Ground Beef and Orzo Recipe

This Ground Beef and Orzo recipe is absolute comfort in a skillet—juicy beef, tender orzo, and a rich tomato sauce come together in one pan for a weeknight dinner you’ll want to put on repeat. Savory, cheesy, and layered with Italian flavor, it’s the kind of meal that checks all your “quick, hearty, and family-friendly” boxes!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Ground Beef and Orzo lies in just how straightforward yet essential each ingredient is—each one brings something special, whether it’s depth of flavor, creamy texture, or a satisfying pop of color. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:

• Olive oil: A dash to start everything off, ensuring the beef browns beautifully while infusing those first-layer flavors.
• Ground beef (85/15 or 90/10): The heart of the dish. The slight fat ensures it’s juicy but not greasy, and makes the orzo ultra savory.
• Onion: Diced and sautéed until translucent for a mellow sweetness and extra depth.
• Garlic: Minced and fragrant, garlic adds unmistakable warmth and classic Italian aroma.
• Orzo: This cute pasta is shaped like rice but soaks up flavors and becomes delightfully creamy as it cooks right in the sauce.
• Tomato sauce: Brings tang, color, and a rich foundation to tie everything together.
• Beef broth: Adds a savory undertone and is what the orzo absorbs as it cooks—much better than just water!
• Italian seasoning: A blend of classic herbs that gives this skillet that familiar, irresistible Italian vibe.
• Salt and pepper: For all-important seasoning and balance.
• Freshly grated parmesan cheese: Creamy, salty, and nutty goodness—melted right into the skillet and sprinkled on top for extra love.

Variations

One of the greatest things about Ground Beef and Orzo? You can easily make it your own, customizing flavors for your family and whatever’s in your pantry. Try one of these swaps or creative twists:

• Use Ground Turkey or Chicken: For a leaner spin, swap the beef for ground turkey or ground chicken—it’ll still be hearty, just a bit lighter in taste.
• Make It Vegetarian: Craving the comfort without the meat? Try using plant-based “beef” or a combo of mushrooms and lentils instead.
• Add More Veggies: Stir in spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini in the last few minutes of simmering for extra texture and color.
• Spice It Up: Want heat? Toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes, or stir in a splash of hot sauce at the end.

How to Make Ground Beef and Orzo

Step 1: Sauté and Brown the Beef

Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up into bite-sized crumbles with a spatula or wooden spoon. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is deeply browned and no pink remains—this first step is crucial for locking in all that meaty flavor!

Step 2: Add Onion and Garlic

Once the beef is cooked through, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Stir and let them cook for about 3 minutes, until everything’s wonderfully fragrant and the onion turns soft and translucent—don’t rush this step, as it builds the flavor base for your Ground Beef and Orzo!

Step 3: Toast the Orzo

Add the uncooked orzo right into the skillet, stirring well so each little piece gets coated with those savory juices. Let it cook for a minute, stirring to toast slightly and mingle with all the flavors—this gives the pasta a slightly nutty base and helps it stay al dente.

Step 4: Make the Sauce and Simmer

Pour in the tomato sauce and beef broth, then sprinkle in your Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir and bring it up to a gentle boil. Once bubbling, reduce to a low simmer and let it cook uncovered for about 10 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed (you do want a bit of sauciness left!). Stir now and then to make sure nothing sticks.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Serve

Remove the skillet from heat and stir in all that freshly grated parmesan cheese—watch it melt and turn your Ground Beef and Orzo into a creamy, cozy skillet. Serve it warm, topped with more parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh basil if you’re feeling fancy!

How to Serve Ground Beef and Orzo

Garnishes

A final flourish of freshly grated parmesan sends this dish over the top, while a sprinkling of fresh basil or chopped parsley adds a pop of bright color and freshness. If you’re craving a dash of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes is always welcome, too!

Side Dishes

This hearty skillet pairs delightfully with a simple green salad tossed in balsamic vinaigrette, or a side of garlicky roasted broccoli. A hunk of crusty bread is also perfect for sopping up that saucy, cheesy goodness—trust me, you’ll want every drop!

Creative Ways to Present

For an extra-special touch, spoon your Ground Beef and Orzo into individual ramekins or bowls and top each serving with a mini mozzarella ball and a basil leaf. Serving family-style straight from the skillet is cozy and inviting, or try tucking a serving inside a roasted bell pepper for a fun, edible “bowl.”

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Ground Beef and Orzo stores beautifully! Transfer cooled leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate—they’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making for an even more delicious lunch.

Freezing

This dish is freezer-friendly, too. Let your Ground Beef and Orzo cool completely, then pack it into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture—add a splash of broth when reheating if needed.

Reheating

To reheat, simply microwave individual servings with a splash of water or beef broth to loosen the sauce. For larger amounts, warm gently on the stovetop, stirring often and adding extra broth as needed to keep things creamy—not clumpy!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a dinner that’s cozy, simple, and sure to win stars from everyone at the table, give this Ground Beef and Orzo a try. I can’t wait for you to enjoy its comforting flavors and to see just how easy and tasty one-skillet dinners can be—happy cooking!

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