Beef and Orzo Skillet Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with dinner all over again—this Beef and Orzo Skillet is hearty, cheesy, and packed with rich flavor, all in just one pan. If you’re after a cozy meal that’s easy enough for weeknights but satisfying enough to serve to friends, this recipe absolutely delivers!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Just a handful of familiar ingredients transform into something incredibly satisfying in this Beef and Orzo Skillet. Each one is carefully selected to bring out savory depth, creamy comfort, and gorgeous color in every spoonful.

• Olive oil: Gives the beef a golden sear and adds richness from the very start.
• Ground beef (85/15 or 90/10): The heart of the dish—choose a leaner blend for a lighter result or classic for extra flavor.
• Onion: Adds subtle sweetness and helps build a well-rounded base of flavor.
• Garlic (finely minced): Brings that irresistible, aromatic punch—don’t skip it!
• Uncooked orzo: This rice-shaped pasta soaks up every bit of the savory sauce for the perfect bite.
• Tomato sauce: Makes a silky, tangy sauce that ties all the flavors together.
• Beef broth: Adds deep flavor and creates just the right amount of sauciness.
• Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs for undeniable Mediterranean comfort.
• Salt and pepper: Classic taste boosters—season to your liking!
• Freshly grated parmesan cheese: Melts in and finishes the dish with a dreamy, salty richness.

Variations

This Beef and Orzo Skillet is endlessly adaptable—perfect for clearing out your fridge or putting your own spin on a classic comfort dish. You can effortlessly change it up to fit any taste or dietary need.

• Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for bold, zesty flavor.
• Veggie-loaded: Stir in chopped spinach, peas, mushrooms, or bell pepper when you add the orzo for extra color and nutrients.
• Cheesy upgrade: Mix in shredded mozzarella right before serving for a gooey, melty finish.
• Swap the protein: Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version, or plant-based grounds for a vegetarian twist.

How to Make Beef and Orzo Skillet

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Sauté until no pink remains—the edges should get a lovely golden color, adding so much flavor to the base of your Beef and Orzo Skillet.

Step 2: Add Onion and Garlic

Stir in the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion softens and the garlic releases its wonderful fragrance—about three minutes. This little step is where the whole kitchen starts to smell amazing!

Step 3: Toast the Orzo

Add the uncooked orzo straight to the pan. Stir it into the beef mixture and let it toast for a minute—this helps the orzo pick up that savory flavor (and a little extra chew).

Step 4: Build the Sauce & Simmer

Pour in the tomato sauce and beef broth, then sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine everything. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes, or until most of the liquid is absorbed and the orzo is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Finish with Parmesan

Take the skillet off the heat and stir in the freshly grated parmesan cheese. The cheese melts right in, making the Beef and Orzo Skillet creamy, rich, and absolutely irresistible.

How to Serve Beef and Orzo Skillet

Garnishes

For the final touch, sprinkle more parmesan and a handful of freshly sliced basil or chopped parsley on top just before serving. The creamy, cheesy finish with a hit of bright green really makes the Beef and Orzo Skillet shine—plus, it looks so inviting on the table.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed in simple vinaigrette, or a side of garlicky roasted broccoli. If you’re feeling indulgent, warm crusty bread is perfect for soaking up every last bit of the tomatoey, cheesy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving guests or just want to jazz up a Wednesday dinner, try spooning the Beef and Orzo Skillet into individual bowls and topping each with a swirl of olive oil and a basil leaf. Or for family-style, serve it straight from the skillet at the center of the table for a rustic, cozy vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors deepen as they sit, so your next-day Beef and Orzo Skillet lunch might be even tastier!

Freezing

You can freeze portions of Beef and Orzo Skillet—just let them cool to room temperature, then store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. The orzo may get slightly softer after thawing, but the rich flavor remains.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm individual servings in the microwave with a splash of broth or water to loosen up the sauce. For larger portions, reheat gently on the stovetop, stirring occasionally and adding a bit more liquid if needed.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving comfort in a bowl with minimal fuss, you truly can’t go wrong with this Beef and Orzo Skillet. I hope it brings delicious ease and happy faces to your table—don’t be surprised if everyone asks for seconds!

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