If you’re on the lookout for a comforting, hearty meal that comes together quickly and packs a ton of flavor, then this Ground Beef and Orzo Skillet Recipe is about to become your new favorite weeknight dinner. Imagine browned ground beef mingling perfectly with tender orzo and a luscious tomato sauce, all sprinkled with freshly grated parmesan cheese—it’s a simple yet satisfying dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re feeding a family or cooking for yourself, this recipe delivers a delicious balance of savory meat, tender pasta, and aromatic herbs in just under 30 minutes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but each plays a crucial role in shaping the rich taste and comforting texture of this Ground Beef and Orzo Skillet Recipe. From the hearty ground beef to the bright tomato sauce and cheesy finish, every element adds depth and balance to the dish.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: This helps brown the beef nicely while adding subtle fruitiness.
- 1 pound (454 g) ground beef (85/15 or 90/10): The meaty foundation that brings protein and savory flavor.
- 1 onion, diced: Adds a sweet, aromatic base that softens and blends seamlessly.
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced: Garlic infuses the dish with its unmistakable aromatic punch.
- 1 cup (150 g) uncooked orzo: This little pasta cooks quickly and soaks up the sauce beautifully.
- 15 ounces (425 g) tomato sauce: Provides tangy moisture and rich color to the skillet.
- 2 cups (473 ml) beef broth: Enhances the beefy flavor and helps cook the orzo perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that elevates the entire dish.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing the flavors.
- â…“ cup (33 g) freshly grated parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish: Adds creamy, nutty richness and a lovely finishing touch.
How to Make Ground Beef and Orzo Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it up with a spatula or wooden spoon. Browning the beef thoroughly gives the dish that wonderful meaty depth and ensures no pink spots remain. This step is key for a flavorful foundation.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Next, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Stir them around with the beef, letting the onions soften and the garlic release its irresistible aroma. This usually takes about 3 minutes, and it’s where the savory complexity of the dish truly begins to build.
Step 3: Add Orzo
Now, it’s time to add the uncooked orzo right into the skillet. Mixing it in with the beef and onions allows each tiny grain to get coated with all those delicious juices and flavors. This step sets you up for perfectly cooked, flavorful pasta.
Step 4: Add Liquids & Seasonings
Pour in the tomato sauce and beef broth, then sprinkle the Italian seasoning evenly over the skillet. Season with salt and pepper to your liking. Give everything a good stir so all the ingredients combine seamlessly, making sure the orzo is submerged to cook through.
Step 5: Simmer
Bring the skillet mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Let it cook uncovered for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the orzo to absorb most of the liquid but still have a slightly saucy texture. This slow simmer helps the flavors marry beautifully and ensures tender pasta.
Step 6: Add Parmesan
Finally, remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the freshly grated parmesan cheese. This step creates a creamy, cheesy finish that ties the whole dish together. Feel free to sprinkle a bit more parmesan on top before serving for an irresistible cheesy crust.
How to Serve Ground Beef and Orzo Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of extra parmesan cheese adds a lovely salty richness on top. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley also bring a burst of color and freshness that brightens up each bite. These garnishes make your dish look as wonderful as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This Ground Beef and Orzo Skillet Recipe pairs beautifully with crisp green salads, roasted vegetables, or even crusty garlic bread to soak up every last bit of sauce. These sides complement the richness and round out the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For an inviting presentation, serve this skillet family-style straight from the pan, letting everyone help themselves. Alternatively, portion into shallow bowls topped with garnishes for a cozy individual serving. You could even stuff the mixture into bell peppers for a fun twist that adds sweetness and crunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making your next meal taste even better. Just consume within 3 to 4 days for freshness and safety.
Freezing
This skillet meal also freezes well. Transfer cooled leftovers to a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
To reheat, warm in a microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen the sauce if it has thickened in the fridge. Stir occasionally, heating until warmed through and creamy once again.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta instead of orzo?
Absolutely! While orzo’s tiny shape is perfect for absorbing sauce quickly, small pasta shapes like ditalini or small shells can work nicely too. Just beware that cooking times may vary slightly.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils and replace beef broth with vegetable broth. The Italian seasoning and tomato sauce will keep it flavorful and satisfying.
How spicy is this Ground Beef and Orzo Skillet Recipe?
It’s generally mild and family-friendly since it relies on Italian seasoning rather than heat, but feel free to add crushed red pepper flakes if you want to kick things up a notch.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can brown the beef and sauté aromatics a day ahead, then store the mixture separately from the liquids and pasta. When ready, combine everything and finish the recipe steps. This makes evening meal prep quicker.
What’s the best way to make the orzo creamy?
The secret is stirring in the freshly grated parmesan right after cooking. This melts into the warm sauce, creating a luscious, creamy texture that coats each grain of orzo beautifully.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Ground Beef and Orzo Skillet Recipe enough for busy nights when you crave something hearty, flavorful, and fuss-free. It’s the kind of dish you’ll want to make again and again, perfect for sharing with loved ones or savoring solo. Give it a try and watch it quickly become a staple in your dinner rotation!
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 quick and hearty one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. Ground beef is browned and sautéed with onions and garlic, then combined with orzo pasta, tomato sauce, and beef broth, simmered until tender and flavorful. Finished with freshly grated parmesan cheese, this comforting dish is both savory and satisfying, ready in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Meat 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
Grains and Liquids
- 1 cup (150 g) uncooked orzo
- 15 ounces (425 g) tomato sauce
- 2 cups (473 ml) beef broth
Seasonings and Cheese
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- â…“ 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 fully browned with no pink remaining.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced onion and finely minced garlic to the browned beef. Sauté while stirring occasionally until the onions become soft and the mixture is fragrant, about 3 minutes.
- Add Orzo: Stir in the uncooked orzo pasta, mixing it well with the beef and onion mixture to lightly coat the pasta with the flavors.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in the tomato sauce and beef broth. Sprinkle the Italian seasoning over the mixture, and 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 let it simmer uncovered. Stir occasionally and cook for about 10 minutes until most of the liquid is absorbed but the mixture remains slightly saucy and the orzo is tender.
- Add Parmesan: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the freshly grated parmesan cheese until the dish becomes creamy and well combined. Add more parmesan if desired for extra richness.
- Serve: Serve the Ground Beef and Orzo warm, garnished with additional parmesan cheese and optionally fresh basil or parsley for added freshness and color.
Notes
- Use ground beef with moderate fat content (85/15 or 90/10) for juiciness and flavor.
- If you prefer, substitute beef broth with chicken or vegetable broth for a different flavor profile.
- Keep an eye on the orzo while simmering to avoid overcooking; the pasta should be tender but still firm.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables on the side.
- For a vegetarian variation, replace ground beef with lentils or plant-based ground meat and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
