One-Pot Ground Beef & Orzo in 30 Minutes

Whip up this Hearty One-Pot Ground Beef & Orzo in 30 Minutes—a budget-friendly, family-approved dinner made with pantry staples. Quick, cozy, and perfect for busy nights or summer-to-fall transitions!

One-Pot Ground Beef & Orzo in 30 Minutes

Some nights call for a dinner that’s fast, comforting, and doesn’t require a last-minute trip to the store. That was exactly my situation the other evening—I needed a quick meal and decided to scroll through my saved Pinterest recipes for inspiration. I landed on a ground beef and orzo idea, but instead of following it exactly, I decided to make my own spin with the ingredients I already had on hand.

What came together was this Hearty One-Pot Ground Beef & Orzo, a dish that checks all the boxes: easy to make, ready in about 30 minutes, and packed with flavor. It’s hearty enough to satisfy both adults and kids, and it reheats beautifully, making it just as good the next day.

I especially love how this recipe feels right for the season—it’s light enough for the tail end of summer, yet cozy enough to carry straight into fall. Plus, it’s a true “use-what-you-have” kind of meal, which makes it not only stress-free but also budget-friendly. This one-pan wonder has quickly become a go-to in my kitchen, and I think it might just become one in yours too.

Enjoy!

What Ingredients Do I Need?

• Onion
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Ground beef
• Salt and black pepper
• Garlic
• Diced tomatoes with Italian herbs
• Orzo pasta
• Low-sodium beef broth
• Italian seasoning (basil, oregano, thyme)
• Fresh spinach (or other leafy greens)

Substitutions and Variations

Don’t have exactly what’s listed? No problem! This recipe is perfect for mixing and matching:

• Protein swaps: Italian sausage, ground turkey, or even  chicken work wonderfully.

• Greens: Kale, Swiss chard, or arugula can replace spinach.

• Orzo alternatives: Any small pasta shape like ditalini, acini di pepe, or even small shells will work well.

• Tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes or fresh diced tomatoes can be used.  Or take whole tomatoes and mash them up.

• Herbs: Fresh or dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or a pinch of crushed red pepper can give it a new twist.

Kitchen Tips and Notes

• One-pan magic: Using a large skillet or sauté pan keeps cleanup minimal—perfect for weeknights.

• Browning the beef: Make sure to break it up and brown it well for maximum flavor.

• Orzo cooking: Keep an eye on the liquid; orzo cooks quickly and absorbs flavors beautifully.

• Add the greens last: Stirring in spinach or other greens at the end preserves color, texture, and nutrients.

• Storage: This dish keeps well in the fridge for 3–4 days and can also be frozen for meal prep.

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