Hey y’all! If you’re searching for a crowd-pleasing, comforting, and flavor-packed dinner, this Greek Beef Orzo Pasta is the scrumptious solution. Hearty ground beef, tender orzo, and fragrant Mediterranean spices come together in one pot, giving you a cozy and satisfying meal that’s equally perfect for busy weeknights or laid-back weekend gatherings. Get ready to bring delicious Grecian vibes to your table—let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Greek Beef Orzo Pasta
- It’s a one-pot meal, making cleanup a breeze.
- Mediterranean flavors like oregano, cinnamon, and fresh lemon add unique depth.
- Made with pantry staples, it’s budget-friendly and fuss-free.
- Family-friendly and customizable for picky eaters.
- Quick cook—just 40 minutes from prep to plate!
Greek Beef Orzo Pasta Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) lean ground beef
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 can (14.5 oz / 400g) diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 cups (480ml) beef broth
- 1 cup (200g) uncooked orzo pasta
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp fresh dill or parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup (60g) crumbled feta cheese
- Lemon wedges, for garnish (optional)
How to Make Greek Beef Orzo Pasta
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened.
- Stir in minced garlic, dried oregano, and ground cinnamon. Cook for another 1 minute, letting the spices bloom.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
- Add the ground beef. Break it up with your spoon and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Simmer with Tomatoes
- Mix in tomato paste and diced tomatoes. Stir and let cook for 2 minutes, bringing out their natural sweetness.
Step 4: Cook the Orzo
- Add uncooked orzo and beef broth. Stir, bring to a simmer, then cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
- Stir in lemon zest and fresh dill or parsley. Top with crumbled feta. Serve with extra lemon wedges if desired.
Notes for Making the Best Greek Beef Orzo Pasta
- For best flavor, use high-quality olive oil (learn more about oils here).
- If you prefer a saucier dish, add up to 1/2 cup more broth when cooking the orzo.
- Leftover orzo can absorb liquid—add a splash of broth before reheating for best texture.
Greek Beef Orzo Pasta Variations
- Lamb Orzo: Substitute ground beef with lamb for authentic Greek flavor.
- Vegetarian: Swap beef for cooked lentils and use vegetable broth.
- Spicy: Stir in 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes with the aromatics.
Equipment Needed for Greek Beef Orzo Pasta
- Large skillet or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sharp knife and cutting board
Storage for Greek Beef Orzo Pasta
- Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To freeze, place cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in fridge overnight before reheating.
- Reheat on the stove or in the microwave, and add a little broth to restore creaminess.
Serving and Pairings for Greek Beef Orzo Pasta
- Serve with a fresh Greek salad, crusty bread, or roasted vegetables.
- A glass of dry red wine complements the flavors beautifully.
- Top with extra fresh herbs or a dollop of Greek yogurt for extra creaminess.
Pro Tips for Perfect Greek Beef Orzo Pasta
- Toast the orzo for 2-3 minutes in the pan before adding broth for a nuttier flavor (step-by-step orzo cooking instructions).
- Use freshly grated lemon zest for the brightest pop of citrus.
- Allow the pasta to rest for 5 minutes before serving—it thickens and flavors meld perfectly.
Greek Beef Orzo Pasta FAQ
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Can I make Greek Beef Orzo Pasta gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the orzo with a certified gluten-free pasta or a gluten-free orzo. -
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey works perfectly and makes the dish lighter; just watch the cook time as it may cook faster. -
Why does my orzo get mushy?
It’s important not to overcook orzo—start checking for doneness at 10 minutes, and remove from heat when al dente (nutrition info about orzo).
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Serves: 4
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
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1Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
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2Add ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if needed.
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3Stir in the minced garlic, dried oregano, and ground cinnamon. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
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4Add the orzo pasta and diced tomatoes (with juice) to the pan. Pour in the beef broth and bring to a simmer.
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5Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-18 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
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6Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat, sprinkle with crumbled feta and fresh parsley. Serve hot.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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