Name: One-pot ground beef & orzo: 35-minute comfort
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained; 4 cups beef broth; 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Jump to Recipe

Welcome to my kitchen, where the aroma of comfort food is always in the air! Today, I’m thrilled to share a recipe that has truly become a lifesaver on busy evenings: One-Pot Ground Beef & Orzo. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel like you’ve accomplished something wonderful, even when time is tight. This dish embodies the spirit of 911Recipes, started by Clara Kohn, our founder. Clara believes that good food doesn’t need to be complicated. It just needs a little heart, a lot of love, and simple ingredients that come together beautifully. I’ve seen firsthand how this recipe can turn a chaotic day around. It’s proof that delicious, hearty meals can be made with minimal fuss and even less cleanup!

This One-Pot Ground Beef & Orzo is a game-changer for weeknights.

Why You’ll Love This One-Pot Ground Beef & Orzo

Get ready to fall in love with this dish for so many reasons:

Minimal Cleanup: Seriously, just one pot! Your sink will thank you.
Super Quick: It’s on the table in about 35 minutes total. Perfect for hungry families.
Packed with Flavor: Savory ground beef, tender orzo, and rich tomatoes create a taste sensation.
Family Approved: Even picky eaters ask for seconds. It’s a true crowd-pleaser.
So Versatile: Easily add your favorite veggies or a pinch of spice.

Clara Kohn’s Kitchen Wisdom for One-Pot Ground Beef & Orzo

I remember Clara telling me about a time when her kids were young, and she was juggling work and motherhood. She felt completely overwhelmed. One evening, she just grabbed what she had in the pantry and threw it all into one pot. The result? This very One-Pot Ground Beef & Orzo! Her kids absolutely devoured it. It wasn’t fancy, but it was warm, filling, and made with love. That’s what 911Recipes is all about – creating those comforting, memorable meals without the stress. It’s a reminder that our kitchens are already equipped for magic, especially when we cook with our hearts.

Gathering Your One-Pot Ground Beef & Orzo Ingredients

Let’s get everything ready for our delicious One-Pot Ground Beef & Orzo! Having your ingredients prepped makes the cooking process so smooth. Here’s what you’ll need:

1 pound ground beef
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
4 cups beef broth
1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Make sure your onion is nicely chopped and your garlic is minced. This helps them soften and release their flavors beautifully. The dried herbs, salt, and pepper are key for that savory base. Using undrained diced tomatoes adds extra liquid and tomatoey goodness. And of course, the star is the orzo pasta, which cooks right in the pot!

Ingredient Notes and Smart Substitutions for One-Pot Ground Beef & Orzo

Don’t worry if you don’t have everything exactly as listed. This recipe is super forgiving! For the beef broth, chicken broth works just as well if that’s what you have on hand. If you’re out of dried oregano or basil, a blend of Italian seasoning is a great substitute. Feeling a little adventurous? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes when you add the other seasonings for a gentle kick. You can also toss in some chopped carrots or bell peppers with the onion – they add lovely color and extra nutrients. And for a vegetarian twist, simply skip the beef and use vegetable broth instead! For more vegetarian options, check out our healthy bites.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making One-Pot Ground Beef & Orzo

Let’s get cooking! This One-Pot Ground Beef & Orzo is a breeze to whip up. Follow these simple steps for a delicious meal.

Heat olive oil in a big pot. Use medium-high heat.
Add the ground beef. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks.
Cook until the beef is nicely browned. Drain off any extra grease.
Toss in the chopped onion. Cook it with the beef until it’s soft. This takes about 5 minutes.
Now, add the minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
Cook for just 1 more minute until you can smell the wonderful aromas.
Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice. Add the beef broth too.
Bring the whole mixture to a boil.
Stir in the orzo pasta. Make sure it’s all submerged.
Lower the heat to medium-low. Cover the pot.
Let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. Stir it now and then.
Cook until the orzo is tender. Most of the liquid should be gone.
Take the pot off the heat.
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. It melts right in!
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your meal!

Mastering the Simmer: Tips for Perfect Orzo in Your One-Pot Ground Beef & Orzo

The magic really happens during the simmer. Keep an eye on your orzo. Stirring occasionally is key to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot. You want the orzo to be tender, not mushy. If it seems like it’s absorbing liquid too quickly, just add a splash more broth or water. This simple step guarantees perfectly cooked orzo every time, making your One-Pot Ground Beef & Orzo a true triumph!

Serving and Storing Your Delicious One-Pot Ground Beef & Orzo

This hearty One-Pot Ground Beef & Orzo is a complete meal on its own! I love serving it with a simple side salad, maybe with a light vinaigrette, to add a fresh crunch. Some crusty bread for dipping is always a hit too. If you have any leftovers, which is rare in my house, they store beautifully. Just let the dish cool completely. Then, pop it into an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should keep well for about 3 to 4 days. When you’re ready to reheat, a quick warm-up on the stovetop over low heat works best. You might need to add a tiny splash of broth or water to loosen it up. Microwave reheating is also an option, just stir halfway through for even heating. Enjoy those delicious leftovers!

Frequently Asked Questions About One-Pot Ground Beef & Orzo

Got questions about this super easy ground beef recipe? I’ve got answers!

Can I use different pasta shapes?

Absolutely! While orzo is perfect for this one-pot wonder, other small pasta shapes like ditalini or even elbow macaroni can work. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly as needed. They all cook up wonderfully in this quick dinner.

How do I make this spicier?

For a little heat, I love adding a pinch of red pepper flakes right along with the dried herbs. You can also stir in some diced jalapeños with the onion. Start with a little and add more to reach your desired level of warmth!

Can I add vegetables?

You bet! This is a fantastic way to sneak in more veggies. Chopped carrots, bell peppers, or even some frozen peas or corn can be added with the onion. They cook right in the pot and add extra color and nutrients to your meal.

Is this truly a quick dinner?

Yes! From start to finish, this recipe takes about 35 minutes. The prep is minimal, and the cooking is mostly hands-off, making it ideal for busy weeknights. For more quick dinner ideas, explore our quick and easy recipes.

Nutritional Estimate for One-Pot Ground Beef & Orzo

Here’s a general idea of what you’re getting with a serving of this delicious One-Pot Ground Beef & Orzo. Remember, these are just estimates, and your exact numbers might vary a bit based on ingredient brands and exact portion sizes.

Serving Size: About 1/4 to 1/6 of the pot.
Calories: Roughly 450 calories per serving.
Protein: Around 25g, thanks to the ground beef and orzo.
Carbohydrates: About 40g, mostly from the pasta.
Fat: Approximately 20g, with about 8g being saturated fat.
Sodium: This can vary quite a bit depending on your broth and added salt, but it’s around 800mg.

It’s a well-rounded meal that offers a good balance of protein, carbs, and some healthy fats. Perfect for refueling after a long day!