Ground Beef and Orzo Recipe

Introducing comfort in a bowl: this Ground Beef and Orzo Recipe is a true weeknight hero. Hearty ground beef, tender orzo pasta, and savory Mediterranean flavors meld together in just one pot to bring a satisfying, flavorful dinner to your table in under an hour. It’s the kind of cozy meal you crave when you want something fuss-free, family-friendly, and utterly delicious—the type Main Course.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

This dish shines with a few simple ingredients, all working in harmony. Each one plays a key role in flavor, texture, or color, making this Ground Beef and Orzo Recipe so memorable and easy to assemble.

• Olive oil: Adds richness and helps brown the beef and veggies for extra flavor.
• Ground beef: The star of the show, bringing hearty protein and depth to the dish.
• Small onion, diced: Its sweetness balances the savory meat and gives the base a subtle aromatic note.
• Garlic, minced: Essential for a punch of flavor—don’t skip it!
• Red bell pepper, diced: Adds color, crunch, and a mild sweetness that brightens up the whole recipe.
• Diced tomatoes (14.5 oz can): Provide tangy acidity, marrying all the ingredients together.
• Tomato paste: Concentrates tomato flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
• Beef broth: Deepens the meaty profile and cooks the orzo to perfection.
• Orzo pasta: These little rice-shaped pastas hold flavor beautifully and deliver a creamy texture.
• Italian seasoning: Infuses the dish with classic Mediterranean herbs.
• Smoked paprika: Lends a gentle smokiness that sets the dish apart.
• Salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance every bite.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Melts in at the end for irresistible creaminess and umami.
• Fresh parsley, chopped: Sprinkled on top for a pop of green freshness.

How to Make Ground Beef and Orzo Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a spoon. Let it brown all over—about 5 to 6 minutes. This step builds the foundation of the dish, searing in flavor. If there’s excess fat, drain it off to keep the dish balanced but still rich.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Stir in the diced onion, minced garlic, and red bell pepper. Cook everything together for about 3 to 4 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and their flavors infuse into the beef. This is where the fragrance starts to fill your kitchen, signaling dinner is well on its way.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the pan. Give everything a good stir so the flavors combine. This starts to resemble a hearty stew with all those savory and herbal notes coming together.

Step 4: Cook the Orzo

Pour in the orzo pasta. Stir once more, then bring the pot to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 12 to 15 minutes. Stir occasionally, ensuring the orzo doesn’t stick. The liquid will mostly absorb, and the orzo will soften, forming a creamy, comforting base for your Ground Beef and Orzo Recipe.

Step 5: Finish and Garnish

Take the pot off the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese—it’ll melt into the pasta, turning the whole skillet lusciously creamy. Right before serving, sprinkle with fresh parsley for a touch of color and freshness that brightens every spoonful.

How to Serve Ground Beef and Orzo Recipe

Garnishes

A generous shower of Parmesan cheese and a handful of vibrant chopped parsley are all you need. For a little kick, try a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of good olive oil—these simple touches make the Ground Beef and Orzo Recipe feel restaurant-worthy at home.

Side Dishes

This one-pot wonder is filling on its own but pairs beautifully with a peppery arugula salad or some buttery garlic bread. If you’re looking to round out the meal, steamed green beans or roasted broccoli also make great companions for soaking up the saucy orzo.

Creative Ways to Present

Spoon the orzo into wide, shallow bowls for a rustic, comforting vibe. Or, if you’re serving a crowd, scoop it into a big platter and let everyone help themselves. Want to impress? Top each serving with a swirl of fresh ricotta or a few basil leaves for an extra hint of freshness alongside those rich flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep surprisingly well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors meld together even more, making tomorrow’s lunch just as crave-worthy as dinner tonight. If the orzo absorbs too much liquid in storage, just add a splash of broth or water before reheating to bring the dish back to its creamy best.

Freezing

This Ground Beef and Orzo Recipe can be frozen if you need future quick dinners. Cool the dish completely, portion it into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results. Note that the orzo may soften a bit, but the flavor stays spot-on.

Reheating

Reheat individual servings in the microwave with a splash of water or broth, stirring halfway through, until hot. For larger amounts, warm gently on the stovetop over medium heat, adding extra liquid as needed and stirring until the orzo loosens up and the dish is steaming hot.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta in the Ground Beef and Orzo Recipe?

Absolutely! While orzo’s creaminess is perfect in this dish, you can swap in other small pasta shapes like ditalini or small shells. Adjust cooking times as needed since pasta sizes vary in how quickly they cook.

Is this recipe spicy?

Not at all—the smoked paprika adds warmth without heat. If you want some spice, toss in red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to suit your taste.

How can I lighten up the Ground Beef and Orzo Recipe?

For a lighter version, feel free to use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. You can also up the veggie content by adding spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms during the sauté step.

What’s the best way to make this recipe creamier?

If you crave extra creaminess, stir in a quarter cup of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese just before serving. The result is a silky, luscious sauce that coats every bite of orzo and beef.

Can I make Ground Beef and Orzo Recipe in advance for meal prep?

This dish is perfect for meal prep! Make it as directed, cool completely, then store in portioned containers in the fridge. It reheats well and holds up for several days, making weekday lunches deliciously easy.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Ground Beef and Orzo Recipe finds its way onto your regular dinner rotation—it truly checks all the boxes for flavor, comfort, and ease. Give it a try and let the aroma and heartiness fill your home with warmth and satisfaction!

Print