🍲 Easy Made Ground Beef Orzo – Hearty, Flavorful

Sometimes the simplest meals are the most satisfying. This Ground Beef Orzo combines tender, seasoned ground beef with delicate orzo pasta in a savory tomato-based sauce. It’s a one-pot meal that’s hearty enough for dinner but quick enough for busy weeknights.

With its comforting flavors and satisfying texture, this dish is perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or even a casual weeknight gathering. Every bite is warm, flavorful, and absolutely comforting.

💖 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy one-pot meal
• Savory, seasoned ground beef combined with tender orzo
• Perfect balance of tomato sauce, spices, and herbs
• Family-friendly and budget-friendly
• Leftovers reheat beautifully for lunches or dinners

🥘 Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 2 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp salt (to taste)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley or basil for garnish

Optional: ½ cup chopped bell peppers or spinach for extra veggies

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Cook the Beef – In a large skillet or saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sauté until softened. Add ground beef, season with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat.
2. Add Tomatoes & Broth – Stir in diced tomatoes (with juice) and beef broth. Bring to a simmer.
3. Cook Orzo – Add orzo to the skillet, stir to combine. Cover and simmer for 10–12 minutes, until orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
4. Add Cheese – Stir in grated Parmesan until melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.
5. Serve – Garnish with fresh parsley or basil. Serve warm as a hearty, comforting meal.

💡 Tips for the Best Ground Beef Orzo

• Use low-sodium broth so you can control the saltiness.
• Don’t overcook the orzo — it should be tender but not mushy.
• Add vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini to make it more nutritious.
• For extra richness, stir in a splash of cream or a little butter before serving.

🍽️ Ground Beef Orzo Recipe Card

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 480

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion diced
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 ½ cups uncooked orzo pasta
• 3 cups beef broth
• 1 can 14.5 oz diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes optional
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley or basil chopped (for garnish)

Method

 

Cook Beef:

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.

Sauté Aromatics:

1. Add onion and garlic to the skillet. Cook 3–4 minutes until softened.

Add Liquids & Seasoning:

1. Stir in diced tomatoes, beef broth, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a gentle boil.

Cook Orzo:

1. Add orzo to the skillet. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and most liquid is absorbed.

Finish with Cheese:

1. Stir in grated Parmesan until melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

Serve:

1. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and serve warm.

Notes

Stir frequently toward the end to prevent the orzo from sticking.

For a richer flavor, add a splash of cream or a spoonful of cream cheese when stirring in Parmesan.

Add vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or peas for extra nutrition and color.

Leftovers reheat well in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth.

❓ FAQ

🍴 A Comforting One-Pot Meal

This Ground Beef Orzo is a simple, satisfying dish that brings warmth and flavor to any table. With its savory beef, tender orzo, and comforting tomato sauce, it’s the kind of recipe that becomes a family favorite, perfect for busy nights and cozy dinners alike.