One Pot Ground Beef Orzo – The Ultimate Weeknight Dinner

When it comes to weeknight meals, we all crave something hearty, quick, and easy with minimal cleanup. That’s where this One Pot Ground Beef Orzo comes in—it’s creamy, savory, and absolutely loaded with flavor. With just a skillet and pantry staples, you can have dinner on the table in 30 minutes flat.

Orzo, a small rice-shaped pasta, absorbs all the flavors of beef, tomatoes, broth, and seasonings, giving you a rich and cozy dish that feels like comfort food at its finest. Plus, since it’s all cooked in one pot, cleanup is a breeze—leaving you more time to relax after a long day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One Pot Only – No juggling pans, no extra dishes.
• Budget-Friendly – Uses inexpensive ground beef and simple pantry staples.
• Quick & Easy – Dinner is ready in about 30 minutes.
• Comfort Food Classic – Creamy, cheesy, and satisfying.
• Versatile – Can easily be customized with veggies or different proteins.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 ½ cups uncooked orzo pasta
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
• 3 cups beef broth
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Heat Oil: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Cook Beef: Add ground beef, breaking it apart, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
3. Add Onion & Garlic: Stir in onion and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant.
4. Season: Add paprika, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
5. Toast Orzo: Add uncooked orzo, stirring for 1–2 minutes to lightly toast.
6. Add Liquids: Pour in beef broth and diced tomatoes with their juices. Stir well.
7. Simmer: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and liquid absorbed.
8. Cheese Finish: Stir in shredded cheese until melted and creamy.
9. Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra parmesan before serving.

Variations

• Veggie Boost: Add spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
• Cheese Swap: Try cheddar, gouda, or feta for different flavors.
• Protein Twist: Substitute ground turkey, sausage, or chicken.
• Spicy Kick: Add chopped jalapeños or extra chili flakes.

One Pot Ground Beef Orzo

A quick and hearty One Pot Ground Beef Orzo made with beef, tomatoes, and creamy orzo pasta. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s the perfect weeknight comfort food.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 6 bowls

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Comfort Food

Calories: 420

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion diced
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta uncooked
• 14 oz diced tomatoes with juices
• 3 cups beef broth
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes optional
• salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or parmesan
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• fresh parsley for garnish

Equipment

• Large skillet
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups
• Knife
• Cutting board

Method

 

1. Heat olive oil in skillet over medium heat.
2. Add ground beef, cook until browned, drain excess fat.
3. Stir in onion and garlic, cook until softened.
4. Add paprika, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
5. Stir in orzo and toast lightly for 1–2 minutes.
6. Pour in beef broth and diced tomatoes. Stir well.
7. Cover and simmer 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender.
8. Stir in shredded cheese until melted and creamy.
9. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

Notes

Toast the orzo for extra flavor. For a lighter version, use ground turkey or chicken.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is hearty enough on its own, but you can pair it with:

• A crisp green salad.
• Garlic bread or focaccia.
• Steamed broccoli or roasted vegetables.

Storage

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to loosen.
• Freeze for up to 2 months in freezer-safe containers.

Nutrition (per serving, 6 servings)

• Calories: ~420
• Protein: 25g
• Fat: 18g
• Carbs: 42g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 5g