When it’s 5:30 PM, the kids are hangry, and your energy’s fading fast, Ground Beef Orzo is the dinnertime superhero you didn’t know you needed. Quick, hearty, and packed with comforting flavor, this one-pan wonder is here to rescue your weeknights—without dirtying your whole kitchen or blowing your budget.
Whether you’re feeding a hungry crew or cooking for one with leftovers in mind, this dish brings all the savory goodness with minimal effort. It’s got juicy lean ground beef, tender orzo pasta that soaks up every ounce of flavor, and a handful of spinach to make you feel like a responsible adult. 😉
Let’s dive into why Ground Beef Orzo is about to become your new obsession.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Orzo Recipe
If you’re juggling work, parenting, or just life in general, you’ll appreciate a dinner that actually lives up to the hype. Here’s what makes this Ground Beef Orzo such a winner:
- One-pan simplicity – Less cleanup, more couch time.
- Full of flavor – From garlicky aromatics to juicy tomatoes and savory herbs, it’s got layers, baby.
- Quick and filling – Ready in under 30 minutes and won’t leave you reaching for snacks an hour later.
- Kid-approved – Even the spinach sneaks by unnoticed (you’re welcome).
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s the tasty lineup for this easy, feel-good dinner. Everything’s simple, pantry-friendly, and totally weeknight-approved:
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with herbs
- 2½ cups low-sodium beef broth
- 2 cups fresh spinach (or kale/chard, if you’re feeling fancy)
- 1½ tsp Italian seasoning (basil, oregano, thyme)
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- (Optional: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for topping)
How To Make Ground Beef Orzo
Put on your coziest slippers, crank up your favorite playlist, and let’s get cooking. This Ground Beef Orzo recipe is as stress-free as it gets.
1. Prep Like a Pro
Start by gathering all your ingredients—yes, even the spinach hiding in the back of the fridge. Chop the onion, mince that garlic, and give yourself a gold star for being this organized.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until it’s soft and translucent (about 5 minutes). Your kitchen will already smell like you know what you’re doing.
3. Brown the Beef
Add the ground beef and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Break it up with a spatula and cook until browned all the way through—about 6-8 minutes.
4. Add Garlic & Tomatoes
Once the beef is cooked, stir in the minced garlic and canned tomatoes. Let everything simmer together for about 2-3 minutes. You want those flavors to really mingle.
5. Add Orzo & Broth
Pour in the orzo and beef broth. Bring it to a gentle boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally. The orzo should be tender and most of the liquid absorbed—think risotto vibes.
6. Wilt in the Greens & Finish Strong
Toss in your spinach and Italian seasoning. Stir until the greens are just wilted, about a minute. Optional (but highly recommended): top with fresh Parmesan.
Kitchen Tips from My Heart to Yours
- No orzo? Tiny pasta like ditalini or even rice will work in a pinch.
- Got picky eaters? Chop the spinach extra fine—it’ll melt right in unnoticed.
- Want it creamy? Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese at the end.
- Make it spicy: A sprinkle of red pepper flakes kicks things up beautifully.
Fun fact: I first made this dish on a night when I had exactly 30 minutes before a PTA Zoom meeting and zero patience for anything fussy. My kids? Polished it off in minutes. It’s been in heavy rotation ever since!
FAQs About Ground Beef Orzo
Can I substitute the ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage works great if you want to mix things up.
Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes! Just thaw and squeeze out the excess water before adding it in.
How should I store leftovers?
Pop it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or microwave with a splash of broth or water to loosen it up.
Can I freeze it?
You sure can—just know that orzo may soften a bit when reheated. Still totally delicious.
Cozy Up with a Bowl of Ground Beef Orzo Tonight
Whether it’s a chilly night in or just another “what’s for dinner?” moment, Ground Beef Orzo has your back. It’s warm, comforting, and packed with everything you need to satisfy a hungry household.
So go ahead—grab that skillet and whip up this weeknight win. I promise, it’s the kind of dish that turns ordinary evenings into warm, memory-filled moments. And if you’ve got leftovers? You’re winning tomorrow’s lunch game too.
Enjoy every bite—and don’t forget to sprinkle a little Parmesan and a lot of love.
Want more no-fuss, family-friendly chicken and beef dinners?
Join the Chicken Magic community over on Pinterest and never wonder what to cook again.
More Recipes to Explore After Ground Beef Orzo
If you loved the comforting flavors and easy one-pan magic of this Ground Beef Orzo, you’re in for a treat! Here are some other crave-worthy meals on Chicken Magic Recipes that pair perfectly with your cozy kitchen vibes. These picks offer similar simplicity, comfort, and weeknight-friendly ease—no culinary gymnastics required:
- Warm up your week with another skillet superstar: try this Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts for a nutritious, savory twist on a family classic.
- Craving a cheesy, baked option with all the Southern charm? Dive into this Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole—it’s creamy, bold, and unapologetically comforting.
- Looking for another easy one-pan winner? This Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole brings all the cheesesteak flavors you love with a lighter twist—hello, low-carb goals!
- Ready to keep the comfort food train going strong? Don’t miss this crowd-pleasing Green Chile Chicken and Rice Casserole. It’s creamy, spicy, and the ultimate cozy dinner after a long day.
Bookmark these for your next meal plan—you deserve meals that are delicious and stress-free!
Print
Ground Beef Orzo
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This hearty Ground Beef Orzo is a one-pan dinner wonder! Packed with lean beef, tender orzo pasta, and rich tomato flavor, it’s a quick, family-friendly meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 lb lean ground beef
Salt and pepper to taste
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with herbs
1 cup orzo pasta
2½ cups low-sodium beef broth
2 cups fresh spinach (or other greens)
1½ tsp Italian seasoning (basil, oregano, thyme)
Optional: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for garnish
Instructions
Prep Ingredients – Chop the onion and mince the garlic before starting.
Sauté Onion – Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 5 minutes until translucent.
Brown the Beef – Add ground beef to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper, and cook for 6–8 minutes until fully browned.
Add Garlic and Tomatoes – Stir in minced garlic and canned tomatoes. Cook for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
Add Orzo and Broth – Pour in orzo and beef broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add Spinach and Seasoning – When orzo is tender and most liquid is absorbed, stir in spinach and Italian herbs. Cook for 1–2 more minutes until spinach wilts.
Serve – Optional: Top with Parmesan cheese and enjoy warm!
Notes
You can sub ground turkey or chicken for a lighter twist.
Frozen spinach works—just thaw and squeeze out excess moisture first.
Stir in cream or cheese at the end for extra richness!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 430 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 540 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 39 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg