There’s nothing quite like a one-pot meal that’s hearty, flavorful, and ready in under 30 minutes. This delicious ground beef orzo has been a lifesaver in my kitchen for years—it’s the kind of dish I turn to when I need something comforting but don’t want to spend hours cooking. I first made it on a busy weeknight when my kids were begging for pasta, and I wanted something a little more exciting than spaghetti. With ground beef, tender orzo, and a medley of aromatic spices, it quickly became a family favorite. It’s simple, satisfying, and packed with flavor—everything you want in a weeknight dinner.
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Why You’ll Love This Delicious Ground Beef Orzo
Trust me, this dish is a game-changer for busy nights—and here’s why:
- One-pot wonder: Everything cooks in a single pan, so you’re not stuck scrubbing a mountain of dishes later (my least favorite chore!).
- Fast and filling: From fridge to table in under 30 minutes—perfect when hunger strikes suddenly.
- Packed with flavor: The combination of savory beef, garlic, and herbs makes it taste like you spent way more time cooking than you actually did.
- Endlessly adaptable: Add whatever veggies you have on hand or swap meats—it’s forgiving like that.
- Kid-approved: My picky eaters gobble this up without noticing all the good stuff hidden inside!
Seriously, this recipe has saved dinnertime at my house more times than I can count.
Ingredients for Delicious Ground Beef Orzo
Here’s what you’ll need to make this quick and tasty dish. I’ve included some notes to help you nail it every time:
- 1 lb lean ground beef (85/15 fat ratio): This ratio gives you just enough fat for flavor without being too greasy. If you’re using a higher fat content, just drain the excess after browning.
- 1 cup orzo pasta (uncooked): Orzo cooks quickly and soaks up all the flavors beautifully—don’t substitute it with regular pasta or rice.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Yellow or white onions work best for their mild sweetness.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic is a must here—jarred just doesn’t give the same punch.
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes: These add a hint of tang and keep the dish moist. I like to use the ones with no added salt.
- 2 cups beef broth: Low-sodium is my go-to so I can control the seasoning.
- 1 tsp dried oregano and 1 tsp dried basil: These herbs bring that classic Mediterranean flavor. Fresh herbs? Even better—just double the amount.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Season as you go, but taste at the end before serving.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: For sautéing the onions and garlic—it’s the perfect base for building flavor.
That’s it! Simple ingredients, big flavor. Let’s get cooking!
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Delicious Ground Beef Orzo You’ll Crave Forever
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
A hearty and flavorful dish combining ground beef with orzo pasta, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add diced onion and minced garlic, sauté until softened.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
- Stir in orzo pasta, diced tomatoes, beef broth, oregano, and basil.
- Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 10-12 minutes until orzo is tender.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Add grated Parmesan cheese before serving for extra flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
How to Make Delicious Ground Beef Orzo
Ready to whip up this comforting dish? Let’s break it down step by step. It’s so easy, you’ll have it memorized after the first try!
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and minced garlic—this is where the magic begins! Let them cook for about 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and translucent. You’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen smells amazing. If the garlic starts to brown too quickly, just lower the heat a bit. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this step—it’s the flavor foundation of the whole dish!
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Next, add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a wooden spoon or spatula as it cooks—you want it in small, even pieces. Cook until it’s fully browned, about 5–7 minutes. If there’s excess fat, I like to drain it (a quick tilt of the pan and a spoon does the trick), but leave a little for flavor. This step is key for that rich, savory taste that makes this dish so satisfying.
Step 3: Cook the Orzo
Now, stir in the orzo, diced tomatoes, beef broth, oregano, and basil. Give it a good mix, then bring it to a gentle simmer. Cover the skillet and let it cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You’ll know it’s done when the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. If it looks a little dry, just add a splash of broth. Taste it, adjust the salt and pepper, and you’re ready to serve. Easy, right?
See? In just a few simple steps, you’ve got a hearty, flavorful meal that everyone will love. Now, let’s talk tips to make it even better!
Tips for Perfect Delicious Ground Beef Orzo
Want to take your ground beef orzo to the next level? Here are my tried-and-true tricks:
- Toast the orzo first: Before adding liquid, let the orzo cook with the beef for a minute or two—it brings out a lovely nutty flavor.
- Broth matters: If you prefer a saucier dish, add an extra 1/4 cup of broth. For something thicker, let it cook uncovered for the last 2 minutes.
- Fresh herb finish: Stir in some chopped parsley or basil right before serving—it brightens up the whole dish!
- Cheese, please: A handful of grated Parmesan or feta takes this from simple to spectacular.
- Leftover magic: It reheats beautifully—just add a splash of water to loosen it up.
These little touches make a big difference—try them next time!
Variations for Delicious Ground Beef Orzo
One of the best things about this recipe is how easily you can switch it up! Here are some of my favorite twists—perfect for when you’re craving something different or just using what’s in the fridge:
- Lighter option: Swap ground beef for turkey or chicken—just add an extra drizzle of olive oil to keep it moist.
- Veggie boost: Toss in a handful of spinach or kale during the last 2 minutes of cooking—it wilts perfectly into the warm orzo.
- Extra smokiness: Use fire-roasted tomatoes instead of regular—that charred flavor is incredible!
- Mediterranean twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes and some chopped Kalamata olives for a little kick.
- Cheesy goodness: Stir in crumbled feta or goat cheese at the end—so creamy and delicious!
The possibilities are endless—have fun with it!
Serving Suggestions for Delicious Ground Beef Orzo
This dish is fantastic on its own, but it’s even better with a few simple additions! I love pairing it with warm garlic bread for dipping or a crisp green salad to balance the richness. For a finishing touch, sprinkle on some freshly chopped parsley or a generous dusting of Parmesan cheese. Yum!
Storing and Reheating Delicious Ground Beef Orzo
Leftovers? No problem! This dish keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, I always add a splash of broth or water—it brings back that perfect saucy texture. Microwave in 30-second bursts or warm gently on the stovetop, stirring occasionally. Easy as that!
Nutritional Information
Nutritional values are estimates and vary based on ingredients used. Each serving of this ground beef orzo packs a hearty mix of protein, carbs, and healthy fats, making it a balanced and satisfying meal.
Common Questions About Delicious Ground Beef Orzo
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are the things people ask me most about this recipe:
Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely! Just cool it completely, then store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat with a splash of broth—it’ll taste just as good!
Is orzo gluten-free?
Regular orzo is made from wheat, so it’s not gluten-free. But you can find gluten-free versions (usually rice-based) at most grocery stores—they work great in this recipe!
What if I don’t have beef broth?
Chicken or vegetable broth works just fine in a pinch. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
Can I make this in advance?
You bet! It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Just store it covered in the fridge and reheat gently before serving.
My orzo turned out mushy—what went wrong?
You probably cooked it too long. Next time, check it at 10 minutes—you want it al dente (just tender with a tiny bite).
Still have a question? Drop it in the comments—I’m happy to help!
Share Your Experience
Did you try this ground beef orzo? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a star rating below or tag me on social media with your creation—it always makes my day! You can find more delicious recipes on Pinterest.