This Ground Beef Orzo Recipe has become my weeknight savior. I still remember the first time my neighbor shared this recipe with me over coffee, and I’ve been making it at least twice a month ever since.
Growing up in the Midwest, we always had simple, hearty meals that brought everyone to the table without keeping anyone stuck in the kitchen for hours. This Ground Beef Orzo Recipe reminds me of those family dinners at my grandmother’s farmhouse, where the aroma of savory beef and herbs would drift through the rooms, calling everyone home. The way the tiny orzo pasta soaks up all that rich, tomatoey goodness creates something truly special. One bite takes me right back to Sunday suppers, where seconds were always encouraged and the conversation flowed as freely as the sweet tea. Time to make this comforting dish together.
Why This Ground Beef Orzo Recipe Belongs in Your Recipe Box
After raising three kids and cooking thousands of meals, I can tell you that the recipes that stick around are the ones that work when life gets hectic. This one-pot wonder has earned its permanent spot in my rotation for good reason.
- Comes together in just 30 minutes on even the busiest evenings
- Uses ingredients you probably already have in your pantry and fridge
- Creates minimal cleanup since everything cooks in one skillet
- Appeals to picky eaters with its mild, familiar flavors
- Adapts easily when you need to use what you have on hand
- Delivers satisfying, budget-friendly comfort without breaking the bank
Understanding Your Ingredients
Lean ground beef forms the hearty base of this dish. I always choose beef that’s 90% lean because it gives you great flavor while keeping things a bit lighter, and you won’t end up with excess grease pooling in your pan.
Orzo pasta is what makes this recipe special. These little rice-shaped noodles cook right in the skillet alongside the beef, soaking up every bit of that savory, herby goodness as they soften.
Beef or vegetable broth does double duty here, cooking the orzo while infusing it with deep flavor. In my kitchen, I prefer beef broth for a richer taste, but vegetable broth works beautifully when that’s what I have on hand.
Tomato paste brings concentrated tomato richness without making the dish too saucy. Just those two tablespoons create wonderful depth that ties all the flavors together.
Fresh garlic and diced onion build the aromatic foundation. I’ve tried using jarred garlic in a pinch, but fresh cloves really do make a difference in the final flavor.
Parmesan cheese gets stirred in at the very end, creating a creamy, luxurious texture without adding any cream. I always grate it fresh because it melts so much better and tastes more authentic.
Betty’s Tested Technique
Step 1. I’ve found that getting your aromatics just right sets up everything else for success. Heat a drizzle of olive oil in your large skillet over medium heat, then add the diced onion and minced garlic, letting them cook for 3 to 4 minutes until they soften and smell wonderful.
Step 2. Add the ground beef to your skillet, using your wooden spoon to break it into smaller pieces as it browns for about 5 to 7 minutes. Through trial and error, I learned not to rush this step because well-browned meat develops much deeper flavor.
Step 3. Stir in the tomato paste along with the paprika and Italian seasoning right into the beef. The key I discovered is cooking this mixture for 2 minutes so the spices can bloom in the beef’s natural fat, which makes everything smell incredible.
Step 4. Pour in your broth and add the orzo pasta after giving it a quick rinse. After years of making this Ground Beef Orzo Recipe, I always rinse the orzo first because it removes excess starch that can make things gummy.
Step 5. Once everything comes to a boil, reduce your heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 10 to 12 minutes. Betty always stirs halfway through to keep the orzo from sticking to the bottom and to make sure everything cooks evenly.
Step 6. Take the skillet off the heat and stir in that grated Parmesan cheese, watching it melt into a creamy, cohesive dish. My family prefers when I let this rest for 2 to 3 minutes before serving because the texture becomes absolutely perfect.
Storage and Reheating Tips
I typically store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they stay fresh for up to 4 days. One thing I’ve noticed is that the orzo actually absorbs more flavor as it sits, which makes day-two lunches taste even better.
For longer storage, this Ground Beef Orzo Recipe freezes beautifully in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
For the best texture, I reheat portions on the stovetop with a splash of broth to bring back that creamy consistency. You can also microwave individual servings in short intervals, stirring between each burst to heat everything evenly.
Perfect Partners for Ground Beef Orzo
- Simple garden salad with crisp romaine, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette provides freshness that balances the richness. Try pairing it with this Christmas Salad Recipe for something special.
- Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread is perfect for soaking up every last bit of that savory, cheesy goodness from your bowl.
- Roasted broccoli or green beans add nutritious color to your plate while keeping the meal balanced and satisfying.
- Creamy tomato soup makes a wonderful starter. This Creamy Tomato Soup Recipe would be perfect alongside.
- Sauteed vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers bring extra nutrition. Check out this Easy Vegetable Soup for inspiration.
FAQs
I recommend sticking with orzo for this recipe because it cooks perfectly in the broth and absorbs flavors beautifully. Other small pastas like ditalini might work, but cooking times will be different.
Many home cooks find success with adding red pepper flakes when you stir in the tomato paste, or you can serve hot sauce on the side so everyone can adjust to their preference.
Absolutely. To prevent any issues, simply fold in vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini during the last few minutes of cooking so they stay tender-crisp.
Ground Beef Orzo Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Saute diced onion and minced garlic in olive oil over medium heat for about 3 to 4 minutes until softened.
- Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart as it cooks for about 5 to 7 minutes until browned. Drain excess grease if necessary.
- Stir in tomato paste, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the broth and add rinsed orzo pasta. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes until orzo is tender. Stir halfway through.
- Remove from heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Let rest 2 to 3 minutes before serving.
