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Ground Beef and Orzo Skillet Recipe

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3.8 from 4 reviews

This Ground Beef and Orzo recipe is a quick and comforting one-pot meal that combines hearty ground beef with tender orzo pasta in a flavorful tomato and beef broth sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner that’s both satisfying and packed with classic Italian seasonings.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound (454 g) ground beef, 85/15 or 90/10
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 cup (150 g) uncooked orzo
  • 15 ounces (425 g) tomato sauce
  • 2 cups (473 ml) beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • ⅓ cup (33 g) freshly grated parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Add the ground beef and break it up into small pieces with a spatula or wooden spoon. Cook until all pink is gone and the beef is browned.
  2. Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the beef. Cook for about 3 minutes until the onion softens and the garlic becomes fragrant.
  3. Add Orzo: Stir in the uncooked orzo pasta, mixing it thoroughly with the beef and onion mixture.
  4. Incorporate Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in the tomato sauce and beef broth. Add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
  5. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a low simmer. Cook uncovered for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid is absorbed but the orzo remains slightly saucy. Be careful not to let it burn on the bottom.
  6. Finish with Cheese: Remove from heat and stir in the freshly grated parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated.
  7. Serve: Serve warm, garnished with additional parmesan cheese and fresh basil if desired.

Notes

  • Use 85/15 or 90/10 ground beef for a good balance of flavor and fat.
  • Stir occasionally during simmering to avoid sticking and burning at the bottom.
  • For a richer flavor, garnish with fresh basil or extra parmesan cheese before serving.
  • Adjust seasoning at the end according to taste.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently.