This Ground Beef Orzo Skillet is a one-pan weeknight dinner that’s ready in just 30 minutes! It’s savory, satisfying, and filled with tender orzo, seasoned beef, and a touch of greens for balance.
We make this on repeat when we want something quick, cozy, and family-friendly that doesn’t leave us with a sink full of dishes.
If you like simple skillet dinners like this one, be sure to check out my beef quinoa skillet, taco pasta, or meatball orzo soup too!
Ingredients
- Lean ground beef – I use 85%-90% lean so it’s flavorful but not greasy.
- Orzo pasta – Cooks right in the skillet and soaks up all that saucy goodness. I love using brown rice orzo here too.
- Onion – Finely chopped for a base of sweet, savory flavor.
- Garlic – Minced fresh garlic gives the dish a rich aroma.
- Diced tomatoes – I use canned for convenience. Adds texture and tang.
- Beef broth – Low-sodium keeps it from getting too salty.
- Fresh spinach – Wilts perfectly into the skillet at the end. You can swap in kale or arugula.
- Italian seasoning – A blend of dried basil, oregano, and thyme adds herby depth.
- Olive oil – For sautéing the onion and beef. Use your favorite neutral oil.
- Bay leaf – Adds subtle depth. Don’t forget to remove it before serving.
- Sweet paprika – Adds a little smoky sweetness.
📋 You can find the full ingredient list in the Recipe Card below the article.
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How to Make Ground Beef Orzo Skillet
- Sauté onion: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Brown the beef: Add ground beef to the skillet and cook for 6–8 minutes until browned.
- Season: Stir in garlic, paprika, Italian seasoning, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Simmer tomatoes: Stir in the diced tomatoes and simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Add broth and orzo: Pour in beef broth and orzo. Stir and bring to a boil.
- Cook orzo: Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10–12 minutes, uncovered. Stir often to prevent sticking.
- Add spinach: Stir in fresh spinach and cook 1 minute until wilted.
- Finish: Discard the bay leaf. Top with chopped parsley and grated parmesan if desired.
Tips
- Use high-quality broth – It adds a ton of flavor to the dish.
- Stir often – Orzo can stick, so keep it moving while it cooks.
- Add cheese – A sprinkle of parmesan or mozzarella is delicious.
- Switch the greens – Try kale, chard, or arugula.
- Boost the veggies – Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini with the onion.
- Make it spicy – Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Try turkey – Ground turkey works great as a leaner alternative.
- Use tomato paste – For a thicker, richer sauce, stir in 1 tablespoon tomato paste with the garlic.
- Lemon zest – A little at the end gives it brightness and balances the richness.
- Double for leftovers – It reheats well, so make extra!
What To Serve With Ground Beef Orzo Skillet
This dish is a full meal on its own, but here are a few sides I love with it:
- Garlic Bread – For soaking up every drop of sauce.
- Simple Green Salad
- Creamy Cucumber Pea Salad
Can I use rice instead of orzo? Yes, but you may need to adjust the cooking time and add more liquid.
Freezing And Storing Instructions
- To Store. Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- To Freeze. Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- To Make Ahead. Chop the veggies and measure out spices the day before.
- To Reheat. Warm in a skillet with a splash of broth or water until heated through
More Ground Beef Recipes
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Recipe Card
Ground Beef Orzo Skillet
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INGREDIENTS
- 1 pounds lean ground beef
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can, (14.5 ounce) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 2 cups fresh spinach, or other greens
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, basil, oregano, thyme
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 bay leaf
- ½ teaspoon sweet paprika
- salt + black pepper, to taste
INSTRUCTIONS
- Sauté onion: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook for about 5 minutes until softened.1 medium onion, 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Brown the beef: Add ground beef to the skillet and cook for 6–8 minutes until browned.1 pounds lean ground beef
- Season: Stir in garlic, paprika, Italian seasoning, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.3 cloves garlic, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1 bay leaf, ½ teaspoon sweet paprika, salt + black pepper
- Simmer tomatoes: Stir in the diced tomatoes and simmer for 2–3 minutes.1 can
- Add broth and orzo: Pour in beef broth and orzo. Stir and bring to a boil.1 cup orzo pasta, 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
- Cook orzo: Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10–12 minutes, uncovered. Stir often to prevent sticking.
- Add spinach: Stir in fresh spinach and cook 1 minute until wilted.2 cups fresh spinach
- Finish: Discard the bay leaf. Top with chopped parsley and grated parmesan if desired.
ADD YOUR OWN PRIVATE NOTES
NUTRITION
Note: Nutrition information is estimated and varies based on the products used.
Full Nutrition Disclaimer can be found here.
FAQs
YES! Just thaw and squeeze out extra moisture first.
YES, just skip the parmesan garnish.
Canned diced tomatoes work best, but you could also use fresh in a pinch.
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