If you’re craving a hearty dinner that comes together in a flash, this Ground Beef and Orzo Skillet Recipe is about to become your new weeknight hero. It’s a perfect blend of savory ground beef, tender orzo pasta, and rich tomato sauce, all cooked in one pan to lock in every ounce of flavor. This dish brings comfort and a little Mediterranean flair to your table, with the kind of creamy, cheesy finish that keeps everyone coming back for seconds. Simple, satisfying, and bursting with cozy goodness, it’s a recipe that turns the everyday dinner routine into something special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple, everyday pantry staples that work together to create a dish bursting with flavor, texture, and inviting color. Each one plays an essential role—from the juicy ground beef to the silky orzo and tangy tomato sauce, finishing with creamy parmesan that ties everything together.
- Olive oil: Provides a healthy base and a subtle fruity flavor that enhances the beef.
- Ground beef (85/15 or 90/10): The main source of rich protein and hearty flavor.
- Onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth while softening into the beef mixture.
- Garlic, finely minced: Brings aromatic punch that awakens the whole skillet.
- Uncooked orzo: A pasta that cooks quickly and soaks up all the delicious juices.
- Tomato sauce: Provides acidity and body, creating a comforting sauce.
- Beef broth: Adds richness and moisture to cook the orzo perfectly.
- Italian seasoning: Offers a blend of herbs that brightens the entire dish.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning to bring out each component’s best taste.
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese: Adds a creamy, salty finish that makes this skillet irresistible.
How to Make Ground Beef and Orzo Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula so it cooks evenly. Browning the beef until no pink remains creates the savory foundation your dish needs, building those incredible meaty flavors that will shine throughout the recipe.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Next, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic to the beef. Stir occasionally for about 3 minutes until the onions soften and the kitchen fills with that wonderful, fragrant aroma. These aromatics add layers of sweetness and depth that make your skillet come alive.
Step 3: Add Orzo
Now it’s time to stir in the uncooked orzo. Mixing it directly with the beef and onions allows the pasta to soak up those flavors from the start, ensuring every bite is deliciously infused and perfectly textured by the time it’s cooked.
Step 4: Add Liquids & Seasonings
Pour in the tomato sauce and beef broth, then sprinkle in the Italian seasoning. Season generously with salt and pepper to match your preferences. Stir everything together so the ingredients combine seamlessly, building a rich and vibrant sauce that will envelop the orzo beautifully.
Step 5: Simmer to Perfection
Bring the skillet mixture up to a boil, then reduce the heat to let it gently simmer uncovered. This step takes about 10 minutes, allowing the orzo to tenderize and most of the liquid to absorb. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to keep everything melding into one harmonious dish.
Step 6: Add Parmesan
Once the orzo is cooked and the sauce has thickened slightly but still remains saucy, remove the skillet from heat. Stir in freshly grated parmesan cheese until creamy and fully incorporated. This step gives the Ground Beef and Orzo Skillet Recipe its luscious finish — you can even add a little extra cheese if you’re feeling indulgent.
How to Serve Ground Beef and Orzo Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your skillet with a sprinkle of extra parmesan for that perfect cheesy touch, or fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a refreshing burst of color and flavor. These simple garnishes brighten the dish and make it look as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
Pairing this skillet with a crisp green salad or steamed seasonal veggies adds a crisp, fresh contrast to the rich and comforting flavors of the Ground Beef and Orzo Skillet Recipe. Garlic bread or warm pita also make excellent accompaniments if you want to soak up every last bit of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this recipe in individual bowls for a cozy, casual meal or plating it on warmed rustic bread for a rustic-style open sandwich. Alternatively, topping the dish with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a drizzle of balsamic glaze can add unexpected creaminess or tang that jazzes up the presentation and taste.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Ground Beef and Orzo Skillet Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making for wonderful next-day meals that just need a quick reheat.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers by portioning them into freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve the texture of the orzo and prevent the beef from drying out.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of beef broth or water if the skillet has thickened too much. Stir well to redistribute the cheese and maintain that lovely creamy consistency we all adore.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta instead of orzo?
Absolutely! Small pasta shapes like couscous, small shells, or even rice can be swapped in, but keep in mind that cooking times and liquid amounts may vary slightly. Orzo is great because it cooks quickly and absorbs the sauce evenly.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute the orzo with a gluten-free pasta or small gluten-free grains like quinoa. This will still give you that satisfying texture and allow you to enjoy the dish without gluten concerns.
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Definitely! Ground turkey or chicken works well and will make the dish lighter. Just be sure to brown it thoroughly and keep an eye on seasoning since poultry can be a bit milder in flavor compared to beef.
How spicy is the Ground Beef and Orzo Skillet Recipe?
The recipe as written is mild and family-friendly. If you like some heat, feel free to add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce when you add the seasoning for a spicy kick.
Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?
For sure! This recipe scales up nicely. Just use a larger skillet or Dutch oven to give everything plenty of room to cook evenly. Adjust the seasoning gradually to maintain balanced flavors.
Final Thoughts
Making the Ground Beef and Orzo Skillet Recipe is like welcoming a warm, comforting hug onto your dinner table—quick, effortless, and packed full of flavor. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a laid-back weekend, this dish promises to satisfy and delight, becoming a beloved recipe you’ll reach for time and again. Give it a try and watch it quickly turn into one of your all-time favorites!
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 hearty and flavorful one-pan meal featuring tender ground beef, sautéed onions and garlic, and perfectly cooked orzo pasta simmered in a savory tomato sauce and beef broth. Finished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, it’s an easy and satisfying dinner ready in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Beef and Aromatics
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound (454 g) ground beef (85/15 or 90/10)
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
Orzo and Sauce
- 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
Finishing Touch
- ⅓ cup (33 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
Instructions
- Brown the 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 Aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to 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 & Seasonings: Pour in the tomato sauce and beef broth. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together thoroughly.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered. Stir occasionally for about 10 minutes, or until most liquid has been absorbed but the mixture remains slightly saucy. This cooks the orzo perfectly and blends the flavors.
- Add Parmesan: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until fully incorporated and creamy. Add extra Parmesan if desired.
- Serve: Serve the dish warm, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and optionally fresh basil or parsley for a fresh touch.
Notes
- Use a skillet or Dutch oven large enough to hold all ingredients comfortably to avoid crowding and ensure even cooking.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially with salt and pepper depending on the saltiness of your broth and tomato sauce.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Add fresh herbs like basil or parsley just before serving to brighten the dish.
