Name: Easy Ground Beef Orzo
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 small onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 28 oz can crushed tomatoes; 2 cups beef broth; 1.5 cups dry orzo; 2 cups baby spinach; 1/2 cup grated parmesan; Fresh basil, for garnish; Salt and pepper, to taste

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This is my go-to ground beef orzo recipe, and it never lets me down.

Orzo has a way of soaking up flavor better than almost any other pasta shape, which makes it perfect for cooking directly in a sauce rather than boiling it separately. This ground beef version leans hard into that, letting the orzo simmer right in a rich, beefy tomato broth.

This is genuinely one of my fastest weeknight dinners, one pan, about 30 minutes, and a result that tastes like it took much longer.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

A few reasons this dish earns a regular spot in the rotation.

One pan: the orzo cooks right in the sauce, no separate pot needed.
Fast: ready in about 30 minutes.
Rich, cozy flavor: the orzo soaks up every bit of the beefy broth.
Budget friendly: simple pantry ingredients throughout.

Why This Works

Adding the orzo dry directly into the pan with the broth, rather than boiling it separately and combining afterward, is what makes this dish genuinely one-pan and lets the pasta absorb real flavor as it cooks. Orzo cooked in plain water and stirred in later tastes noticeably blander than orzo simmered directly in a seasoned broth.

Step-by-Step

Brown the ground beef with the chopped onion and garlic in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking the beef apart as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then drain excess fat.

Ground beef and onion browning in a skillet — Brown the beef fully and drain excess fat before adding the orzo.

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, and dry orzo, mixing well to combine. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cover the pan.

Orzo simmering in beefy tomato broth — The orzo cooks directly in the broth, soaking up real flavor as it simmers.

Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Watch closely near the end, orzo can stick to the bottom of the pan if the liquid runs low too quickly.

Stir in a handful of baby spinach until wilted, then remove from heat. Top with grated parmesan and fresh basil before serving.

Tips

Stir occasionally while the orzo simmers to keep it from sticking to the bottom.
Watch the liquid level near the end, add a splash more broth if it’s absorbing too fast.
Don’t skip draining the beef fat, it keeps the dish from feeling greasy.
Add the spinach at the very end so it just wilts without overcooking.
Use a good-quality crushed tomato, it’s a major flavor component here.

Variations

Add red pepper flakes for a spicier version.
Swap ground beef for Italian sausage.
Stir in a splash of cream at the end for extra richness.
Add mushrooms along with the onion for extra depth.

What to Serve With

Garlic bread.
A simple side salad.
Roasted broccoli.
A glass of red wine.

Storage

Refrigerator: store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer: freeze for up to 2 months, the orzo may soften slightly once thawed.

Reheating: reheat in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of broth if it’s thickened too much.

Make Ahead

This dish reheats well, making it a solid option for meal prep, the orzo continues to soak up flavor as it sits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Orzo works best for this one-pan method, other small pasta shapes like ditalini could work but may need adjusted liquid and cook time.

Why is my orzo sticking to the pan?

The liquid likely ran low before the pasta was fully tender, stir occasionally and add a splash more broth if needed.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes, swap the beef for a plant-based ground substitute and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

Final Thoughts

This dish proves a genuinely cozy dinner doesn’t need much time or many dishes. Give it a try next time you want something warm and filling in a hurry.