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.

HUNGRY FOR MORE? Subscribe to emails at the top of this page and follow along on Facebook,  and Pinterest for all of the latest updates.

    RECIPE IS DOWN BELOW👇     

20 Recipes for the Perfect Summer-to-Fall Transition

Celebrate the change of seasons with 20 easy summer-to-fall transition recipes! From fresh salads and grilled favorites to cozy slow cooker dinners, these meals make weeknight cooking simple and delicious as the weather cools.

20 Recipes for the Perfect Summer-to-Fall Transition

Do you find that as the days grow shorter and evenings begin to cool, our cravings shift?  I still love the bright flavors of summer produce, but all of a sudden warm, cozy dishes are starting to sound irresistible. This round-up brings you the best of both worlds — easy dinners, quick meals, and comforting bites that make the seasonal shift seamless.

   Fresh & Bright (Still Summer at Heart)   

1.  Late Summer Fig Salad with Cucumbers & Feta

Sweet figs and crisp cucumbers tossed with salty feta — fresh, simple, and seasonal perfection.

2.  Summer Entertaining: Corn and Stone Fruit Salad

Sweet corn and juicy peaches/plums keep things light, but it pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish for dinner.

3.  Summer Stone Fruit Salad with Two Dressings to Love

Vibrant, juicy fruit that can be dressed light for warm days or richer as evenings cool.

4.  Creamy Summer Labneh with Peaches, Pistachios & Prosciutto

A mezze-style plate that’s fresh and elegant — serve with flatbread and salad for an effortless dinner.

5.  Orzo Black Bean Salad

A hearty salad that can hold its own as a meal — great warm or chilled, so it fits whatever the weather brings.

6.  Pesto Cucumber Wraps

No-cook, crisp, and refreshing, but hearty enough when paired with soup or roasted veggies.

   Quick & Easy Dinners   

7. Garlic Chicken Stir Fry

A 20-minute skillet dinner that adapts to whatever veggies are in your crisper — light or hearty, your choice.

8.  Presto Pesto Panko Chicken with Green Salad & Roasted Potatoes

Crunchy, herby chicken baked on a sheet pan — with salad for freshness and potatoes for comfort.

9.  Italian Layered Picnic Sandwich 

Sandwich night done right! Perfect when you want something satisfying without a lot of cooking.

10.  Mojito Chicken Bowls
A tropical twist that still feels filling and balanced — rice, greens, and fruit all in one easy bowl.

       Grilled but Cozy        

11.  Grilled London Broil with Grilled Nectarine, Corn, Tomato, & Burrata Salad

Summer’s last grilling hurrah, paired with fruit and cheese for a sweet-savory balance.

12.  Grilled Balsamic Chicken with Mediterranean Rice

Juicy grilled chicken with a tangy glaze, served with a hearty rice dish — light enough for warm days but warming enough for cooler nights.

13.  The Ultimate Summer Steak Salad with Zesty Avocado Chimichurri

A filling steak salad that doesn’t weigh you down — greens, protein, and a creamy avocado kick.

14.  Help-Yourself Greek Feast Platter

Mezze spreads are perfect transition meals — keep them light with veggies or heartier with grilled meats.

   Cozy & Comforting (Hello Fall)   

15.  Leftovers Transformed: Pearl Couscous Risotto with Chicken & Greens

Creamy, cozy, but lighter than traditional risotto — great for using up what’s on hand.

16.  Rustic Tomato Galette with Gruyere & Thyme

When tomatoes are still plentiful but you’re craving a warm bake, this rustic galette is the answer.

17.  Dump & Go Slow Cooker Chicken & Gravy

Effortless comfort — just set it and forget it. Perfect for busy back-to-school nights. 

18.  Slow Cooker Adobo Chicken with Bok Choy

Bold flavor, simple prep, and it can be served over rice or noodles — warm yet fresh.

19.  Spicy Beef & Macaroni Tomato Soup

Hearty enough for cool nights but tomato-bright enough to still feel summery.

20.  Golden Croissant French Toast with Honeyed Ricotta & Bananas

Brunch meets comfort — indulgent, cozy, but still bright with fruit. A lovely weekend transition treat.

No matter the weather, these recipes have you covered—bright for warm days, cozy for cool nights.

HUNGRY FOR MORE? Subscribe to emails at the top of this page and follow along on Facebook,  and Pinterest for all of the latest updates.