This Savory Ground Beef Orzo is a quick, one-pot dinner featuring tender pasta, rich tomato-beef sauce, and cozy flavors — perfect for weeknights and cooler evenings.
1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2–3 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup dry orzo
1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
2½ cups beef or chicken broth
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp paprika
Salt & pepper to taste
1 tbsp olive oil or butter
Optional: ¼ cup grated Parmesan, 2 tbsp cream, baby spinach
Heat oil in large skillet. Sauté onion 3–4 min, add garlic.
Add ground beef and brown completely. Drain if needed.
Stir in spices and crushed tomatoes. Simmer 2–3 min.
Add orzo and broth. Bring to a boil, then simmer 10–12 min, stirring often.
When orzo is tender, stir in optional cream, cheese, or spinach.
Let rest 5 minutes, then serve hot with garnish.
Add more broth if needed to loosen consistency.
Use ground turkey for a lighter version.
Keeps well for 4 days or can be frozen.