Craving something hearty, quick, and deliciously satisfying for a weeknight dinner? Let me introduce you to the ultimate comfort food combo: orzo pasta paired with rich ground beef in a tomato-kissed sauce. This dish is cozy, savory, and cooked in one pan—which means fewer dishes and more flavor.

Delicious Ground Beef Orzo hits all the right notes. It’s fast enough for a busy evening but tastes like you simmered it all day. The orzo soaks up every bit of the beefy, herby sauce while still keeping a tender bite. Whether you’re serving it straight from the pan or saving it for lunch tomorrow, it’s the kind of dish you’ll want to add to your repeat list.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Large Deep Skillet or Sauté Pan – This is the foundation for building flavor. You want something roomy enough to brown the beef and simmer everything together without crowding. Non-stick or cast iron both work great.

Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula – Ideal for breaking up the ground beef and stirring the orzo without damaging your cookware.

Fine Mesh Strainer – Helps you quickly drain any excess fat from the beef without losing any flavorful bits.

Measuring Cups and Spoons – To get just the right balance of seasonings, broth, and pasta.

Chef’s Knife + Cutting Board – If you’re adding onions, garlic, or fresh herbs, these are your basic tools for quick prep.

Using the right tools keeps this one-pan dish efficient and stress-free. Every item on this list supports a smooth flow from stovetop to table.

Ingredients for the Delicious Ground Beef Orzo

Ground Beef – The heart of the recipe. It brings richness and depth, absorbing the seasonings perfectly.

Orzo Pasta – This rice-shaped pasta gives a comforting texture and cooks quickly right in the pan, absorbing all the flavors.

Diced Tomatoes – Adds acidity and brightness, balancing the richness of the beef.

Tomato Paste – Intensifies the savory tomato flavor and helps thicken the sauce.

Beef Broth – Provides moisture for cooking the orzo while adding more meaty flavor.

Yellow Onion – For sweetness and aromatic depth.

Garlic Cloves – Essential for that savory backbone.

Olive Oil – For sautéing the aromatics and helping the beef brown evenly.

Italian Seasoning – A blend of herbs like oregano and basil brings a familiar Mediterranean taste.

Salt & Black Pepper – Brings all the flavors into balance.

Fresh Parsley or Basil (optional) – For garnish and a fresh finish.

How To Make the Delicious Ground Beef Orzo

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Add ground beef to the pan, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat using a fine mesh strainer if needed, then return the beef to the pan.

Step 3: Build the Sauce Base

Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes to caramelize it slightly. Then add the diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and simmer for 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Cook the Orzo

Pour in the beef broth and bring to a gentle boil. Stir in the orzo pasta and reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Once cooked, fluff the orzo gently with a spoon. Taste and adjust salt or pepper if needed. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil before serving.

How to Serve and Store Delicious Ground Beef Orzo

Serve this dish hot and straight from the skillet. It pairs beautifully with a crisp side salad or roasted green vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. You can also sprinkle a bit of grated Parmesan on top for an extra-savory layer.

For storing, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months; just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth when reheating to loosen the texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use another type of pasta instead of orzo?

Yes! Small pasta like ditalini, small shells, or even elbow macaroni will work well, though cooking times may vary slightly.

What kind of ground meat works best?

Ground beef is classic, but you can swap in ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based ground meat for a lighter option.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. It reheats very well, making it a perfect meal prep candidate. Store in individual containers for easy grab-and-go lunches.

How can I make it spicier?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic or finish with a drizzle of hot sauce.

Is it okay to add vegetables?

Definitely! Bell peppers, spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms can be sautéed with the onions for extra nutrients and texture.

What if I don’t have beef broth?

You can substitute chicken broth or vegetable broth in a pinch. Just be sure to taste and adjust the seasonings accordingly.

Want More One-Pan Dinner Ideas?

If you’re into meals that are easy to clean up but big on flavor, I’ve got more for you. Try the Delicious Beef Bowtie Pasta for another hearty beef and pasta combination that cooks up in one pot. Or maybe the One Skillet Smoky Cajun BBQ Chicken Pasta if you like your dinners with a bold, spicy twist.

Craving something even creamier? The Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta layers creamy sauce with savory chicken in a way that’s completely crave-worthy. And if you’re after a cozy winter dish, the Crockpot Italian Meatball Soup makes dinner feel like a warm hug.

Need something faster and still satisfying? The Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce brings you a creamy one-pot option that’s perfect for weeknights.

Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

You can save this to your quick dinner boards for next time. Just click the Pin button.

If you make it, I’d love to hear how yours turned out. Did you use fresh herbs or go bold with the seasoning? Leave a comment below. I’m always excited to see how others make it their own.

For more comfort classics and daily favorites, come follow me on Pinterest: LadyPlate Pinterest Recipes

Delicious Ground Beef Orzo

Author: Julia Koch
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

A hearty, one-pan pasta dish combining tender orzo and seasoned ground beef simmered in a rich tomato sauce. Comforting, quick to prepare, and perfect for both busy weeknights and meal prep.

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until translucent.

2. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

3. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed.

4. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes to deepen the flavor.

5. Add the diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes to blend the flavors.

6. Pour in the beef broth and bring to a gentle boil. Stir in the orzo.

7. Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally until the orzo is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed.

8. Fluff gently, taste, and adjust seasoning if needed.

9. Garnish with chopped parsley or basil and serve warm.

Notes

Use lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10) for a more balanced dish with less grease and plenty of flavor.

Orzo cooks fast, so stir occasionally and check near the end to prevent overcooking or sticking.

Add a splash of broth or water when reheating leftovers to bring back the saucy texture.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: One-Pan Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1.5 cups
Calories: 460
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 720mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0.5g
Carbohydrates: 46g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 26g
Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: orzo, ground beef, one pot, pasta dinner