Description
One Pan Cheesy Beef Orzo is a hearty, cheesy skillet meal made with savory ground beef, tender orzo pasta, spinach, and melted cheeses all cooked together in one pan for easy cleanup. This comforting dish combines creamy, rich flavors with wholesome ingredients, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or cozy family favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 3 cups (24 ounces) beef broth
- 2 cups baby spinach
- ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¾ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Optional Substitutions:
- Use plant-based beef, vegetable broth, or dairy-free cheese for dietary needs.
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and diced onion until browned and softened, about 8–10 minutes.
- Drain excess grease, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan.
- Stir in minced garlic, salt, pepper, onion powder, and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for 30 seconds.
- Add uncooked orzo and stir to coat in the beef mixture. Toast lightly for 1–2 minutes.
- Pour in beef broth and stir to combine. Bring to a simmer.
- Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in baby spinach and cook until wilted, about 1–2 minutes.
- Remove from heat and mix in mozzarella and cheddar until melted and creamy.
- Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve warm.
Notes
- Use freshly grated cheese for the smoothest melt.
- Avoid overcooking orzo to prevent mushy texture.
- Toasting the orzo enhances flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently with a splash of broth or milk to restore creaminess.
- Not recommended for freezing.
- Add roasted vegetables, sun-dried tomatoes, or smoked paprika for flavor variations.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 710 mg
- Fat: 31 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg