This Ground Beef and Orzo recipe is a true weeknight lifesaver, combining classic comfort food flavors with unbeatable speed and simplicity. Juicy ground beef, tender orzo, and a savory, tomato-rich sauce come together in a single skillet for a meal that’s both nourishing and deeply satisfying. The dish is layered with aromatic onion and garlic, enriched with a hearty beef broth, and finishes with a sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan cheese that melts right in. It has all the vibes of a simmered-all-day Italian dinner, but it’s ready in less than 30 minutes and barely makes a mess in your kitchen. Perfect for those busy nights when you want delicious food, fast—but don’t want to compromise on flavor or comfort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: From start to finish, this meal can be on the table in under half an hour, making it ideal for those hectic evenings.
Minimal Cleanup: Everything cooks in just one skillet, so you won’t be left with a pile of dishes.
Family Favorite: It’s savory, cheesy, and packed with flavors everyone loves (kids included!).
Flexible and Forgiving: This recipe happily welcomes substitutions based on what’s in your pantry.
Comforting Flavors: Each bite is rich and hearty, with creamy orzo, savory beef, a burst of tomato, and that irresistible parmesan finish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather these simple yet flavor-packed ingredients to bring this dish together:

Olive Oil: Adds a robust base flavor and helps brown the beef perfectly.
Ground Beef: Opt for 85/15 or 90/10 for a balance of flavor and less excess grease—if you use leaner, you might want a bit more oil for richness.
Onion: Lends a subtly sweet, savory foundation—yellow onions work best, but any type adds great flavor.
Garlic: Bold, aromatic, and essential for depth; go fresh and mince it fine for best results.
Orzo: This tiny pasta cooks quickly and soaks up all the saucy goodness; rice-shaped and ultra-comforting.
Tomato Sauce: The backbone of your sauce—choose a high-quality tomato sauce for richer flavor.
Beef Broth: Deepens the savory notes and ensures your orzo cooks up tender, never dry.
Italian Seasoning: Your shortcut to herby flavor—dried oregano, basil, and thyme in one convenient blend.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for drawing out and balancing all the other flavors.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is a must here for that melty, nutty finish—pre-grated just isn’t the same.
Tip: Fresh basil makes an excellent garnish if you have it on hand. Its brightness adds a fresh touch at the end!

Variations

Looking to mix things up? This recipe is practically begging for improvisation:

Swap the Protein: Ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage all work beautifully—just adjust cooking time as needed.
Veggie Boost: Sneak in diced bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach with the onion for extra nutrition and color.
Different Cheese: Try pecorino, mozzarella, or a touch of ricotta for a different cheesy finish.
Go Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic for a gentle kick.
Whole Wheat Orzo: For a health-conscious spin that still tastes fantastic.

How to Make Ground Beef and Orzo

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, crumble in the ground beef and break it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until no pink remains—this is where the flavor starts!

Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Add that diced onion and minced garlic straight to the skillet. Stir well, letting the onion soften and the flavors meld—about 3 minutes is all you need for everything to turn fragrant and just golden.

Step 3: Toast the Orzo

Mix in the orzo with the beef mixture, tossing it lightly for a minute so it can absorb some beefy flavor and begin toasting.

Step 4: Add Sauce and Simmer

Pour in the tomato sauce and beef broth, stirring to combine. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring everything to a gentle boil.

Step 5: Let Orzo Cook

Reduce the heat to a low simmer. Cook uncovered for around 10 minutes, stirring occasionally—this prevents the orzo from sticking and ensures it cooks evenly. Most of the liquid should be absorbed, but keep it slightly saucy.

Step 6: Finish with Cheese

Once the orzo is tender, remove from heat. Immediately stir in the freshly grated parmesan so it melts into the sauce, making everything creamy and irresistible.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Dish up warm and, if you’re feeling fancy, shower with extra parmesan or torn fresh basil.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Use Quality Parmesan: Freshly grating your cheese makes a world of difference. Pre-grated tends to clump and lacks flavor.
Skillet Size Matters: Use a wide pan so the orzo and sauce cook evenly—crowding can lead to sticky spots.
Don’t Rush the Simmer: Keep at a gentle bubble for creamier results. Too high, and the liquid evaporates before everything’s cooked.
Season as You Go: Taste at the end and adjust the salt and pepper for a perfectly balanced dish.
Leftovers?: The orzo may soak up more sauce as it sits—add a splash of broth or water when reheating to loosen things up.

How to Serve

This dish is plenty hearty on its own, but you can elevate it with a few sides:

Garnishes

More parmesan and fresh basil give extra flavor and color.
Sprinkle with parsley or a small drizzle of good olive oil for richness.

Sides

Garlic bread or a crusty baguette to soak up the sauce.
A crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette adds freshness.
Roasted or steamed veggies (like broccoli or green beans) round out the meal beautifully.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing

Freeze in single-serve containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of beef broth or water to bring back its silky texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Small shapes like ditalini, small shells, or even broken spaghetti can substitute for orzo. Just watch the cooking time and adjust liquid as needed.

What if my sauce gets too thick while simmering?
No worries—just add a little more beef broth or water, a splash at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes—this ground beef and orzo is a great make-ahead meal. It reheats beautifully, though you may want to rehydrate with extra broth or a splash of water.

Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or lentils, and use vegetable broth in place of beef broth for a satisfying vegetarian dinner.

Final Thoughts

There’s a reason this Ground Beef and Orzo recipe is bound to become a staple in your dinner rotation—it’s endlessly satisfying, unapologetically easy, and delivers home-cooked comfort in record time. Perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you need a meal that’s big on flavor, low on effort, and sure to win rave reviews. Give it a try and see just how simple—and delicious—homemade comfort food can be.

Ground Beef and Orzo Recipe