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About This Recipe
This One-Skillet Ground Beef Orzo is one of those dinners that’s perfect to throw together at the last minute on busy winter nights. It’s hearty and comforting without being complicated, and uses simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry or freezer.
The tender orzo cooks right in the skillet with the beef and broth, soaking up all that flavor and creating a creamy, cozy texture with minimal effort. It’s the kind of meal that feels like comfort food, but still works for a realistic weeknight schedule and will definitely be a family favorite.
For more quick and easy one-pot meals, try my Lightened Up Hamburger Helper, Spanish Chicken and Rice, or Zucchini Mushroom Beef Pasta!
Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Orzo Recipe
- Perfect for winter nights: This comforting dish is super cozy and satisfying, perfect for when it’s cold outside!
- Uses pantry + freezer staples: Ground beef, broth, pasta, and canned sauce are likely already in your kitchen, making this a great last-minute dinner option.
- One skillet, minimal cleanup: Everything cooks in a single pan, which means fewer dishes and easy clean up.
- Quick and easy: This dish is ready in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Family-friendly: A hearty meal made with simple, comforting flavors that the whole family will love.
- Ground beef: I used 92% lean ground beef. You can also use a lower or higher percentage of ground beef or even ground turkey if preferred.
- Seasonings: You’ll need salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. You could also add garlic powder, onion powder, or red pepper flakes for additional flavor.
- Low-sodium beef broth: I used low-sodium. If using regular, you may want to reduce or omit the additional salt.
- Tomato sauce: Plain tomato sauce or marinara both work great here; use whatever you have on hand.
- Orzo pasta: I love using orzo for this dish because it cooks quickly and gives this dish a creamy, risotto-like texture without any extra effort.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated parmesan melts best and adds richness and flavor.
- Heavy cream: Adds creaminess at the end. You can substitute whole milk or half-and-half if needed.
- Add veggies: Stir in frozen peas, fresh baby spinach, bell peppers, or chopped zucchini during the last few minutes to add additional volume.
- Make it spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes if you like things spicy.
- Protein swap: Ground turkey or chicken works well with the same cook time.
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free orzo pasta.
How To Make
The full printable recipe is below, but let me walk you through the process so you know what to expect when you’re making it!
1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
2. Cook, breaking into small crumbles until browned.
3. Stir in the broth, marinara sauce, and uncooked orzo.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low so it’s simmering. Continue to cook, stirring frequently so the orzo doesn’t stick, until the orzo is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed, about 7-8 minutes.
5. Remove from heat. Stir in the heavy cream and parmesan.
6. Taste; season with more salt and pepper, if needed. Serve topped with grated parmesan cheese and enjoy!
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The orzo will continue to absorb liquid as it sits, so add a splash of broth or milk when reheating to loosen it back up.
Helpful Tips
🥣Keep stirring: Stir frequently once the orzo is added to prevent sticking to the bottom of the pot or uneven cooking.
💦Add liquid: If the pan looks dry before the orzo is tender, add a splash of broth as needed.
⏰Let rest: For the creamiest texture, let the dish rest for 2–3 minutes after stirring in the cream and cheese.
Can I make this ground beef orzo ahead of time?
Yes! It reheats well and makes great leftovers for lunch or dinner later in the week. Just add a splash of broth or milk when reheating to loosen it back up if needed.
Can I use a different pasta?
Orzo works best here, but small pasta shapes like ditalini may work with adjusted liquid and cook time.
Is this freezer-friendly?
This dish is best fresh or refrigerated. Creamy pasta tends to change texture once frozen and reheated.
Did you make this? If you snap a photo, please be sure leave a review, tag me on Instagram or TikTok at @LaurenFitFoodie or hashtag #LaurenFitFoodie so I can see your creations!
One-Skillet Ground Beef Orzo
Ingredients
- 1 lb. 92% lean ground beef
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper
- 1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning
- 2 cups 16oz. low-sodium beef broth
- 2 cups 16oz. tomato sauce or marinara sauce
- 1 cup dry orzo pasta (168g) 168g
- 1/4 cup fresh grated parmesan (16g) more for topping
- 2 Tbsp. heavy cream (30g) or milk
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Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, salt, pepper and Italian seasoning. Cook, breaking into small crumbles until browned.
- Stir in the broth, marinara sauce and orzo. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low so it’s simmering. Continue to cook, stirring frequently so the orzo doesn’t stick, until the orzo is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed, about 7-8 minutes.
- Remove from heat. Stir in the heavy cream and parmesan.
- Taste; season with more salt and pepper, if needed. Serve topped with grated parmesan and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition Information
Nutrition is hand-calculated and accurate. No autocalulations! However, note that values can vary based on the brands you use and if you substitute ingredients.
