Description
This Ground Beef and Orzo Skillet is a true one-pan wonder: hearty, saucy, and ready in about 30 minutes. Tender orzo simmers in a savory blend of beef, tomatoes, and broth, then gets finished with spinach and a generous handful of Parmesan. It’s cozy, family-friendly comfort food with minimal prep and almost no cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup orzo pasta, uncooked
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 3–4 minutes, stirring often, until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if needed and return the beef to the skillet.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes with their juices, beef broth, orzo, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if desired.
- Fold in the chopped spinach and cook uncovered for 2–3 minutes, just until the spinach is wilted.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until creamy and well combined.
- Let rest for 2–3 minutes to thicken slightly, then garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef (90% or leaner) if you prefer a lighter skillet meal and to minimize excess grease.
- If the orzo isn’t tender but the skillet looks dry, add a splash of broth or water, cover, and cook a few minutes longer.
- For a creamier finish, stir in an extra tablespoon of olive oil or a small knob of butter with the Parmesan.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course, One-Pan Dinner, Skillet Meal
- Method: Stovetop, One-Pan
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 450 kcal (estimated)
- Sugar: 5 g (estimated)
- Sodium: 720 mg (estimated)
- Fat: 20 g (estimated)
- Saturated Fat: 7 g (estimated)
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g (estimated)
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g (estimated)
- Carbohydrates: 40 g (estimated)
- Fiber: 3 g (estimated)
- Protein: 28 g (estimated)
- Cholesterol: 90 mg (estimated)
Keywords: ground beef and orzo skillet, one-pan beef and orzo, easy skillet dinner, 30-minute meal, beef and pasta skillet, weeknight dinner