If you’re on the hunt for a comforting yet simple dinner that doesn’t demand a dozen pots and pans, then you’re in for a treat with this Ground Beef Orzo: A Delicious and Easy One-Pan Recipe. It brings together tender, savory ground beef, tender little orzo pasta, and vibrant tomatoes all simmered in one pan for a meal that feels like a warm hug. This recipe is perfect for weeknights when you want something hearty but fuss-free, and it delivers beautiful flavors with minimal effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but thoughtfully combined to create a dish bursting with flavor, texture, and color. Each component plays its part, whether it’s the richness of ground beef, the bite of orzo pasta, or the brightness from fresh herbs and tomatoes.
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend recommended for flavor): The star protein that adds juicy, savory goodness.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps brown the beef and sauté the veggies without sticking.
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped: Adds sweetness and depth once softened.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Gives a fragrant boost, making the dish aromatic and inviting.
- 1 red bell pepper, finely diced: Brightens the plate with color and a hint of sweetness.
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained: Offers a fresh, juicy tomato base that keeps the orzo moist.
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce: Adds richness and body to the sauce.
- 1 cup orzo pasta: The perfect little pasta shape that absorbs all those savory flavors beautifully.
- 2 cups beef broth: A comforting liquid that infuses the orzo and beef with extra depth.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Brings herbal notes that complement the tomato beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil: Adds a subtle sweet earthiness to round out the taste.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat): Just enough kick to gently awaken the palate.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste: Essential seasoning for balancing and highlighting flavors.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional): A savory topper that melts slightly over the warm dish.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional): Freshness and color to brighten every bite.
How to Make Ground Beef Orzo: A Delicious and Easy One-Pan Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add your ground beef and cook it until nicely browned while breaking it apart with a spoon. This step not only builds flavor through caramelization but also sets the stage for the dish’s savory depth. Remember to drain the excess fat to keep it from becoming greasy, but don’t throw away all those delicious brown bits sticking to the pan; they add character to your sauce.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Bell Pepper
Next, toss in your chopped yellow onion and diced red bell pepper. Cooking these gently until the onion is translucent and the pepper softens takes about 5 to 7 minutes. This step softens the vegetables and releases their natural sweetness, which beautifully balances the savory meat.
Step 3: Add the Garlic
Stir in minced garlic and cook for just about a minute to release its fragrant aroma. Be careful here—the garlic should become golden but not burned, as burnt garlic brings bitterness and can throw off the whole dish.
Step 4: Stir in Tomatoes, Sauce, and Seasonings
Pour in the undrained diced tomatoes and tomato sauce, then sprinkle your dried oregano, basil, and optional red pepper flakes. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your taste. This combination creates a rich, herb-infused tomato sauce that perfectly complements the ground beef and orzo.
Step 5: Add Orzo and Beef Broth, Then Simmer
Mix in the orzo pasta and beef broth, bringing everything to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pan. Let it simmer undisturbed for 15 to 20 minutes. During this time, the orzo will absorb the flavorful broth and soften to a tender perfection—such an easy, satisfying one-pan cooking method!
Step 6: Check for Doneness and Adjust
After about 15 minutes, give the orzo a taste. If it’s still a bit firm, continue cooking a few minutes longer. You can add a splash more beef broth if the mixture looks dry, ensuring the orzo finishes cooking without sticking. This step guarantees every bite has the right texture.
Step 7: Final Tasting and Seasoning
Before serving, taste and adjust the seasoning by adding more salt, pepper, or herbs if you feel it needs a boost. This personalized final touch makes all the difference, transforming it from good to truly memorable.
Step 8: Serve Warm with Optional Garnishes
Dish out your Ground Beef Orzo: A Delicious and Easy One-Pan Recipe hot, and if you like, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. These simple garnishes add a lovely salty tang and brightness that complete the dish perfectly.
How to Serve Ground Beef Orzo: A Delicious and Easy One-Pan Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes like freshly grated Parmesan and chopped parsley elevates the dish by adding texture and pops of fresh flavor. The cheese melts slightly into the warm orzo, giving it a velvety richness, while parsley brightens every bite with its fresh, herbal notes. You can also try a lemon wedge on the side for a subtle zing or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil for extra silkiness.
