Introduction

This irresistible ground beef orzo recipe is perfect for cozy nights when you want a comforting and flavorful meal. It combines tender ground beef, aromatic spices, and creamy Parmesan cheese with tender orzo pasta for a satisfying dish that’s easy to prepare.

A close-up bowl of orzo pasta mixed with ground beef and small tomato pieces, all coated in a light red sauce. The orzo pasta looks soft and slightly shiny, light yellow in color, while the ground beef is finely crumbled and brown. Small chunks of bright red tomatoes add color throughout. The dish is served in a white bowl with blue patterns inside, with a sprig of green rosemary on top. The bowl is placed on a wooden surface with a blurred white marbled texture background. A white spoon handle is seen sticking into the food. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb lean ground beef
1 cup orzo pasta
1 medium onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups beef or vegetable broth
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic for about 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Step 2: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart as it cooks. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned, then drain any excess grease if needed.
Step 3: Stir in the tomato paste, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to allow the flavors to combine.
Step 4: Pour in the broth and add the rinsed orzo pasta. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the orzo is tender.
Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and creates a creamy texture. Adjust salt and pepper to taste, then serve warm.

Tips & Variations

For extra nutrition, add vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms along with the onions.
Swap ground beef for ground chicken or turkey for a leaner option.
Use vegetable broth to make this dish suitable for those avoiding beef.
Top with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for added freshness.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a white bowl with blue patterns filled with a dish made of small rice-shaped pasta mixed with cooked ground beef and diced red tomatoes. The pasta is yellowish and soft, while the meat is brown and crumbly. Sprigs of fresh green herbs, possibly rosemary, are placed on top, adding a touch of color and freshness. The bowl is placed on a wooden surface with a blurred background that has soft light coming in. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta instead of orzo?

Yes, small pasta shapes like couscous, small shells, or ditalini can be used as a substitute, but cook times may vary slightly.

Is it possible to make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the dish as directed, then cool it completely before storing. Reheat thoroughly before serving to maintain the creamy texture.

Irresistible Ground Beef Orzo Recipe for Cozy Nights Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 120 reviews

This Irresistible Ground Beef Orzo recipe is a cozy, comforting one-pot meal featuring tender orzo pasta simmered in flavorful beef broth with seasoned ground beef, aromatic onions, and garlic, finished with rich Parmesan cheese for a creamy, savory finish. Perfect for easy weeknight dinners, it combines simple ingredients to deliver a satisfying, hearty dish that warms you up on chilly evenings.

Author: Dana
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1 lb lean ground beef
1 cup orzo pasta
1 medium onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups beef or vegetable broth
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)

Instructions

Sauté onions and garlic: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, cooking for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Cook ground beef: Add the lean ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a spatula and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned throughout. Drain any excess grease if needed.
Add seasonings: Stir in the tomato paste, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to deepen the flavors.
Simmer orzo: Pour in the beef or vegetable broth and add the rinsed orzo pasta. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes until the orzo is tender. Stir halfway through cooking to prevent sticking.
Finish with Parmesan: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy, adjusting seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

Notes

For added nutrition, consider adding chopped spinach or diced bell peppers when adding the broth.
You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to make the dish slightly lighter or vegetarian-friendly (omit meat for vegetarian).
Make sure to rinse the orzo pasta before cooking to prevent clumping.
This dish reheats well and is perfect for meal prep or leftovers.

Keywords: ground beef orzo, one-pot meal, easy dinner, comfort food, weeknight recipe, quick pasta dish