I’ve always loved recipes that come together in one pot, and this Ground Beef Orzo has quickly become one of my favorites. It’s hearty, flavorful, and packed with tender pasta, seasoned beef, and a savory tomato base—all simmered together for the perfect comfort meal.

I brown ground beef with onion and garlic, stir in seasonings, tomato paste, broth, and orzo pasta, then let everything simmer until the orzo is tender and has absorbed all that rich flavor. In under 30 minutes, I have a satisfying dinner that feels both cozy and effortless.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I adore how this dish delivers bold flavor with minimal effort and cleanup. The orzo cooks right in the beefy tomato sauce, soaking up all the seasoning while releasing its starch to create a silky texture. It’s an easy weeknight dinner that feels hearty enough for company, and I can easily adjust it to whatever’s in my pantry.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon dried thyme
2 tablespoons tomato paste
4 cups beef broth
1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

directions

In a large skillet or sauté pan, I cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. I drain excess fat if needed.
I add the diced onion and garlic to the pan, cooking for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
I stir in paprika, oregano, and thyme, letting the spices toast for 30 seconds to release their aroma.
I add tomato paste, stirring until it coats the beef and onions evenly.
I pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes, and orzo, stirring to combine.
I bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. I cover and cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
I season with salt and pepper to taste, then garnish with fresh parsley and Parmesan before serving.

Servings and timing

Yield: 4 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

Cheesy Finish: I stir in 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar at the end for a creamy texture.
Veggie Boost: I add chopped spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Spicy Twist: I swap paprika for smoked paprika and add ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes.
Mediterranean Style: I stir in chopped olives and crumbled feta before serving.
Ground Turkey or Chicken: I replace beef with lean turkey or chicken for a lighter version.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I add a splash of broth or water and warm it in a saucepan over low heat or microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until hot.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, I prepare it earlier in the day and reheat before serving, adding a splash of broth to keep it from drying out.

Can I use whole wheat orzo?

Definitely—it works the same way but may take 1–2 minutes longer to cook.

How do I keep the orzo from sticking?

I stir occasionally while it simmers and make sure there’s enough liquid so the pasta cooks evenly.

Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, I let it cool completely, then freeze in portions for up to 2 months. I thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

What can I serve this with?

I love it with a simple side salad and crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

Conclusion

This Ground Beef Orzo is my go-to for a quick, flavorful, and filling dinner. It’s a true one-pan wonder—rich, comforting, and endlessly adaptable—making it perfect for busy nights or casual entertaining.