Side Dishes
Since Ground Beef Orzo is a hearty, all-in-one meal, pairing it with light side dishes works well. A crisp green salad with a citrus vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast, and roasted vegetables add extra nutrients without overpowering the main course. For a heartier option, some crusty bread or garlic bread is perfect to soak up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to surprise guests? Serve this dish in individual mini cast iron skillets or pretty shallow bowls to showcase the vibrant colors and textures. You can also turn it into stuffed bell peppers by scooping the cooked mixture into halved and roasted peppers, then broiling with cheese on top for a fun presentation twist. This Ground Beef Orzo: A Delicious and Easy One-Pan Recipe really is versatile that way.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This dish keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors even deepen after sitting overnight, making it an excellent candidate for meal prep. Just be sure to cool it down before storing to maintain the best texture of the orzo.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, Ground Beef Orzo freezes well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw in the refrigerator overnight for even reheating. Avoid freezing with fresh parsley garnish, so add fresh herbs only after thawing.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it up if it thickened too much. Alternatively, use the microwave with short intervals, stirring in between to warm evenly. The key is to heat slowly to maintain that creamy, tender orzo texture without drying it out.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta instead of orzo?
Absolutely! While orzo is ideal because it cooks evenly and absorbs flavors well, small pasta shapes like ditalini, acini di pepe, or even small elbow macaroni work as great substitutes. Just adjust cooking time accordingly.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
You can swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils for a vegetarian version. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth, and consider adding extra veggies like mushrooms for added umami and texture.
How spicy is this recipe?
The red pepper flakes add just a gentle hint of heat that can be omitted entirely if you prefer a mild dish. It’s easy to adjust spice levels to your liking without losing any of the wonderful flavors.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance and reheat it for dinner?
Yes! This recipe is perfect for making ahead. Prepare it fully, refrigerate, and then reheat on the stove or microwave. The flavors meld beautifully over time, making leftovers even tastier.
What tips do you have for preventing the orzo from sticking?
Make sure to stir occasionally during the initial simmer if possible, and keep an eye on the liquid level. Adding a bit more broth or water if it looks too dry prevents sticking and keeps the texture creamy.
Final Thoughts
This Ground Beef Orzo: A Delicious and Easy One-Pan Recipe is a personal favorite because it combines convenience with satisfying, bold flavors that the whole family can enjoy. Its one-pan magic means less cleanup and more time at the table sharing a warm, comforting meal. Give it a try soon, and you might just find yourself reaching for this recipe time and time again!
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Ground Beef Orzo: A Delicious and Easy One-Pan Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Ground Beef Orzo is a flavorful and easy one-pan dish combining savory browned ground beef, tender orzo pasta, and a rich tomato sauce infused with herbs. This comforting meal comes together in about 45 minutes, making it perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner that requires minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Meat and Oil
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend recommended for flavor)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
Tomato Base
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
Pasta and Broth
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups beef broth
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Garnishes (Optional)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Brown the beef: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease to keep the dish from becoming too fatty.
- Sauté vegetables: Add the chopped onion and diced red bell pepper to the skillet with the browned ground beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, making sure not to burn it as garlic can turn bitter quickly.
- Add tomato and seasonings: Incorporate the undrained diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your taste.
- Add orzo and broth: Stir in the orzo pasta and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan and let it simmer gently.
- Simmer until cooked: Cook the covered mixture for 15-20 minutes, checking after 15 minutes. The orzo should be tender and most of the liquid absorbed. If the orzo is still firm, continue cooking a few more minutes, adding a splash more beef broth if it looks dry.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the dish and add extra salt, pepper, or herbs if desired to perfectly suit your preferences.
- Serve: Spoon the ground beef orzo onto plates and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley if you like for added flavor and freshness.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
- For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and replace ground beef with cooked lentils or plant-based meat substitutes.
- If you prefer, stir in some spinach or kale during the last 5 minutes of cooking for added greens.
- Adding red pepper flakes is optional and can be adjusted based on your heat preference.
- Leftovers keep well in the fridge for 2-3 days and can be reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
