One-Pan Ground Beef Orzo Bake

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Introduction

This One-Pan Ground Beef Orzo Bake is the ultimate weeknight comfort food. Juicy ground beef, tender orzo, and a cheesy golden topping come together in one skillet for a hearty, flavor-packed meal that’s ready in just over 30 minutes. Minimal dishes, maximum flavor what’s not to love?

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a large oven-safe skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat if needed.
  3. Add the chopped onion and garlic. Cook for 2–3 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
  4. Stir in diced tomatoes, beef broth, orzo, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
  5. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender.
  6. Remove from heat and sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly on top.
  7. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 10–15 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
  8. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Variation:

  • Use Ground Turkey or Chicken: For a leaner twist, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. These lighter proteins soak up the savory flavors from the broth and tomatoes beautifully while keeping the dish a bit lighter.
  • Make It Spicy: Add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or swap in a can of diced tomatoes with green chilies for a gentle kick. It brings warmth and depth without overwhelming the classic cheesy comfort.
  • Add Veggies: Stir in baby spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini during the simmering step. They’ll cook down and blend right into the orzo, adding color, nutrients, and texture with no extra fuss.

Cooking Notes:

  • Don’t Overcook the Orzo: Keep a close eye during the simmering phase. Orzo can go from tender to mushy quickly, so stir occasionally and test for doneness around the 10-minute mark.
  • Use an Oven-Safe Skillet: A cast iron or stainless-steel skillet works best for stove-to-oven transitions. This saves dishes and ensures an even bake when melting the cheese topping.
  • Let It Rest Before Serving: After baking, allow the skillet to sit for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the cheese set and gives the flavors a chance to settle in every bite.

Serving Suggestions :

  1. Pair with a Crisp Side Salad: A light arugula or romaine salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness of the cheesy orzo and gives the meal a refreshing touch.
  2. Serve with Garlic Bread or Rolls: A warm, buttery roll or crusty garlic bread is perfect for scooping up the saucy orzo bits left on the plate. Total comfort food!
  3. Add a Dollop of Ricotta or Sour Cream: For a creamy finish, top each serving with a spoonful of ricotta or sour cream. It melts into the warm dish and adds a luxurious texture.

Tips:

  • Shred Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheeses contain anti-caking agents that don’t melt as smoothly. Shredding fresh mozzarella and Parmesan makes the topping extra gooey and flavorful.
  • Season As You Go: Taste after each main step especially after the beef is browned and when adding broth to adjust salt and pepper levels to your preference.
  • Double the Batch for Meal Prep: This dish reheats wonderfully, making it ideal for leftovers. Store in airtight containers and enjoy throughout the week for easy lunches or busy nights.

Prep Time:

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Protein: 28g
  • Sodium: 720mg

Frequently Asked Questions:

  1. Can I use a different type of pasta instead of orzo?
    Yes! Small pasta shapes like ditalini, small shells, or even couscous can work, but the cooking time and liquid absorption may vary slightly. Keep an eye on texture and adjust broth as needed.

  2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
    Absolutely. Prepare the recipe up to the baking step, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if baking from cold.

  3. Does it freeze well?
    Yes, this bake freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely, portion into airtight containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

  4. What can I use instead of beef broth?
    Chicken broth, vegetable broth, or even a bouillon cube dissolved in water can be used as substitutes. Just ensure you adjust seasoning since some broths are saltier than others.

Conclusion:

This One-Pan Ground Beef Orzo Bake is a cheesy, crowd-pleasing favorite that brings together bold flavors and cozy textures all in one skillet. Whether you’re feeding the family or prepping meals for the week, it’s a dependable, delicious go-to that makes dinner feel effortless. 🍽️

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One-Pan Ground Beef Orzo Bake

  • Author: Avery
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
Print Recipe

Description

This One-Pan Ground Beef Orzo Bake is the ultimate weeknight comfort food. Juicy ground beef, tender orzo, and a cheesy golden topping come together in one skillet for a hearty, flavor-packed meal that’s ready in just over 30 minutes. Minimal dishes, maximum flavor what’s not to love?

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a large oven-safe skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat if needed.
  3. Add the chopped onion and garlic. Cook for 2–3 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
  4. Stir in diced tomatoes, beef broth, orzo, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
  5. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender.
  6. Remove from heat and sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly on top.
  7. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 10–15 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
  8. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

  • You can swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken if preferred.
  • Add in chopped spinach or bell peppers for extra veggies.
  • For a kick of spice, sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes on top before baking.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: One-Pan / Baked
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 portion
  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 720mg
  • Fat: 24g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5g
  • Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: One-pan dinner, ground beef and orzo, cheesy skillet bake

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