Savory Ground Beef Orzo – Hearty, Flavorful & One-Pan Comfort Food

Comfort in a Skillet

Few dishes capture the essence of weeknight comfort like a hearty one-pan meal. Imagine a skillet filled with tender orzo pasta simmered in savory broth, studded with juicy ground beef, and finished with a touch of tomato richness and melted cheese. It’s everything you want in a dinner: flavorful, filling, and wonderfully simple to prepare.

This ground beef orzo skillet works because it combines pantry staples with approachable cooking techniques. Ground beef delivers satisfying richness, while orzo provides that creamy, risotto-like texture without hours of stirring. The result? A meal that feels indulgent yet is quick enough for busy evenings.

Perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or even cozy weekends when you crave comfort without a mountain of dishes, this recipe is as practical as it is delicious. With just one skillet, you can create a complete meal that appeals to kids and adults alike.

And the best part? It’s highly customizable. Add vegetables, adjust spices, or swap proteins to suit your family’s tastes. Once you try it, this dish will likely become a go-to favorite in your rotation.

What is Ground Beef Orzo?

Ground beef orzo is a one-skillet pasta dish that blends the heartiness of ground beef with the creamy, comforting qualities of orzo pasta. Orzo may look like rice, but it’s actually a tiny pasta that cooks up tender and slightly chewy, making it the perfect base for absorbing savory broths and sauces.

The dish draws inspiration from both Mediterranean and Italian cooking traditions, where skillet pasta meals are common. By cooking everything in one pan, the flavors meld beautifully—the beef juices enrich the orzo, while aromatics and tomato paste create layers of depth.

Unlike rice-based casseroles or baked pastas, ground beef orzo is quick to prepare on the stovetop, ready in about 30 minutes. It’s versatile enough to serve as a weeknight dinner, but hearty enough for entertaining. Think of it as a budget-friendly, family-style comfort meal with a touch of elegance.

Flavor & Texture Profile

This dish shines because of its balance of flavors and textures:

• Savory depth: Browning ground beef with onions and garlic builds the base flavor, rich and aromatic.

• Creaminess: As the orzo cooks directly in broth, it releases starch, creating a creamy consistency without heavy cream.

• Richness: Tomato paste or crushed tomatoes lend a slightly tangy sweetness and body, while herbs add warmth.

• Texture contrast: Tender orzo pairs with juicy beef, while optional vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or peas add freshness and crunch.

• Finishing touch: A sprinkle of parmesan or mozzarella melts into the skillet, tying everything together with cheesy richness.

Every bite is hearty and comforting, yet adaptable—you can make it rustic with bold spices or keep it mild and family-friendly.

Ingredient Breakdown & Substitutions

• Ground beef: Lean ground beef (90/10) keeps it lighter, while regular ground beef adds richness. Season while browning for best flavor. Substitution: ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives.

• Orzo pasta: Looks like rice, cooks like pasta. Creates a creamy, risotto-style texture. Substitution: couscous, small pasta like ditalini, or even rice (increase liquid and cook time).

• Aromatics: Onion and garlic are essential for flavor depth. Bell peppers or shallots add sweetness.

• Broth: Chicken broth keeps it light, beef broth enhances richness, vegetable broth makes it vegetarian-friendly (when using meat alternatives).

• Tomato element: Tomato paste adds concentrated flavor; crushed or diced tomatoes provide more texture and tang.

• Seasonings: A mix of oregano, paprika, garlic powder, and Italian herbs builds a cozy Mediterranean-Italian flavor. Red pepper flakes add optional heat.

• Vegetables: Spinach, peas, zucchini, or mushrooms can be stirred in for nutrition and color.

• Cheese: Parmesan for salty sharpness, mozzarella for creaminess, or feta for a Mediterranean twist. Dairy-free cheese can be used if needed.

Pro tip: Dice ingredients evenly so every bite has a perfect balance of textures.

Tools & Equipment Needed

This recipe is low-fuss and requires only a few kitchen essentials:

• Large skillet or Dutch oven – big enough to hold pasta, beef, and broth.

• Wooden spoon or spatula – for browning beef and stirring.

• Measuring cups & spoons – to portion broth, orzo, and seasonings.

• Fine grater – for freshly grated parmesan or cheese of choice.

• Ladle & serving bowls – to portion and serve family-style.

Optional: a colander if you want to pre-rinse orzo, though it’s not necessary since it cooks directly in the skillet.

Step-by-Step Cooking Guide

1. Brown the beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.

2. Add aromatics: Stir in diced onion, garlic, and bell peppers (if using). Cook until softened and fragrant.

3. Season & enrich: Add tomato paste, oregano, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Stir and cook for 1–2 minutes to deepen the flavor.

4. Add orzo & broth: Stir in uncooked orzo, then pour in chicken or beef broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer.

5. Simmer & cook: Cover and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and has absorbed the broth.

6. Finish with cheese & herbs: Stir in parmesan or mozzarella, adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, and garnish with parsley or fresh dill.

7. Serve warm: Dish into bowls and enjoy immediately.

Flavor Variations & Creative Twists