This Ground Beef and Orzo Skillet is the perfect comfort food for busy weeknights. Ready in just 30 minutes and cooked all in one pan, it delivers bold flavor with minimal cleanup. The richness of the beef is complemented by the creamy texture of melted cheeses, while the orzo soaks up all the savory juices.
What makes this dish a standout is its versatility. You can spice it up with chili flakes, swap mozzarella for provolone, or even toss in some spinach or peas for a veggie boost. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or seasoned foodies, this one-pan wonder will win everyone over.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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1 lb ground beef
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 small yellow onion, diced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
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1 cup orzo pasta
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1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
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2 cups beef broth
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1/2 cup heavy cream
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
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Add diced onion and garlic to the pan, cooking for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in oregano and red pepper flakes.
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Stir in orzo and let it toast lightly for 1-2 minutes.
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Add diced tomatoes (with juices) and beef broth. Bring to a simmer and reduce heat to medium-low.
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Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.
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Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, and mozzarella. Cook for 1-2 more minutes, just until the cheese is melted and the mixture is creamy.
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Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 480 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Why This Ground Beef and Orzo Skillet is a Must-Try
When you’re craving something hearty, cheesy, and soul-warming but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen or clean up a mountain of dishes, this Ground Beef and Orzo Skillet delivers on all fronts. It’s a recipe that takes everyday ingredients and transforms them into a dish that tastes like it’s been simmering all day—rich, savory, creamy, and incredibly satisfying.
Orzo, a small rice-shaped pasta, acts as the perfect vehicle to soak up all the meaty juices, tangy tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and melted cheese. Combined with tender ground beef and a medley of pantry staples, it becomes a one-pan meal that’s ideal for busy families, beginner cooks, or anyone who loves comfort food with minimal fuss.
A Comforting Classic with a Twist
This dish is reminiscent of traditional casseroles and skillet meals that families have turned to for generations. Yet it brings a modern twist through the use of orzo instead of rice or elbow macaroni, offering a smoother texture and a more elegant presentation. The addition of cream and two types of cheese adds a luxurious touch without overwhelming the dish.
One of the most appealing aspects is how customizable it is. Whether you’re looking to add vegetables like spinach, kale, or mushrooms, or you want to spice it up with chili flakes or smoked paprika, this recipe can adapt to whatever’s in your pantry or your family’s taste preferences.
The Power of One-Pan Meals
One-pan meals are a game-changer for home cooks. Not only do they streamline the cooking process, but they also cut down on clean-up time, making cooking feel less like a chore and more like a creative outlet. This Ground Beef and Orzo Skillet exemplifies the beauty of a one-pan meal. From browning the meat to simmering the orzo to melting the cheese, everything happens in the same skillet, allowing flavors to meld beautifully while preserving convenience.
For working parents or busy professionals, this kind of dish becomes a go-to in the weekly meal rotation. It’s fast, filling, and even better the next day, making it a fantastic option for leftovers.
What Makes This Recipe So Flavorful
The depth of flavor in this dish comes from layering and building taste throughout the cooking process. Browning the beef first develops a rich umami base, while sautéed onions and garlic add aromatic complexity. Diced tomatoes and broth introduce a slight acidity and savoriness, which balances beautifully with the richness of the cream and cheeses that follow.
Cheeses—particularly mozzarella and Parmesan—bring a gooey texture and nutty finish. Mozzarella gives that irresistible melt and stretch, while Parmesan adds saltiness and umami that round out the dish. A sprinkle of fresh parsley at the end brings brightness and a pop of color, elevating both the visual appeal and the flavor.
Nutritional Profile and Serving Suggestions
While rich and hearty, this dish can still be considered balanced. It includes protein from the beef, carbohydrates from the orzo, dairy from the cheeses and cream, and optional fiber from any added vegetables. It’s indulgent, yes, but it can be made lighter with a few swaps—like using lean beef or ground turkey, substituting milk for cream, or reducing the cheese.
For serving, a simple green salad or roasted vegetable side makes a great complement. You could also pair it with crusty bread for a more filling meal. This dish is incredibly versatile, perfect for both casual family dinners and more elevated home gatherings.
Perfect for Meal Prepping and Leftovers
This Ground Beef and Orzo Skillet holds up well as leftovers and even improves as it sits. The orzo continues to absorb flavor from the sauce, resulting in a deeper, more cohesive taste on the second day. Stored in an airtight container, it lasts up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator and can be reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave.
For those who love to meal prep, you can easily double the recipe and portion it out into individual containers. It’s an excellent choice for work lunches or ready-made dinners that save time during the week.
Kid-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing
Few things make parents happier than finding a recipe that everyone at the table—from toddlers to teens—will happily eat. This Ground Beef and Orzo Skillet fits the bill. Its creamy, cheesy texture and familiar flavors make it a win even for picky eaters. You can keep the spice level low or leave out ingredients like garlic or onions for sensitive palates.
For parties or potlucks, it’s a guaranteed hit. It travels well and can easily be kept warm in a slow cooker or covered baking dish. Just sprinkle some extra cheese on top before serving, and it’s ready to impress a crowd.
Ingredient Flexibility for All Seasons
One of the standout benefits of this recipe is how well it adapts to seasonal ingredients. In the spring, you might fold in peas or fresh herbs like dill. In the fall, a handful of roasted butternut squash or sautéed mushrooms can add earthiness. During colder months, swap in a heartier cheese like gouda or add a touch of nutmeg for warmth.
You can also experiment with protein options—ground chicken, turkey, sausage, or even a plant-based crumble all work well. The key is in the technique: layering flavor and giving the orzo time to soak it all in.
Making It Your Own
Once you’ve mastered the basic version of this skillet meal, you’ll find countless ways to make it uniquely yours. Consider mixing up the cheese blend—Fontina, cheddar, or Gruyère would all melt beautifully. You could stir in spinach, kale, or arugula toward the end of cooking for added greens. Or you might top the dish with breadcrumbs and broil it for a crunchy finish.
Don’t forget garnishes. A drizzle of balsamic glaze, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper, or even some lemon zest can elevate the dish further. The base recipe is a perfect canvas for experimentation.
Conclusion: A New Favorite for Your Recipe Repertoire
This Ground Beef and Orzo Skillet is the kind of recipe that earns its place in your regular meal rotation. It’s simple enough for weeknights, delicious enough for company, and flexible enough to make it your own. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this one-pan wonder promises comfort, flavor, and ease in every bite.
You don’t need culinary training or fancy tools to make it happen—just a single skillet, some pantry basics, and a little bit of time. Try it once, and it might just become your new go-to dinner.