One Pan Ground Beef Recipe with Orzo

This One Pan Ground Beef Recipe with Orzo is creamy, cozy, and ready in 30 minutes. A quick and easy ground beef dinner the whole family will love.

If you need a weeknight dinner that’s fast, comforting, and only requires one pan, this One Pan Ground Beef Recipe with Orzo is about to become a staple in your rotation. It’s creamy, savory, and loaded with flavor — think of it as a cross between risotto and a skillet pasta, but way easier. Everything cooks in one pot, even the orzo, making cleanup a breeze.

This is one of my favorite simple one pan ground beef recipes because it uses pantry staples, comes together in under 30 minutes, and tastes like something you’d get from a cozy café. The combination of ground beef, tomato paste, herbs, and Boursin cheese creates a rich, velvety sauce that clings to every bite.

If you’re looking for an easy ground beef recipe with just a few ingredients, this skillet meal checks every box.

• One pan = no mess (your future self will thank you)
• 30-minute dinner from prep to plate
• Creamy, cozy, and kid-friendly
• Uses ingredients you likely already have
• Easily adaptable with spinach, tomatoes, or mushrooms
• A great alternative to one pan ground beef recipes with rice if you want something a little creamier
• Whether you’re craving orzo and ground beef recipes (easy!), something similar to beef orzo stroganoff, or even a Greek-inspired flavor twist, this base recipe is incredibly versatile.

Base

• 1 lb ground beef (85–93% lean)
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp salt (plus more to taste)
• ¼ tsp black pepper

Orzo & Liquid

• 1 ½ cups orzo
• 3 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
• ½ cup heavy cream or half & half
• 1 package garlic and fine herbs Boursin cheese (5.2 oz)

Finishing

• Fresh basil

Check out the recipe card below for the full ingredient and quantity list.

1. Brown the Beef

Heat a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up as it browns, about 4–5 minutes. Drain excess grease if needed, leaving a small amount for flavor.

2. Add Aromatics + Seasonings

Add the diced onion and cook 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic, tomato paste, paprika, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook 1 minute to toast the spices and deepen the flavor.

3. Add Orzo + Broth

Stir in the orzo, coating it in the beef mixture. Pour in the broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium, cover, and cook 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

If it thickens too quickly or looks dry, add a splash of extra broth.

4. Stir in the Cream + Cheese

Once the orzo is soft, stir in the heavy cream and Boursin cheese until fully melted and creamy. This gives the dish its luscious, velvety texture.

5. Taste + Finish

Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Top with fresh basil, cracked black pepper, or even red pepper flakes if you want a little heat.

Add greens

Stir in fresh spinach during the last minute of cooking for a quick ground beef orzo spinach variation.

Make it tomato-forward

Add a small can of diced tomatoes or an extra tablespoon of tomato paste for a one pan ground beef recipe with orzo and tomato or tomato sauce vibe.

Greek-inspired twist

Add lemon juice, feta, and oregano for a Greek orzo with ground beef version.

Make it stroganoff-style

Swap Boursin for cream cheese and add mushrooms for a simple beef orzo stroganoff.

Looking for fewer ingredients?

Skip the cream and use only broth + Boursin for a lighter version that still tastes rich.

This dish is hearty enough to serve on its own, but it pairs well with:

• Sautéed spinach
• Garlic bread
• A simple green salad
• Roasted broccoli or green beans

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Add a splash of broth or cream when reheating to bring back the sauciness.
• Orzo continues to absorb liquid, so this step helps restore the perfect texture.

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One Pan Ground Beef Recipe with Orzo

Taylor Jackzen

A creamy, comforting one-pan dinner made with ground beef, orzo, and simple pantry staples. This quick skillet meal comes together in 30 minutes and is always a crowd-pleaser.

5 from 1 vote

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Servings 4

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb ground beef 85–93% lean
• 1 small onion finely diced
• 2-3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp salt plus more to taste
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 ½ cups orzo
• 3 cups beef broth or chicken broth
• ½ cup heavy cream or half & half
• 1 package Garlic and Fine Herbs Boursin cheese 5.2 oz
• Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions

 

• Heat a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up as it browns, about 4–5 minutes.
• Drain excess grease if needed, leaving a small amount for flavor.
• Add the diced onion and cook 2–3 minutes until softened.
• Stir in garlic, tomato paste, paprika, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
• Cook 1 minute to toast the spices and deepen the flavor.
• Stir in the orzo, coating it in the beef mixture.
• Pour in the broth and bring to a simmer.
• Reduce heat to medium, cover, and cook 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
• If it thickens too quickly or looks dry, add a splash of extra broth.
• Once the orzo is soft, stir in the heavy cream and Boursin cheese until fully melted and creamy.
• Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
• Top with fresh basil and enjoy!