If you’re searching for a meal that combines comfort, speed, and incredible flavor all in one pan, this Ground Beef and Orzo Skillet Recipe is your new best friend. It’s a hearty yet simple dish where tender orzo pasta soaks up a rich tomato and beef broth mixture, mingling perfectly with savory ground beef and vibrant seasonings. This recipe feels like a warm hug on a plate—effortless to make on busy weeknights but tasty enough to impress anyone gathered around the table. You’ll adore how the creamy parmesan finishing touch elevates every bite, making it an absolute crowd-pleaser in your dinner rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What’s truly wonderful about this recipe is how straightforward and accessible the ingredients are, yet each plays a crucial role in delivering a perfect balance of flavors, textures, and colors. From the juicy ground beef to the nutty orzo and the fragrant garlic and onion, every element contributes to a harmonious result.
- Olive oil: Adds a smooth richness that helps brown the beef and soften the aromatics.
- Ground beef (85/15 or 90/10): Provides a juicy and savory base with just the right fat content for flavor.
- Onion, diced: Brings sweetness and depth that builds the recipe’s flavor foundation.
- Garlic, finely minced: Packs a punch of fragrant, irresistible aroma that brightens the dish.
- Uncooked orzo: The star pasta that absorbs all the savory liquid for a satisfying bite.
- Tomato sauce: Offers vibrant color and tangy sweetness, tying everything together.
- Beef broth: Boosts umami richness and keeps the orzo tender and flavorful.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds warmth and complexity to the skillet.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to highlight all the tastes just right.
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese: Melts into creamy deliciousness and adds a nutty, salty finish.
How to Make Ground Beef and Orzo Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and use a spatula or wooden spoon to break it into small pieces. Cook it until the beef is completely browned with no pink left, ensuring a rich, meaty base for the entire dish.
Step 2: Add Onion and Garlic
Stir in the diced onion and minced garlic to the browned beef. Sauté everything together, stirring occasionally, until the onions soften and release their sweet aroma—about three minutes. This step layers the flavors beautifully.
Step 3: Incorporate the Orzo
Next, add the uncooked orzo pasta right into the beef mixture. Stir thoroughly so the orzo gets lightly coated with the savory juices, allowing it to soak up all those wonderful flavors as it cooks later.
Step 4: Pour in Tomato Sauce and Broth
Pour the tomato sauce and beef broth into the skillet. Sprinkle the Italian seasoning over and season to taste with salt and pepper. Stir everything well to evenly combine the components and start building that luscious sauce.
Step 5: Simmer Until Orzo Absorbs Liquid
Crank the heat up just enough to bring the mixture to a boil. Then immediately reduce to a low simmer and cook uncovered for about 10 minutes. Keep an eye on it, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed but the dish still looks moist and saucy.
Step 6: Stir in Parmesan Cheese
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the freshly grated parmesan cheese for that creamy, cheesy finish. Mix until it’s fully incorporated, then taste and add extra parmesan if you want even more richness.
Step 7: Serve Warm and Garnished
Serve your Ground Beef and Orzo Skillet Recipe piping hot. Don’t forget to sprinkle extra parmesan cheese on top and add a few fresh leaves of basil or parsley for a pop of color and freshness that brightens the dish.
How to Serve Ground Beef and Orzo Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like a sprinkle of extra parmesan or chopped fresh herbs such as basil or flat-leaf parsley add color, fresh flavor, and an inviting aroma that makes the dish feel instantly elevated. These little details turn a one-pan meal into a celebration on your plate.
Side Dishes
Though this skillet is a hearty, satisfying main, pairing it with a crisp green salad or roasted seasonal vegetables creates a well-rounded meal. Garlic bread or warm crusty bread is also a fantastic companion, perfect for soaking up any remaining sauce and making every bite even more comforting.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family-style dinner, serve the skillet straight from the pan for that cozy, rustic vibe. If you want to make it feel a little fancier, plate individual portions with a delicate garnish and a drizzle of good-quality olive oil or balsamic reduction. Turning this into stuffed bell peppers or layering it in a casserole dish with extra cheese can also be fun twists that impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate. This Ground Beef and Orzo Skillet Recipe will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it excellent for easy lunches or quick dinners the next day without sacrificing flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that the texture of the orzo might slightly soften after freezing, but the delicious flavors hold up well, so it’s great for meal prep and batch cooking.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy, reheat in a skillet over low to medium heat with a splash of broth or water to prevent drying out. Stir occasionally until warmed through and creamy again. Alternatively, microwave safely with a cover to retain moisture, stirring halfway.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works well as a leaner option in this recipe. Just keep in mind it may cook a little faster and have a milder flavor, so consider adding a tad more seasoning to maintain that rich taste.
Is it necessary to use beef broth, or can I substitute another liquid?
Beef broth really adds depth and complements the ground beef perfectly, but you can substitute chicken broth or vegetable broth if needed. Just know that the overall richness might be slightly lighter.
What can I do if I don’t have orzo pasta on hand?
You can swap orzo with other small pasta shapes like acini di pepe, small shells, or even couscous as a quick alternative. Cooking times may vary slightly, so watch closely for doneness.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms for umami. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth, and you’ll still have a satisfying and flavorful skillet dish.
How spicy is this Ground Beef and Orzo Skillet Recipe?
This recipe is mild and comforting in terms of spice, but you can easily add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce during cooking if you prefer a bit of heat without overpowering the other flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Ground Beef and Orzo Skillet Recipe has become a genuine staple in my kitchen because it’s fast, full of comforting flavors, and requires just one pan from start to finish. It feels like a warm, satisfying hug on a plate that you can customize easily and share with loved ones any night of the week. Give it a try—you’ll quickly understand why it’s such a beloved favorite that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
Print
Ground Beef and Orzo Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Ground Beef and Orzo recipe is a delicious and hearty one-pot meal that combines tender ground beef, sautéed onions and garlic, savory tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked orzo pasta. Infused with Italian seasoning and finished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, it’s a quick, comforting dish ideal for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound (454 g) ground beef (85/15 or 90/10)
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 cup (150 g) uncooked orzo
- 15 ounces (425 g) tomato sauce
- 2 cups (473 ml) beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- â…“ cup (33 g) freshly grated parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Add the ground beef and break it into small pieces using a spatula or wooden spoon. Cook until the beef is browned and no pink remains.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the browned beef. Sauté, stirring occasionally, until the onions soften and the mixture becomes fragrant, about 3 minutes.
- Add Orzo: Stir in the uncooked orzo, mixing it well into the beef and onion mixture to lightly coat the pasta with the flavors.
- Add Liquids and Seasoning: Pour in the tomato sauce and beef broth. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together thoroughly.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes until most of the liquid is absorbed but the mixture remains slightly saucy and the orzo is cooked.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: Remove from heat and stir in the freshly grated parmesan cheese until it’s fully incorporated and creamy. Add more parmesan if desired.
- Serve: Serve the dish warm, garnished with extra parmesan cheese and optional fresh basil or parsley for added color and flavor.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10) for best flavor and texture.
- Do not overcook the orzo; it should be tender but not mushy and the sauce should remain slightly saucy.
- You can substitute beef broth with chicken or vegetable broth if preferred.
- For a vegetarian version, replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated on stovetop or microwave.
- Add fresh herbs like basil or parsley at the end for freshness.
