The rich and savory combination of ground beef, creamy orzo, and melty cheese makes this one-pot dish an absolute comfort food winner. Quick enough for a weeknight and cozy enough for the weekend, it’s a crowd-pleaser that brings everyone to the table. This dish is versatile and simple, yet bursting with flavor. The orzo cooks directly in the skillet, soaking up the beefy, cheesy goodness for the perfect texture. It’s great for meal prep or feeding a hungry family on a budget. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned home chef, this one-skillet meal will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 lb (450g) ground beef
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1 cup orzo pasta
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
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2 cups beef broth
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1/2 cup heavy cream
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
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Add chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until soft and fragrant (about 2-3 minutes).
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Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
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Stir in the dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
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Pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes (with juice), and orzo pasta. Stir well.
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Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
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Stir in heavy cream and shredded cheese. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the mixture is creamy.
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Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 525 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
A Beloved One-Pot Classic
The Cheesy Ground Beef Orzo Skillet is more than just a quick dinner—it’s a modern comfort food masterpiece that brings together bold flavors and convenience in a single pan. While this recipe may look simple at first glance, it’s rooted in a long-standing love for one-pot meals that dates back centuries. Traditional Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines have long used orzo, a rice-shaped pasta, in hearty dishes to stretch ingredients and maximize flavor. When combined with ground beef and rich cheddar cheese, orzo transforms into a creamy, satisfying dish that feels indulgent yet remains affordable and easy to prepare.
Home cooks love it because it delivers the depth of flavor typically found in slow-cooked meals—but in a fraction of the time. Its appeal lies not only in the flavor but in the simplicity and convenience it offers. It’s a go-to solution for anyone looking to avoid stacks of dishes while still putting a delicious, balanced, and filling meal on the table.
Why This Recipe Works
What sets this Cheesy Ground Beef Orzo Skillet apart from other similar dishes is the way each element contributes to both taste and texture. The ground beef provides a savory, umami-rich base that pairs perfectly with the slightly chewy, tender orzo. When orzo cooks in beef broth and tomatoes, it absorbs all the flavor, making each bite burst with richness.
The addition of heavy cream and cheddar cheese at the end pulls everything together into a silky, creamy finish. This final step not only adds a luxurious texture but also balances the acidity of the tomatoes and the saltiness of the beef broth. It’s a perfect harmony of creamy, savory, and tangy all in one bite.
Plus, you don’t need to be an experienced cook to make this dish. Everything comes together in one pan in about 30 minutes—there’s no need for boiling pasta separately or juggling multiple pots and pans.
Nutritional Benefits and Balance
Though it’s undeniably comforting, this dish also provides nutritional value. The ground beef is a great source of protein and iron, essential for energy and muscle repair. When using lean beef (90% or higher), you can keep fat content in check without sacrificing flavor.
Orzo, though a pasta, is lighter than other heavier carbs and has a pleasant texture that makes it an excellent carrier for nutrients. Tomatoes add antioxidants like lycopene, which support heart health, while garlic and onions contribute beneficial compounds known to promote immune function and digestion.
Adding a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley not only brings a touch of brightness to the dish but also adds vitamin K and antioxidants. Want to make it even healthier? You can easily boost the nutrition by adding spinach, kale, zucchini, or bell peppers without changing the flavor profile too much.
Family-Friendly and Budget-Conscious
One of the most remarkable things about this recipe is how family-friendly it is. Even picky eaters are likely to enjoy the cheesy, comforting flavors without noticing the vegetables if you choose to sneak some in. It’s an ideal meal for busy families—affordable, filling, and made from pantry staples that many people already have on hand.
This dish also reheats well, making it great for meal prepping or enjoying as leftovers the next day. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a family of four or more, you can double the recipe easily and still keep costs low. It’s also a smart way to stretch a pound of ground beef into several servings.
Versatility and Customization
Another huge win for this recipe is how easy it is to customize. You can swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat for a vegetarian option. Prefer a different kind of cheese? Mozzarella, gouda, or even pepper jack can be used to change up the flavor profile.
Not a fan of heavy cream? Use Greek yogurt, sour cream, or even a splash of milk with a pat of butter for a lighter version. You can add in chopped vegetables like mushrooms, peas, or spinach to make it more colorful and nutrient-rich. And for those who love a kick of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños can elevate the dish into a spicier version.
Cooking Tips and Tricks
To get the best texture out of your orzo, stir the pan every few minutes while simmering to ensure it doesn’t stick or clump. If you find the mixture is getting too thick before the orzo is fully cooked, don’t hesitate to add a splash of water or broth.
Also, for an even deeper flavor, try browning the beef really well before adding the liquids. Let it caramelize slightly—those golden-brown bits on the bottom of the skillet are pure flavor gold. And if you’re prepping this ahead of time, add the cheese only when reheating to keep it smooth and creamy.
Perfect for Any Occasion
This Cheesy Ground Beef Orzo Skillet is suitable for nearly every occasion—whether you’re whipping up a quick weeknight dinner, cooking for guests on a casual evening, or even preparing meals ahead of a busy week. It’s the kind of recipe that doesn’t demand too much but delivers a lot.
It’s also kid-approved and makes a great lunchbox meal. You can portion it into containers and store it in the fridge for up to four days. It reheats beautifully in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of milk or broth to revive the creaminess.
Conclusion
The Cheesy Ground Beef Orzo Skillet is everything you want in a home-cooked meal—easy, satisfying, budget-friendly, and delicious. Its classic combination of ground beef, pasta, tomatoes, and cheese hits all the right notes while still being flexible enough for personalization. Whether you’re an experienced home cook or a kitchen newbie, this one-pot recipe will serve you well as a reliable, crowd-pleasing dish you’ll come back to again and again.
