One Pot Ground Beef Orzo – The Ultimate Weeknight Comfort Food

When it comes to quick, satisfying dinners that make the whole family happy, nothing beats a one-pot meal. Today, we’re diving into a recipe that’s hearty, flavorful, and irresistibly creamy – One Pot Ground Beef Orzo. This dish combines tender orzo pasta, savory ground beef, and a rich tomato-based sauce, all cooked together in one pot for minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.

Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner, meal prepping for the week ahead, or simply craving a bowl of comfort, this recipe will quickly become a household favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One Pot Wonder: No need to juggle multiple pans—everything cooks together.
• Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters love the creamy, cheesy pasta.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with simple pantry staples.
• Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable ingredients without compromising on taste.
• Customizable: Easily adaptable with different vegetables, cheeses, or proteins.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make One Pot Ground Beef Orzo:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning (or oregano + basil mix)
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 3 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
• 1 ½ cups dry orzo pasta
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Sauté the Aromatics
   Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 3 minutes.
2. Brown the Beef
   Add ground beef to the pot, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until fully browned, about 5–6 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
3. Add Tomatoes and Broth
   Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato paste, and beef broth. Bring to a gentle simmer.
4. Cook the Orzo
   Add the orzo pasta directly into the pot. Stir well and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
5. Finish with Cheese
   Stir in grated Parmesan until melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning if needed.
6. Serve and Garnish
   Ladle into bowls, top with fresh parsley, and serve hot.

One Pot Ground Beef Orzo

A creamy, flavorful one-pot pasta dish made with ground beef, orzo, tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a quick family dinner.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 bowls

Course: Dinner, Main

Cuisine: Italian-American

Calories: 420

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion diced
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt to taste
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 can diced tomatoes 14 oz
• 3 cups beef broth
• 1.5 cups orzo pasta dry
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese grated
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes optional
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons

Method

 

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot. Add onion and garlic, sauté until softened.
2. Add ground beef, cook until browned. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
3. Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and broth. Bring to simmer.
4. Add orzo and cook 10–12 minutes, stirring, until tender.
5. Stir in Parmesan cheese until creamy.
6. Serve hot, garnished with parsley.

Notes

Adjust broth amount if you prefer a looser or creamier consistency.

Variations and Substitutions

• Add Veggies: Stir in spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
• Swap Proteins: Use ground turkey, chicken, or sausage instead of beef.
• Cheese Upgrade: Replace Parmesan with Pecorino Romano or add a dollop of ricotta before serving.
• Make It Creamier: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half for an ultra-rich texture.

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overcook the Orzo: Stir often to prevent sticking and achieve that perfect al dente texture.
• Use Quality Broth: Since the pasta absorbs most of the broth, a good-quality broth enhances the final flavor.
• Double the Recipe: This dish stores beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep.

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
• Reheat: Warm on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to loosen the pasta.

Fun Fact About Orzo

Though orzo looks like rice, it’s actually a type of pasta! Originating from Italy, orzo is commonly used in soups, salads, and creamy dishes like this one. Its name literally means “barley” in Italian because of its shape.

Serving Suggestions

This One Pot Ground Beef Orzo is a complete meal on its own, but you can elevate it by serving with:

• A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette.
• Garlic bread or crusty artisan bread.
• A glass of red wine or sparkling water with lemon