If you’re craving a comforting, hearty meal that comes together in just one pan, you’ll absolutely love this Ground Beef and Orzo Skillet Recipe. It’s a vibrant mix of tender orzo pasta, savory ground beef, and a medley of fresh vegetables simmered in a rich tomato and beef broth. Each bite bursts with flavor and satisfying textures, making it a perfect weeknight dinner that feels like a warm hug. This dish is a delightful balance of protein, carbs, and fresh herbs that will quickly become a staple in your kitchen rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, flavorful ingredients is the secret to making this Ground Beef and Orzo Skillet Recipe so irresistible. Each component plays a crucial role—whether it’s the savory depth from the beef broth, the sweetness of the bell pepper, or the creamy finish from the Parmesan cheese—these essentials come together beautifully.
- Olive oil: Helps brown the beef perfectly and adds a subtle fruity richness.
- Ground beef: The hearty protein base that brings satisfying flavor and warmth.
- Small onion, diced: Adds a sweet sharpness that softens as it cooks.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Brings aromatic depth to the skillet.
- Red bell pepper, diced: Offers a pop of color and a mild sweetness.
- Can of diced tomatoes: Provides juicy acidity and texture to the sauce.
- Tomato paste: Concentrates that rich tomato flavor to thicken the sauce.
- Beef broth: The flavorful cooking liquid that infuses the orzo as it simmers.
- Orzo pasta: This tiny, rice-shaped pasta cooks quickly and absorbs all those delicious flavors.
- Italian seasoning: A classic blend that ties all the flavors together.
- Smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smoky warmth without overpowering the dish.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Melts in to create a luscious, savory finish.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: Sprinkles of fresh herbaceous brightness on top.
How to Make Ground Beef and Orzo Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add your ground beef, and cook it until it’s beautifully browned and crumbled, about 5 to 6 minutes. This browning step is key for developing that deep, savory flavor. Don’t forget to drain any excess fat if there’s too much—this keeps the dish from becoming greasy.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Vegetables
Next, toss in the diced onion, minced garlic, and red bell pepper. Cook everything together for 3 to 4 minutes until the onions become translucent and the peppers soften just a bit. This step fills your kitchen with that irresistible smell and layers gentle sweetness into the dish.
Step 3: Build the Sauce and Add the Orzo
Now, stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth to create a rich, flavorful base. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper, then stir everything thoroughly. Add the orzo pasta, and bring the mixture to a lively boil to start the cooking process for the pasta.
Step 4: Simmer Until Orzo is Tender
Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer gently for 12 to 15 minutes. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent anything from sticking to the bottom. This stage allows the orzo to soak up all those savory, tomato-y juices, resulting in a tender, perfectly cooked pasta that’s bursting with flavor.
Step 5: Finish with Cheese and Parsley
Once the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese to add a creamy texture and a salty kick. Finally, sprinkle the freshly chopped parsley on top for a fresh, herbal note and a gorgeous pop of green. Your Ground Beef and Orzo Skillet Recipe is now ready to delight your taste buds!
How to Serve Ground Beef and Orzo Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Adding the right garnishes can elevate your Ground Beef and Orzo Skillet Recipe to restaurant-quality dinner status. Fresh chopped parsley or basil brightens every bite, while a light dusting of extra Parmesan offers richness with a bite. For those who love a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes on top is a fantastic way to kick up the flavor just a notch.
Side Dishes
This skillet recipe is a hearty meal on its own, but pairing it with a crisp side salad or some roasted seasonal vegetables adds contrast and freshness. A simple arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette or garlic roasted broccoli complements the flavors beautifully and rounds out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For something different, serve this dish in individual ramekins and sprinkle extra cheese on top, then broil until bubbly and golden for a fun, gratin-style presentation. You can also transform leftovers into stuffed bell peppers by filling hollowed peppers with the skillet mixture and baking for a colorful, inventive twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Ground Beef and Orzo Skillet Recipe keeps well in an airtight container stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making it even tastier the next day. Just be sure to cool the dish completely before refrigerating.
Freezing
This recipe freezes wonderfully. Pack cooled portions into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of beef broth or water to loosen the texture if needed. Stir occasionally until warmed through, making sure it doesn’t dry out for the best texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Substituting ground turkey or chicken makes this dish lighter while still delicious. Just keep in mind that white meat cooks quicker and is leaner, so you might need to adjust cooking times slightly and add a touch of oil for moisture.
Is orzo similar to rice?
Orzo is a type of pasta shaped like rice grains, but it cooks and tastes like pasta. It’s perfect for absorbing flavors in dishes like this skillet recipe, giving you a tender but slightly chewy bite that’s very satisfying.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, swap out the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or hearty mushrooms, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. The tomato and herbs will still shine through to deliver a comforting meal.
What can I add to make the dish creamier?
Stirring in a quarter cup of heavy cream or a few ounces of cream cheese at the end of cooking adds a luscious, creamy texture that pairs wonderfully with the savory flavors in the skillet.
How spicy is this recipe?
This recipe is mildly spicy thanks to the smoked paprika, which adds warmth rather than heat. If you like more excitement, you can add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to increase the kick.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a deliciously simple, one-pan wonder, the Ground Beef and Orzo Skillet Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s cozy, full of flavor, and perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying without a lot of fuss. Trust me, once you make this dish, it’ll quickly become one of your favorites to turn to again and again.
Print
Ground Beef and Orzo Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired, American
Description
This comforting Ground Beef and Orzo recipe combines tender orzo pasta with savory ground beef, vegetables, and a rich tomato-based broth all cooked together in one pot. It’s a flavorful and easy-to-make main course inspired by Mediterranean and American cuisines, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
Tomato and Broth
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 3 cups beef broth
Pasta and Seasoning
- 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Finishing Touches
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for about 5–6 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon until browned. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Sauté Vegetables: Stir in the diced onion, minced garlic, and red bell pepper. Cook for 3–4 minutes until the vegetables have softened and become fragrant.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Incorporate the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, orzo pasta, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir all ingredients together well to combine evenly.
- Simmer the Mixture: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Then reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 12–15 minutes. Stir occasionally until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese for a rich flavor. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving warm.
Notes
- For a creamier version, stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream or a few ounces of cream cheese at the end of cooking.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter dish.
