Go Back
Ground beef orzo with tomato sauce, spinach, and Parmesan in a white bowl

Ground Beef Orzo Recipe with Parmesan and Tomato Paste

This ground beef orzo recipe is a hearty, creamy skillet meal with tender orzo, savory beef, tomato, and Parmesan flavors. It is an easy, comforting choice for a quick weeknight dinner.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb (454 g) lean ground beef
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 cups beef or vegetable broth
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Olive oil, for cooking

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, then cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
  2. Add the lean ground beef and cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it into small pieces as it browns. Drain excess grease if needed.
Cooking
  1. Mix the tomato paste, paprika, and Italian seasoning into the browned beef. Cook for 2 minutes.
  2. Add the beef or vegetable broth and orzo to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  3. Lower the heat, cover the skillet, and simmer for 10–12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender. Stir once halfway through the cooking time.
  4. Take the skillet off the heat. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan until it melts into the mixture and becomes creamy.
Serving
  1. Serve the ground beef orzo warm, adding more Parmesan if desired.

Notes

For leftovers, cool completely and refrigerate in an airtight container for 3–4 days, or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove.