If you’re looking for a one-pan wonder that’s bursting with flavor and perfect for a busy weeknight, this Ground Beef Orzo Skillet Recipe is going to be your new best friend. Imagine tender, slightly chewy orzo pasta mingling with savory ground beef, bright tomatoes, and aromatic herbs, all cooked together in a single skillet. It’s comfort food made easy, colorful, and deeply satisfying, delivering a delicious meal with minimal fuss but maximum taste and heartiness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These straightforward, easy-to-find ingredients come together to build layers of taste, texture, and color in the Ground Beef Orzo Skillet Recipe. Each element plays a crucial role, from the richness of the beef to the tender bite of the orzo and the freshness of the herbs.
- Ground beef: Provides the hearty, savory base and rich flavor essential to this dish.
- Olive oil: Helps brown the beef and soften the aromatics while adding subtle fruity notes.
- Small onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed, creating a flavorful foundation.
- Garlic, minced: Boosts aroma and taste with its pungent, slightly spicy burst.
- Orzo pasta: Small and delicate, it soaks up all the flavors and cooks perfectly in the skillet.
- Diced tomatoes (canned): Bring juiciness, acidity, and vibrant color that brighten the whole dish.
- Beef broth: Enhances the meaty flavor and helps cook the orzo with richness.
- Dried basil: Offers a sweet, peppery herbaceous note to complement the tomatoes.
- Dried oregano: Adds earthiness and a hint of Mediterranean flair.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance every ingredient.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: A fresh, slightly bitter pop of green that lifts the final presentation.
How to Make Ground Beef Orzo Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Brown the ground beef
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with your spoon, until it’s nicely browned and beginning to get a bit crispy around the edges. This step builds savory depth for the entire dish and ensures rich meaty flavor throughout.
Step 2: Sauté onions and garlic
Stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic, letting them cook for 2 to 3 minutes until they’re softened and fragrant. This step is crucial for developing those sweet and aromatic undertones that make the skillet taste homemade and complex.
Step 3: Add tomatoes, broth, and herbs
Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), beef broth, dried basil, oregano, plus a good pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well to combine, and bring everything to a gentle simmer. This melds all the flavors together and starts to create the sauce that will cook into the orzo.
Step 4: Cook the orzo pasta
Stir in the orzo pasta, making sure it’s evenly distributed in the skillet. Cover the pan and let it cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. The pasta will soak up all the delicious juices, swelling with flavor and making the skillet wonderfully creamy yet light.
Step 5: Garnish and serve
Once the orzo is cooked through, sprinkle the freshly chopped parsley over the top. It adds a vibrant green color and fresh herbal brightness that makes every bite inviting. Serve the skillet warm from the pan to enjoy all its comforting goodness.
How to Serve Ground Beef Orzo Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Simplicity works beautifully here—fresh chopped parsley is classic and essential. If you want to get a little fancy, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or a few red pepper flakes can add a layer of rich or spicy contrast that amps up the experience.
Side Dishes
This dish is quite a full meal on its own, but if you want to round it out, crisp green salads or steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans provide a fresh textural contrast. Garlic bread or warm pita can be perfect for soaking up any lingering sauce leftover in your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve the Ground Beef Orzo Skillet Recipe in individual shallow bowls, topped with a wedge of lemon to squeeze on top—this adds a subtle brightness. Or layer it in a casserole dish topped with melting mozzarella or fontina cheese under the broiler just until bubbly and golden for a comforting baked twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Ground Beef Orzo Skillet Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Because it’s a skillet dish, the flavors often deepen as it sits, making the next-day meal even more satisfying.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well if you want to prep in advance. Portion the skillet into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce, stirring often. You can also microwave it covered in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even warming without drying out the orzo.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of ground meat in this recipe?
Absolutely! While ground beef is traditional here, ground turkey, chicken, or even lamb can be great alternatives. Each will bring a different flavor profile, so feel free to experiment based on your preference.
Is it necessary to use beef broth?
Beef broth enhances the richness of the skillet, but you can substitute chicken or vegetable broth if needed. Just keep in mind it may slightly change the taste intensity but will still yield a delicious meal.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Swap out the regular orzo pasta with a gluten-free version or use another small gluten-free pasta shape. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions to ensure perfect texture.
What can I add to make it more vegetable-packed?
Feel free to toss in diced bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach when you add the onions and garlic to sneak in extra veggies and boost the nutritional value without compromising flavor.
How spicy is this Ground Beef Orzo Skillet Recipe?
This recipe is mild by default but very adaptable. If you like a little heat, add crushed red pepper flakes with the herbs or a dash of hot sauce at serving time for a nice kick.
Final Thoughts
This Ground Beef Orzo Skillet Recipe is a true gem for any home cook’s repertoire—easy, quick, and endlessly comforting. It’s an inviting dish that feels like a warm hug after a long day, and one I promise will become a favorite on your table. Give it a try and enjoy all those wonderful flavors coming together in one perfect skillet!
Print
Ground Beef Orzo Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A comforting and hearty Ground Beef Orzo dish that combines tender orzo pasta with savory ground beef, tomatoes, and aromatic herbs. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this skillet meal is flavorful, easy to make, and ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
For the Dish:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups orzo pasta
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Brown the beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks to ensure even cooking.
- Sauté aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion softens and becomes fragrant, stirring occasionally.
- Add liquids and seasonings: Stir in the diced tomatoes, beef broth, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to allow flavors to meld.
- Cook the orzo: Add the orzo pasta to the skillet and stir well to combine. Cover the skillet and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the skillet from heat and garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve warm for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic and onion.
- Use low-sodium beef broth to control the salt content.
- Feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
