook the Ground Beef
- Heat skillet over medium heat.
- Add beef (plus oil if needed) and cook until browned, breaking apart with a spoon.
- Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add onions and garlic; cook 3 minutes until softened.
2. Add the Orzo and Seasonings
- Stir in orzo pasta and let it toast for 1–2 minutes.
- Add paprika, Italian seasoning, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
3. Simmer
- Pour in beef broth and diced tomatoes with juice.
- Mix well, bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low.
- Cover and cook 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and liquid absorbed.
4. Finish the Dish
- Stir in Parmesan if using.
- Fold in spinach, peas, or corn until warmed and wilted.
- 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
