How much does 1 cup of orzo make?

A single cup of dry orzo usually cooks up to about 2 to 2.5 cups, thanks to its ability to soak up liquid and expand significantly as it simmers.When making One-Pot Ground Beef and Orzo, it’s important to measure your liquid carefully to avoid over- or undercooking. The orzo soaks up the beef broth and juices, giving the dish its rich, creamy texture.

What sauce goes best with orzo?

Orzo is incredibly adaptable and works well with a variety of sauces. For One-Pot Ground Beef and Orzo, a savory tomato-based sauce made from canned diced tomatoes and beef broth creates a hearty base that enhances the richness of the ground beef.For a touch of indulgence, consider stirring in a bit of cream or topping it with shredded cheese to enhance the richness. Other great sauces include pesto, lemon-butter, or garlic-olive oil blends—depending on the flavor direction you want to take.

Should you rinse orzo before cooking?

In most cases, you shouldn’t rinse orzo before cooking—especially not for a dish like One-Pot Ground Beef and Orzo. Rinsing removes the surface starch that helps the pasta thicken the sauce and bind flavors. For this recipe, that starch is what creates the creamy, cohesive texture that makes one-pot meals so comforting. The only time you might rinse orzo is if you’re using it in a cold salad to prevent sticking.

Beef orzo is a hearty dish that combines ground or shredded beef with orzo pasta, typically cooked in a flavorful sauce or broth. It’s essentially the same as One-Pot Ground Beef and Orzo, though recipes can vary. Some versions might use tomato sauce, while others might lean toward a broth-based or creamy consistency. What makes beef orzo so satisfying is the way the pasta absorbs the juices and spices from the beef, creating a comforting, all-in-one meal.

One-Pot Ground Beef and Orzo: The Best 30-Minute Meal

Description

This One-Pot Ground Beef and Orzo is the ultimate comfort food — hearty, savory, and incredibly simple. With seasoned ground beef, tender orzo pasta, and flavorful tomatoes simmered together in one pan, this recipe makes weeknight dinners both stress-free and satisfying.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound lean ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 1/2 cups beef broth
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste
Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish (optional)
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

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Instructions

Sauté the Ground Beef: In a large pot or deep skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks, until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
Add Aromatics: Stir in diced onion and garlic. Cook for 2–3 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
Stir in Orzo and Liquids: Add uncooked orzo, diced tomatoes (with juice), beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir everything well to combine.
Simmer: Bring to a gentle boil, reduce heat to low, and cover. Cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.
Finish and Serve: Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes. Garnish with Parmesan and fresh parsley if desired before serving.

Notes

Want extra flavor? Add a dash of red pepper flakes for heat or stir in spinach during the final few minutes for added nutrition. Leftovers reheat well, making it great for meal prep!

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: One-Pot
Cuisine: American Comfort