One-Pan Ground Beef Orzo Bake

Imagine the irresistible aroma of seasoned ground beef simmering with tender orzo pasta, all topped with a golden, bubbly layer of melted cheese. This One-Pan Ground Beef Orzo Bake combines comfort food flavors with incredible convenience – everything cooks in a single skillet, minimizing cleanup while maximizing flavor. The combination of hearty beef, tender pasta, and gooey cheese creates a satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining. You’ll learn how to create this delicious, family-friendly dish using simple ingredients and straightforward techniques that guarantee delicious results every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This One-Pan Ground Beef Orzo Bake will quickly become a staple in your meal rotation for so many reasons. First, the convenience factor is unmatched – with just one pan to clean, you’ll spend less time washing dishes and more time enjoying your evening. The contrast of textures makes each bite interesting – from the tender orzo pasta that absorbs all the savory flavors to the perfectly seasoned ground beef and the stretchy, golden cheese topping that creates an irresistible pull with every forkful.

The dish delivers incredible depth of flavor despite its simple ingredient list. The Italian seasonings, garlic, and onion create a robust base, while the combination of beef broth and tomatoes develops into a rich sauce that coats each grain of pasta. This one-pan wonder also offers versatility – it’s hearty enough for a complete meal on its own but pairs beautifully with a simple salad or vegetable side.

Perhaps most importantly, this beef orzo bake consistently receives rave reviews from even the pickiest eaters, making it perfect for family dinners when you need a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that delivers both comfort and satisfaction.

Ingredients List for the One-Pan Ground Beef Orzo Bake

These carefully selected ingredients work together to create a balanced, flavorful dish. The orzo pasta absorbs the rich flavors of the beef broth while the combination of two cheeses creates that perfect, stretchy golden topping.

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Pro Tips

For the most flavorful One-Pan Ground Beef Orzo Bake, pay attention to these critical techniques:

First, don’t rush the beef browning process. Take time to develop a deep brown color and slight crust on the meat – this caramelization creates rich, savory flavors that will permeate the entire dish. Breaking the beef into small, consistent pieces as it cooks ensures even distribution throughout the pasta.

Next, properly toasting the orzo before adding liquids makes a significant difference. After cooking the onions and garlic, add the dry orzo pasta and stir for 1-2 minutes until it begins to turn golden. This quick step adds a subtle nuttiness and helps the pasta maintain its texture even after absorbing liquid.

Finally, monitor your liquid-to-pasta ratio carefully. The orzo should be just barely covered with liquid when simmering. If the mixture seems too dry during cooking, add beef broth 1/4 cup at a time. Conversely, if too wet after the recommended cooking time, simmer uncovered for a few additional minutes before adding the cheese topping.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2: In a large oven-safe skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 3: Add the chopped onion and garlic. Cook for 2–3 minutes, until softened and fragrant.

Step 4: Stir in diced tomatoes, beef broth, orzo, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.

Step 5: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender.

Step 6: Remove from heat and sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly on top.

Step 7: Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 10–15 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 8: Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Variations

This versatile ground beef orzo dish can be easily adapted to suit different tastes and dietary needs. For a Mediterranean twist, add 1/2 cup of chopped Kalamata olives, 1/4 cup of crumbled feta cheese, and substitute the Italian seasoning with 1 teaspoon of dried oregano and a pinch of dried mint. The tangy olives and salty feta create an entirely different flavor profile that’s equally delicious.

For a spicier version, incorporate 1 diced jalapeño with the onions and garlic, replace the Italian seasoning with 1 tablespoon of taco seasoning, and swap the mozzarella for pepper jack cheese. This Mexican-inspired variation pairs wonderfully with a dollop of sour cream and sliced avocado on top.

To make a vegetarian version, simply replace the ground beef with a plant-based alternative or 2 cups of sautéed mushrooms, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. The umami-rich mushrooms provide a hearty texture that makes this adaptation just as satisfying as the original.

Storage and Serving

The One-Pan Ground Beef Orzo Bake stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. When reheating, add a splash of beef broth to revive the moisture, then warm in the microwave or in a covered skillet over medium-low heat. For freezing, portion into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

For serving, pair this hearty orzo beef casserole with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish. For a more substantial meal, serve alongside roasted vegetables such as broccoli or Brussels sprouts, which provide textural contrast and nutritional balance.

For an impressive presentation, serve directly from the skillet, garnished with additional fresh herbs and a drizzle of good olive oil. Crusty garlic bread makes an excellent accompaniment for soaking up any remaining sauce.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta instead of orzo?
Yes, small pasta shapes like ditalini, small shells, or even broken spaghetti can work in this One-Pan Ground Beef Orzo Bake. Just be aware that cooking times may vary slightly, so check for doneness before adding the cheese topping.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Absolutely! The beef orzo bake freezes well for up to 3 months. Cool completely before portioning into freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat until hot throughout.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, prepare everything up to the baking stage, cool completely, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bring to room temperature for 30 minutes, then bake as directed, adding 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.

What can I use if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet?
If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish before topping with cheese and baking.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Certainly! Ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage can be substituted for beef. Turkey and chicken have milder flavors, so you might want to increase the seasonings slightly or add a tablespoon of tomato paste for deeper flavor.

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