Quick Ground Beef Orzo Recipe: A Family Favorite Every Time

Savory ground beef orzo combines comfort and convenience in one delightful dish.

Mediterranean flavors dance through this hearty skillet meal.

Weeknight dinners demand simple yet satisfying solutions like this pasta creation.

Packed with protein and tender pasta, the recipe promises quick satisfaction.

Herbs and spices elevate each bite into something spectacular.

Home cooks can easily master this one-pan wonder without stress.

We think you’ll love how effortlessly this meal comes together.

Grab a fork and let the deliciousness begin!

Tips That Help You Avoid Mushy Orzo

• Maximize Flavor Depth: Toast the orzo before adding liquids to enhance its nutty taste and prevent mushiness, creating a more complex flavor profile.
• Control Liquid Absorption: Watch the orzo carefully during cooking, adding small amounts of broth if the mixture looks dry to ensure perfectly cooked, tender pasta.
• Customize Protein Options: Swap ground beef with ground turkey, lamb, or plant-based crumbles for a versatile and adaptable one-pan meal that suits different dietary preferences.
• Boost Nutritional Value: Incorporate diced bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach during the cooking process to increase vegetable content and add extra nutrients to the dish.
• Elevate Cheese Technique: Mix Parmesan directly into the hot orzo or sprinkle it just before serving to prevent potential greasiness and maintain the cheese's distinct flavor and texture.

Store and Heat Beef Orzo

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled ground beef orzo to freezer-safe containers, sealing tightly to prevent freezer burn, and store for up to 2 months.
• Warm the dish in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to restore moisture and prevent sticking.
• Heat individual portions in microwave-safe dishes, stirring midway and checking temperature to ensure even warming without drying out the orzo.

Sides and Toppings to Pair with This Dish

• Complement the rich, meaty flavors of ground beef orzo with a robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel, whose full-bodied profile matches the dish's hearty character.
• Toss together a crisp Greek-style salad with cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and feta cheese to provide a fresh, tangy contrast to the savory orzo.
• Serve alongside warm, toasted garlic bread brushed with olive oil to soak up the delicious tomato and beef sauce, adding textural variety to the meal.
• Prepare a light, herbal iced tea with mint or basil to cut through the richness of the ground beef and cleanse the palate between bites.

Ideas to Switch Up Your Orzo Skillet

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Replace orzo with riced cauliflower for a keto-friendly version that cuts carbohydrates while maintaining the dish's hearty flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Lentil Alternative: Substitute ground beef with brown lentils or plant-based meat crumbles for a protein-packed meatless option that keeps the recipe's core essence.
• Mediterranean Lamb Transformation: Swap ground beef for ground lamb and add mint and rosemary to create a Greek-inspired variation with deeper, richer flavors.
• Gluten-Free Rice Solution: Use gluten-free small rice pasta or quinoa instead of orzo to accommodate celiac or gluten-sensitive dietary needs without compromising taste.

Common Ground Beef Orzo Questions

• Is orzo a type of rice or pasta?

Orzo is actually a type of pasta that looks like large grains of rice. It’s made from wheat flour and has a small, rice-like shape that works perfectly in many dishes.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is an excellent substitute for ground beef in this recipe. It will provide a leaner protein option while maintaining similar flavors and texture.

• How do I prevent the orzo from becoming mushy?

Toasting the orzo briefly before adding liquids helps maintain its texture. Also, stir occasionally during cooking and avoid overcooking. Watch the liquid absorption closely to keep the pasta al dente.

• What if I don't have all the spices mentioned?

You can simplify the seasoning with just salt, pepper, and maybe one herb like oregano. The key is to build layers of flavor, so even basic seasonings will work well in this recipe.

Why Ground Beef Orzo Is Perfect for Busy Nights

• Transforms basic ingredients into a delicious, satisfying dinner in under 30 minutes.
• Beginner-friendly recipe with simple cooking techniques that even novice cooks can master confidently.
• Eliminates multiple dish cleanup, reducing kitchen mess and saving precious time after a long day.
• Adaptable recipe that welcomes creativity with potential spice variations or additional vegetable mix-ins for personalized meals.

Ingredients That Make This Skillet Shine

• Ground Beef: Rich, hearty base protein for the dish, best with 80/20 lean to fat ratio for optimal flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: Optional creamy topping that adds depth and saltiness to the final dish.

• Onion, Garlic: Classic flavor builders that provide a savory foundation for the meal.
• Oregano, Smoked Paprika, Cumin: Warm spices that create complex, layered Mediterranean-inspired taste profile.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasoning to enhance overall flavor balance.

• Orzo: Small rice-shaped pasta that absorbs flavors well and creates a comforting texture.
• Beef or Chicken Broth: Cooking liquid that adds moisture and additional savory notes.
• Diced Tomatoes: Provides acidity, moisture, and slight sweetness to the dish.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright garnish that adds color and fresh herbal finish.

How to Cook Beef and Orzo for Best Texture

Step 1: Brown The Beef

Grab a large skillet and warm it over medium heat. Toss in ground beef and break it into tiny crumbles while cooking. Watch for a rich golden color and drain any extra fat.

Step 2: Awaken Aromatic Flavors

Introduce diced onions and let them dance in the pan until soft and translucent. Sprinkle minced garlic and let its fragrance fill your kitchen for a quick moment.

Step 3: Toast Pasta Perfection

Tumble orzo into the skillet and gently stir with beef and veggies. Let the pasta lightly toast and absorb surrounding flavors.

Step 4: Create Liquid Magic

• Beef broth
• Chicken broth
• Diced tomatoes

• Oregano
• Smoked paprika
• Cumin
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 5: Simmer And Surrender

Cover the skillet and let ingredients mingle. Stir occasionally while orzo softens and absorbs liquid. Add water or broth if mixture looks dry.

Step 6: Cheese Finale

Sprinkle Parmesan cheese for creamy richness if desired.

Step 7: Serve With Celebration

Scatter fresh parsley on top. Plate alongside crisp salad or warm bread. Enjoy your culinary creation!

Ground Beef Orzo Recipe

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4.9 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty ground beef orzo brings Mediterranean comfort straight to your kitchen, blending robust flavors with simple ingredients. Pasta lovers will savor this one-pan wonder that delivers rich, satisfying textures you can’t resist.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (450 grams) ground beef

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can (14 ounces/400 grams) diced tomatoes (or 1 ½ cups fresh diced tomatoes)

Starches, Liquids, and Seasonings:

• 1 cup (200 grams) uncooked orzo pasta
• 1 ½ cups (360 milliliters) beef or chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin (optional)
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Ignite a robust skillet over medium flame, introducing ground beef and fragmenting it into delicate morsels while searing to a rich golden-brown hue. Eliminate surplus rendering if necessary.
2. Incorporate finely chopped onion, sautéing until translucent and fragrant. Introduce minced garlic, allowing its aromatic essence to permeate the mixture.
3. Cascade orzo into the seasoned protein landscape, gently tumbling and coating each pasta grain with the savory essence, creating a light toasted undertone.
4. Stream beef or chicken broth alongside diced tomatoes, integrating their vibrant liquid. Shower the concoction with oregano, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and freshly cracked pepper, ensuring comprehensive flavor distribution.
5. Decrease thermal intensity, allowing the mixture to softly bubble. Cloak with a lid, permitting gentle simmering for approximately 10-12 minutes. Periodically agitate contents, monitoring orzo’s tenderness and liquid absorption. Supplement with occasional liquid splash if mixture threatens adhesion.
6. Optional decadence emerges through folding grated Parmesan, imparting luxurious creaminess and nuanced depth.
7. Conclude by adorning with verdant parsley fragments. Present piping hot, accompanied by crisp salad or rustic bread for a comprehensive culinary experience.

Notes

• Drain beef thoroughly to prevent excess grease, ensuring a lighter, less oily dish that lets other flavors shine.
• Toasting orzo before adding liquid creates a nutty, rich undertone that elevates the overall taste profile dramatically.
• Experiment with alternative proteins like ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian version that maintains the recipe’s robust seasoning.
• Keep liquid levels consistent by adding small amounts during cooking, preventing dry or mushy orzo textures and maintaining perfect pasta consistency.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 490
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 900mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 80mg