Ground Beef Orzo Pasta

Comfort food gets a weeknight upgrade with this Ground Beef Orzo Recipe where tender beef mingles with golden orzo and an aromatic tomato-spiced sauce. The one-pan approach means cleanup is easy and the entire meal can be on the table in thirty minutes. It is a nourishing family dinner that invites everyone to dig into seconds and makes the kitchen smell absolutely dreamy.

My kids now ask for this pasta most weeks and it always disappears fast when friends come for a cozy dinner.

Gather Your Ingredients

• Lean ground beef: Look for beef labeled ninety percent lean to keep the dish from becoming greasy but still richly flavored
• Orzo pasta: This rice-shaped pasta cooks quickly and soaks in all the broth and seasonings
• Onion: Use a medium yellow or white onion with firm skin for sweet undertones
• Garlic cloves: Choose large fresh cloves that feel heavy and have unwrinkled skin for maximum aroma
• Beef or vegetable broth: Opt for low-sodium if you like to control salt and choose a broth with a deep color and robust aroma
• Tomato paste: Use the concentrated kind from a tube or can for bold savory flavor
• Paprika: Adds color and a gentle smoky warmth Spanish or Hungarian are both delicious options
• Italian seasoning: This dried herb blend wakes up all the sauce flavors
• Salt and pepper: Freshly ground pepper always gives the brightest kick so grind right before adding
• Parmesan cheese: Grate your own from a block for the meltiest creamy finish choose Parmigiano Reggiano if available

How to Make It

Sauté the Aromatics:

Cook the diced onion and minced garlic in a swirl of olive oil on medium heat. Give it about four minutes so the onion goes translucent and sweet. Stir frequently to keep the garlic from scorching and watch for the aroma to fill your kitchen.

Brown the Beef:

Add the ground beef into the pan and gently break it up with a spatula. Take time to caramelize the meat for about seven minutes. Let it get some deep brown spots for maximum flavor. Drain away any extra grease so the sauce stays silky not oily.

Bloom the Spices:

Sprinkle in the tomato paste paprika and Italian seasoning right into the hot pan. Let everything cook together for two minutes. Stir often so the paste starts to darken and sweeten. This stage really punches up the sauce depth.

Simmer with Orzo and Broth:

Pour in the broth and drop in the orzo. Stir to unstick any flavor bits from the bottom. Bring just to a boil over medium-high then reduce to low. Cover and let simmer for about twelve minutes. Halfway through give the orzo a good stir so nothing sticks. You want the pasta tender but not mushy and most broth absorbed into a creamy sauce.

Finish with Cheese:

Remove the pan from the heat and scatter in all the grated Parmesan. Mix until the cheese melts into the sauce and makes everything glossy. Adjust with salt and pepper if needed then serve straight away while hot and creamy.

I think the orzo makes this special since it soaks up all the broth and transforms into something almost risotto-like. The best moments are when my whole family gathers at the table for this meal and the cheesy aroma brings everyone running to the kitchen.

Flavor Boosters

Making ahead and storing is easy—cool leftovers quickly and store in airtight containers for up to four days. Smart swaps include using ground turkey or chicken, gluten-free orzo, or fresh herbs like basil and parsley to add brightness just before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Round out the meal with a crisp green salad or steamed broccoli for color and crunch. Warm crusty bread turns it into true comfort food, and leftovers are also tasty tucked inside a pita or wrap.

Creative Twists

Add cherry tomatoes or bell pepper with the onions in summer for brightness. In cooler months, toss in spinach or kale in the last few minutes for greens and earthy notes.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or packing up leftovers, this ground beef orzo recipe will become a staple for cozy nights and speedy dinners. Enjoy every creamy, flavorful spoonful!

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I substitute beef broth with vegetable broth?

Yes, vegetable broth is a great alternative and keeps flavors rich while making it a bit lighter.

→ What kind of orzo works best?

Regular dried orzo is ideal, but whole wheat orzo can be used for added fiber and nutrition.

→ How do I prevent the orzo from sticking?

Stir the orzo halfway through simmering and ensure there's enough broth to prevent sticking.

→ Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! Diced bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms blend well and add extra nutrients.

→ Is this meal suitable for leftovers?

Yes, store cooled portions in an airtight container. Reheat with a splash of broth for best texture.

→ Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Ground turkey works well as a substitute, offering a lighter variation without sacrificing flavor.