Ground Beef Orzo Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, family-friendly weeknight dinner that brings together bold flavor, cheesy goodness, and hearty satisfaction, let me introduce you to my absolute favorite one-pan wonder: Ground Beef Orzo. This dish is a celebration of Mediterranean-inspired flavors, made even easier thanks to orzo pasta, ground beef, and tons of crave-worthy veggies, all coming together in less than 40 minutes. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just need a nourishing meal with minimal cleanup, Ground Beef Orzo is the answer. Trust me, this recipe will quickly find its way onto your regular dinner rotation!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love about this recipe is how much magic happens from such straightforward ingredients. Each one plays an important role—building layers of savory flavor, rich texture, and beautiful color you’ll notice in every bite of Ground Beef Orzo.

• Olive oil: Helps brown the beef and soften the veggies, lending richness and depth to the base.
• Ground beef: The star protein that brings hearty, satisfying flavor.
• Onion: Provides sweetness and aromatic complexity as it cooks down.
• Garlic: Three cloves give just the right kick of flavor—no skimping!
• Red bell pepper: Adds bursts of color and a slightly sweet crunch.
• Smoked paprika: Infuses a subtle smokiness that makes this dish irresistible.
• Dried oregano: Gives a touch of Mediterranean flavor and aroma.
• Red pepper flakes (optional): For a gentle heat—adjust to your spice preference!
• Salt & black pepper: Essential for highlighting all the savory notes.
• Orzo pasta: Little rice-shaped pasta that cooks right in the sauce—a true one-pan hero.
• Beef broth: Deepens the umami and cooks the orzo to tender perfection.
• Diced tomatoes: Provide acidity, brightness, and a saucy backbone.
• Baby spinach: Pops of green and a boost of nutrition without overpowering the dish.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into creamy pockets of gooey deliciousness.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, savory depth and a salty finish.
• Fresh parsley: A shower of herbal freshness ties everything together.

How to Make Ground Beef Orzo

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Begin by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in your ground beef and break it into bite-sized crumbles as it browns. Let it cook for about 5 to 6 minutes, or until no pink remains. This step lays down a savory, richly browned base—don’t rush it! A little patience here means loads of flavor later on.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Next, stir in your diced onion, minced garlic, and bell pepper. Cook everything together in the beefy juices for about 3 minutes, until the onion is soft and translucent and the bell pepper starts to mellow. The kitchen will smell absolutely amazing—a sure sign you’re on the right track!

Step 3: Season to Perfection

Once your veggies have softened, sprinkle in the smoked paprika, dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Give everything a generous stir. These spices and seasonings bloom in the hot skillet, infusing your Ground Beef Orzo with bold flavor.

Step 4: Add Orzo, Broth, and Tomatoes

Add your uncooked orzo pasta, beef broth, and the can of diced tomatoes to the skillet. Stir everything well, making sure orzo is submerged and evenly distributed. Bring the mixture up to a boil, then lower the heat to medium-low. Pop on a lid and let it simmer gently for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This is when the magic happens: the orzo soaks up all the delicious juices, becoming what my family calls “little flavor sponges.”

Step 5: Wilt in the Spinach

Once the orzo is perfectly tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, toss in the baby spinach. Let it wilt right into the hot mixture—it just takes a minute! The spinach adds a fresh burst of green and a gentle earthiness while keeping things nutritious.

Step 6: Make It Creamy

Remove your skillet from the heat and fold in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan. Stir until the cheeses melt and everything turns gloriously creamy. If you want to go the extra mile, try a splash of heavy cream or ricotta for ultra-richness!

Step 7: Finish with Parsley and Serve

Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the top for a pop of color and bright herby notes. Grab your serving spoons and dig in while it’s piping hot—the ultimate way to experience all the delights of Ground Beef Orzo!

How to Serve Ground Beef Orzo

Garnishes

A handful of fresh parsley truly elevates each bowl, adding a touch of vibrant green and a refreshing finish. If you love a little extra cheese, a dusting of Parmesan right before serving is pure magic. Some folks even like a squeeze of lemon or a swirl of olive oil—it’s all about those finishing touches!

Side Dishes

This skillet meal really shines as an all-in-one dinner, but it also plays well with others. Serve Ground Beef Orzo alongside a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or a basket of warm, crusty bread to soak up every last drop. If you want to keep things fuss-free, some simple steamed broccoli or sautéed zucchini is perfect, too.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try spooning Ground Beef Orzo into individual ramekins and topping each with a little extra mozzarella, then broil until bubbly and golden. Or, serve it directly from the skillet at the table for a rustic, homey touch—perfect for cozy gatherings or family nights. Leftovers also make a fabulous filling for stuffed peppers or even inside a toasted pita pocket for lunch the next day.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Ground Beef Orzo keeps beautifully! Let it cool to room temperature, then pack into airtight containers. It’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. The flavors deepen a bit overnight, making each reheated bite even more satisfying.

Freezing

If you want to stash some away for busy nights, Ground Beef Orzo freezes surprisingly well. Transfer cooled portions to freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months—just remember to label and date it for easy tracking.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, then warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat. Splash in a bit of beef broth or water to loosen things up, and give it a good stir. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions in a covered dish, adding a sprinkle of extra cheese if desired.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is an easy substitute that will cut down on fat while still delivering loads of flavor. Italian sausage or ground chicken also work, allowing you to personalize your Ground Beef Orzo to taste.

What can I use if I don’t have orzo?

If you’re out of orzo, try other small pasta shapes like ditalini, small shells, or even broken spaghetti. Just keep an eye on cooking times and add more broth as needed—different pastas absorb liquid at different rates.

Is this dish spicy?

Ground Beef Orzo has just a whisper of heat from the optional red pepper flakes, but you can easily omit them for a mild dish. Conversely, spice lovers can add more for extra kick!

How do I make it extra creamy?

The cheesy finish is already wonderfully creamy, but a splash of heavy cream or a spoonful of ricotta stirred in at the end will take your Ground Beef Orzo to decadent new heights. A touch of cream cheese also does the trick!

Can I double the recipe?

Yes! This recipe scales up beautifully. Just use a very large skillet or a Dutch oven, and you might need a few extra minutes for the orzo to cook fully. It’s a fantastic option for potlucks or feeding a hungry crowd.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something special about sharing a big, bubbling skillet of Ground Beef Orzo—it’s comfort food at its best, packed with flavor and sure to please everyone at your table. Give it a try and see why this recipe has won over my heart (and my family’s taste buds!). I can’t wait for you to enjoy your first forkful!

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