This Ground Beef Orzo Recipe is savory, slightly tomato-kissed, and comfortingly chewy thanks to the tiny pasta pearls. The beef gives it a rich, meaty backbone while the orzo soaks up the broth for a bowl that feels warm and filling. It’s a simple one-pan dinner that tastes like you fussed over it all evening without the work.
Top reasons to make this tonight:
- Quick weeknight meal that actually feels special
- Uses simple pantry ingredients you likely already have
- Family-friendly and easy to stretch for leftovers
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in about 30 minutes
- Made with pantry staples like orzo, tomato paste, and spices
- Great for meal prep and easy reheating
- Easy to adapt for gluten-free or vegetarian diets
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups beef or vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, (for serving)
Step-by-Step Instructions of Ground Beef Orzo Recipe
- Heat a large skillet or wide pot over medium heat and add a splash of oil. Sauté the diced onion until soft and translucent, about 4 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef and break it up with a spoon. Brown the beef until no pink remains, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in the tomato paste, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Cook 1–2 minutes to let the paste darken and the spices bloom.
- Add the orzo and stir to coat it in the beef and tomato mixture. Toast the orzo for about 1 minute.
- Pour in the broth, bring to a simmer, and reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most liquid is absorbed, about 10–12 minutes.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let rest 2 minutes to thicken slightly before serving.
- Serve hot, topped with extra Parmesan or a sprinkle of fresh herbs if you like.
Tips for Success
- Use a wide skillet so the orzo cooks evenly and the liquid reduces properly.
- Don’t overcook the orzo; check at 10 minutes so it stays slightly firm.
- Toast the orzo briefly in the pan before adding broth for extra nutty flavor.
Substitutions & Variations of Ground Beef Orzo Recipe
To Make It Vegan/Gluten-Free:
- Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils for vegan protein.
- Use gluten-free orzo or swap in short-grain rice or quinoa if you need gluten-free.
- Use vegetable broth and a vegan Parmesan or nutritional yeast for the cheesy flavor.
Variations:
- Stir in a couple handfuls of baby spinach at the end for a green boost.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers when cooking the onions for extra depth.
- Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice or a pinch of red pepper flakes for brightness.
If you enjoy creamy ground-beef pasta dishes, you might also like this one-pan creamy Rotel pasta with ground beef for another weeknight winner.
Storage Instructions of Ground Beef Orzo Recipe
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth or in the microwave.
Freezer: This dish is best frozen without the cheese—freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Make-Ahead: Brown the beef and chop the onions a day ahead. Combine and finish cooking the orzo the night you plan to serve.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) of Ground Beef Orzo Recipe
Can I use dry orzo straight from the box?
Yes. This recipe uses dry orzo and cooks it in broth. Measure the orzo before cooking; it will absorb most of the liquid as it cooks.
How do I prevent the orzo from getting mushy?
Watch the cooking time and check the orzo at about 10 minutes. Remove from heat when it’s tender but still slightly firm; it will firm up a bit as it rests.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Yes. Use a larger pan and increase the broth proportionally. Stir occasionally and check doneness, as cooking time may change slightly.
Final Thoughts
This Ground Beef Orzo Recipe is a reliable weeknight win—fast, hearty, and low on fuss. It’s perfect when you need a filling meal that tastes like comfort food and cleans up quickly. Try it tonight, and if you give it a go, please leave a comment and a star rating to let others know how it turned out.
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Ground Beef Orzo Recipe
A quick and hearty one-pan dinner made with savory ground beef and chewy orzo pasta, perfect for weeknight meals.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups beef or vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet or wide pot over medium heat and add a splash of oil. Sauté the diced onion until soft and translucent, about 4 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef and break it up with a spoon. Brown the beef until no pink remains, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in the tomato paste, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 1–2 minutes to let the paste darken and the spices bloom.
- Add the orzo and stir to coat it in the beef and tomato mixture. Toast the orzo for about 1 minute.
- Pour in the broth, bring to a simmer, and reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most liquid is absorbed, about 10–12 minutes.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let rest for 2 minutes to thicken slightly before serving.
- Serve hot, topped with extra Parmesan or a sprinkle of fresh herbs if you like.
Notes
For a vegan version, replace beef with plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten-Free, Vegetarian Option