If you’re hunting for the ultimate cozy dinner that checks every box—quick to make, savory, and oh-so-satisfying—this Ground Beef and Orzo Recipe is about to become your weeknight hero. Imagine tender morsels of ground beef, perfectly cooked orzo, a melody of savory spices, and a touch of creamy Parmesan coming together in one skillet. It’s comfort food with a modern twist, hearty enough to satisfy the hungriest appetites, and flexible enough to adapt to whatever you’ve got in your pantry. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just to treat yourself after a long day, this dish never fails to impress or comfort.

Ground Beef and Orzo Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Ground Beef and Orzo Recipe plays a vital part, from the beef that brings hearty richness to the simple spices and bright greens that used at the end. Stick to these basics for guaranteed deliciousness, then riff as needed.

Olive oil: Adds flavor and ensures nothing sticks to your pan—start with a high-quality olive oil for depth.
Ground beef (1 lb): The star of the dish, giving savory heartiness and making this meal super filling.
Yellow onion (small, diced): Sweetens and mellows as it cooks, building a base of flavor.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Elevates everything with aromatic punch; don’t skip the garlic.
Dried oregano (1 tsp): Brings a cozy, herby warmth and a hint of Mediterranean flair.
Smoked paprika (1/2 tsp): Adds gentle smokiness and beautiful color—your secret ingredient!
Salt (1/2 tsp): Enhances all the savory goodness, helping each flavor shine through.
Black pepper (1/4 tsp): For just the right gentle heat and a finishing touch of spice.
Uncooked orzo (1 cup): This tiny pasta soaks up all the flavors, staying perfectly tender and toothsome.
Beef broth (2 1/2 cups): Makes everything moist, savory, and rich—opt for low sodium if you prefer.
Diced tomatoes (14.5 oz can, undrained): Juicy tomatoes add brightness and a touch of sweetness that balances the meat.
Baby spinach (1 cup, optional): For color, a pop of nutrients, and just the slightest bit of bitterness—stir in at the end.
Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Melts into the skillet, giving creamy texture and a boost of salty flavor.
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional): Adds a fresh, vibrant finish and beautiful color just before serving.

How to Make Ground Beef and Orzo Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Start by heating the olive oil in your favorite large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the ground beef and break it up with a spoon, letting it brown until it’s no longer pink—about 5 to 6 minutes. This step is all about building that rich, meaty flavor, so don’t rush it! If you end up with excess fat, carefully drain it off (or leave a little for even more flavor).

Step 2: Add Aromatics

With the beef browned, stir in your diced yellow onion and let it cook for another 3 to 4 minutes until it’s soft and ever-so-slightly golden around the edges. Toss in the minced garlic, dried oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. A quick minute is all these need to become irresistibly fragrant—you’ll know it’s time when the kitchen fills with their aroma.

Step 3: Stir in Orzo and Liquids

Pour in your uncooked orzo, beef broth, and all the juices from your diced tomato can. Give everything a gentle stir to combine, crank the heat just until it starts to boil, then lower to a gentle simmer. Cover your skillet and let it all cook for 10 to 12 minutes, peeking to give it an occasional stir so nothing sticks. You’re looking for tender orzo and a sauce that’s mostly absorbed, with just enough left to keep things succulent.

Step 4: Finale – Greens and Parmesan

If you’re going for extra nutrition and color, add the baby spinach now. Stir it in with the grated Parmesan cheese and let the whole mix cook for another 1 to 2 minutes. The spinach will wilt, and the Parmesan will melt right into the sauce, making everything creamy, luscious, and ready to eat.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Give your creation a final taste for seasoning, then garnish with a generous sprinkle of chopped parsley if you like a fresh finish. That’s it—the Ground Beef and Orzo Recipe is ready to land on your table!

How to Serve Ground Beef and Orzo Recipe

Garnishes

Those last bright touches can make a world of difference. A shower of fresh chopped parsley brings lively flavor and a lovely pop of green, while extra Parmesan on top melts into cheesy bliss as you serve. If you like spicy, a pinch of crushed red pepper or a drizzle of good olive oil can really lift each bite.

Side Dishes

This Ground Beef and Orzo Recipe is truly a meal on its own, but it loves good company. Try it alongside a crisp green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette, or pair it with warm, crusty bread to soak up every drop of that veggie-meaty sauce. Roasted vegetables like broccoli or carrots make fantastic, colorful partners.

Creative Ways to Present

For weeknight dinners, scoop generous spoonfuls straight from skillet to plates for a rustic vibe. Entertaining? Serve it in individual bowls with a swirl of olive oil and microgreens for a restaurant-worthy look. Leftovers are amazing as a stuffed pepper filling or tucked into a wrap for lunchtime reinvention!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any extra Ground Beef and Orzo Recipe cool to room temperature before transferring it to airtight containers. Covered, it’ll keep fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days without losing its wonderful flavors or texture. That makes it perfect for meal prepping or next-day lunches.

Freezing

If you’re planning ahead, you can freeze cooled portions for up to three months. For best results, use freezer-safe containers and leave a little space at the top for expansion. The orzo may absorb more liquid during freezing, so consider adding a splash of broth when you reheat to bring back the original creamy texture.

Reheating

Warm leftovers over medium-low heat on the stovetop, stirring in a bit of broth or water to loosen up the pasta as needed. You can also microwave individual portions. Either way, stir occasionally to ensure even heating and enjoy that (almost) fresh-cooked flavor all over again.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are great swaps if you want a lighter dish. Even plant-based crumbles hold up well, making this recipe endlessly adaptable for your preferences or dietary needs.

Do I need to cook the orzo separately?

No need at all—the beauty of this Ground Beef and Orzo Recipe is that the orzo cooks right in the same pan, absorbing all the wonderful flavors of the meat, spices, and broth while keeping things ultra simple and fuss-free.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes! Just skip the Parmesan or use your favorite non-dairy cheese alternative. The dish will still be delicious and creamy, especially with the addition of tender spinach and that rich sauce.

What if I don’t have smoked paprika?

You can swap in regular paprika or even a dash of ground cumin for depth, though the subtle smoky note of smoked paprika is worth trying if you have it—it brings a special warmth to the recipe.

How can I make this Ground Beef and Orzo Recipe spicier?

Add a generous pinch of crushed red pepper flakes with your spices or stir in a diced fresh chili for fiery heat. Each bite will have just the kick you’re craving!

Final Thoughts

This Ground Beef and Orzo Recipe has a permanent spot in my dinner rotation, and I hope you’ll love it as much as I do. The blend of hearty beef, tender pasta, and just the right touches of spice and cheese is comfort food made easy. Give it a try—you might just find yourself making it on repeat!

Ground Beef and Orzo Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 23 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A hearty and flavorful one-pot meal, this Ground Beef and Orzo recipe is a perfect combination of tender orzo pasta, seasoned ground beef, and a savory broth. Quick to make and full of comforting flavors, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

Ground Beef and Orzo:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 lb ground beef
1 small yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup uncooked orzo
2 1/2 cups beef broth
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 cup baby spinach (optional)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Heat the Olive Oil: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Cook Ground Beef: Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 5–6 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
Prepare Onion and Spices: Add diced onion and cook until softened. Stir in garlic, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper; cook until fragrant.
Add Orzo and Broth: Stir in uncooked orzo, beef broth, and diced tomatoes. Bring to a boil, then simmer covered for 10–12 minutes until orzo is tender.
Finish the Dish: Stir in spinach (if using) and Parmesan cheese. Cook until spinach wilts and cheese melts. Garnish with parsley before serving.