If you are seeking a delicious, comforting meal that comes together quickly and pleases everyone at the dinner table, this Ground Beef and Orzo Skillet Recipe is an absolute winner. It combines tender ground beef with the delicate bite of orzo pasta all simmered in a rich tomato and beef broth sauce, kissed with Italian seasonings and finished with creamy parmesan cheese. This one-pan wonder captures bold flavors and hearty textures while staying simple enough for a busy weeknight. Once you try it, this dish will no doubt become a go-to in your kitchen rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Ground Beef and Orzo Skillet Recipe only requires a handful of straightforward ingredients, each playing a crucial role. The olive oil browns the beef beautifully, while the onion and garlic bring warmth and depth. Orzo provides the perfect pasta base with a satisfying bite, and the tomato sauce along with beef broth creates a luscious, flavorful sauce. Italian seasoning ties everything together, and parmesan finishes it off with creamy richness.
- Olive oil: Essential for browning the beef and softening the veggies without sticking.
- Ground beef (85/15 or 90/10): Provides hearty protein and a delicious meaty base.
- Onion, diced: Adds sweetness and aromatic depth once sautéed.
- Garlic, minced: Brings a fragrant punch that enhances all the flavors.
- Uncooked orzo: Small pasta that cooks quickly and soaks up the savory sauce perfectly.
- Tomato sauce: Offers tangy, rich body to the skillet’s sauce.
- Beef broth: Deepens the savory aspect and keeps the orzo moist while cooking.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that lends classic Italian flair and warmth.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings that highlight and balance the dish’s flavors.
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese: Stirred in at the end for creamy, salty brightness plus extra for garnish.
How to Make Ground Beef and Orzo Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef
First, heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it into small pieces with a spatula. Cook until every bit is browned and there is no pink left. This step builds flavor by creating caramelization and locks in the beef’s juiciness.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Next, toss in your diced onion and minced garlic right into the browned beef. Stir occasionally for about 3 minutes until the onions soften and the wonderful aroma fills your kitchen. This base elevates the whole dish and brings a lovely sweetness and depth.
Step 3: Add Orzo
Stir in the uncooked orzo pasta, mixing well to coat every grain in that savory beef and onion mixture. This ensures each bite will be flavorful and sets the stage for the orzo to absorb the richness of the sauce.
Step 4: Add Liquids and Seasonings
Now, pour in the tomato sauce and beef broth. Sprinkle the Italian seasoning all over, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Give it a good stir so all the ingredients meld together into one harmonious skillet of goodness.
Step 5: Simmer
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat so it simmers gently. Let it cook uncovered for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the orzo to soak up most of the liquid while the sauce thickens just enough to be silky but not dry. The balance of saucy and tender orzo is key.
Step 6: Add Parmesan
Finally, take the skillet off the heat and stir in the freshly grated parmesan cheese until it melts fully into the mixture, creating a creamy, cheesy finish. Feel free to add extra parmesan if you want an even richer flavor. Your Ground Beef and Orzo Skillet Recipe is ready to serve!
How to Serve Ground Beef and Orzo Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
To make your dish even more inviting, sprinkle additional parmesan cheese on top. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley add a burst of color and freshness that contrasts beautifully with the rich flavors. A drizzle of olive oil or a squeeze of lemon juice can also brighten every bite.
Side Dishes
This skillet recipe is pretty hearty on its own but pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads, steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans, or even some crusty garlic bread for mopping up every last bit of that delicious sauce. Keep your sides light and fresh to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun family meal, serve the skillet straight from the pan at the table, letting everyone help themselves. Alternatively, plate it individually in shallow bowls, garnished with herbs and cheese for a café-style feel. You could even toss in some roasted red peppers or olives for extra flair and color.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Ground Beef and Orzo Skillet Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply cool to room temperature before refrigerating to keep flavors bright and textures perfect.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. Portion the skillet into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge to ensure even reheating and avoid overcooked orzo.
Reheating
For best results, reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave individual portions covered with a damp paper towel to maintain moisture. Stir occasionally until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta instead of orzo?
Absolutely! While orzo’s small size works perfectly for this recipe, small pasta shapes like ditalini, acini di pepe, or even small elbow macaroni can be good substitutes. Just keep an eye on cooking times, as some pasta shapes take longer to cook.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
You can swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. The result will still be tasty and hearty, though the flavor profile will be lighter without the meaty richness.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance and reheat it later?
Yes, making the Ground Beef and Orzo Skillet Recipe ahead of time can be a real time-saver. Just store it in the fridge and reheat gently when ready to serve. The flavors actually develop further the next day!
How spicy is this dish? Can I add heat?
This recipe is mild by default, making it family-friendly and approachable. If you love a little kick, stir in red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce when adding the seasonings. You can adjust heat to your liking.
What’s the best cheese to use in this recipe?
Freshly grated parmesan cheese is the ideal choice for its salty, nutty flavor and creamy melt. While you could try pecorino romano for a sharper bite, parmesan provides the perfect balance in this Ground Beef and Orzo Skillet Recipe.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly satisfying about a meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, and this Ground Beef and Orzo Skillet Recipe delivers exactly that. Easy to make, rich in flavor, and packed with comforting textures, it’s proof that simple ingredients can create extraordinary dishes. I hope you give this recipe a try soon and add it to your favorites—you’ll be so glad you did!
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Ground Beef and Orzo Skillet Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Ground Beef and Orzo recipe is a comforting and flavorful one-pot meal perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Tender orzo pasta is simmered with browned ground beef, fragrant garlic and onions, and a rich tomato sauce seasoned with Italian herbs, then finished with creamy parmesan cheese for a delicious, hearty dish everyone will love.
Ingredients
Meat and Dairy
- 1 pound (454 g) ground beef (85/15 or 90/10)
- ⅓ cup (33 g) freshly grated parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
Produce
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
Pantry
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 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
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 with a spatula or wooden spoon. Cook until the beef is fully browned and no pink remains.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the browned beef. Sauté, stirring occasionally, until the onions are softened and fragrant, about 3 minutes.
- Add Orzo: Stir in the uncooked orzo, mixing it thoroughly into the beef and onion mixture so the pasta is lightly coated in the flavors.
- Add Liquids & Seasonings: Pour in the tomato sauce and beef broth. Sprinkle Italian seasoning over the mixture and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a low simmer. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, for approximately 10 minutes until the orzo has absorbed most of the liquid but the dish remains slightly saucy, ensuring the pasta is tender and the flavors meld beautifully.
- Add Parmesan: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the freshly grated parmesan cheese until fully incorporated and creamy. Add additional parmesan if desired for extra richness.
- Serve: Serve the dish warm, garnished with extra parmesan cheese and optionally fresh basil or parsley for a bright, fresh touch.
Notes
- Use ground beef with 85/15 or 90/10 lean-to-fat ratio for the best balance of flavor and fat.
- Stir frequently during simmering to prevent the orzo from sticking to the skillet bottom.
- If the mixture gets too thick before the orzo is cooked, add a little more beef broth or water to loosen.
- For a vegetarian variation, substitute ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives and use vegetable broth.
- Leftovers store well and can be reheated gently on the stove or in the microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
