If you’re in the mood for something hearty, vibrant, and absolutely bursting with flavor, Greek-Style Orzo with Ground Beef is the dish you need in your life right now. This one-pan wonder delivers everything: tender orzo pasta, juicy seasoned beef, a bright kiss of tomato, and a finish of briny feta and fresh herbs. It’s Mediterranean comfort food that’s perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you crave something both cozy and exciting. Let’s dig into why this easy dinner has become a staple in my kitchen!

Greek-Style Orzo with Ground Beef Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Nothing too fancy here—just a handful of straightforward ingredients that each play a crucial role. Every element builds layers of taste, with pops of color and texture that come together in this unforgettable Greek-Style Orzo with Ground Beef.

Olive oil: Brings richness and helps everything sauté beautifully for deeper flavor.
Ground beef: The savory heart of the dish; opt for lean beef for less grease.
Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and softness, forming a flavor base.
Garlic: Brings bold, aromatic character you don’t want to skip.
Dried oregano: Gives that classic Greek herbal punch.
Ground cinnamon: A touch of warm spice sets this dish apart—don’t worry, it’s subtle but so essential.
Salt: Brightens every other ingredient (taste as you go!).
Black pepper: Adds just a subtle kick to round out the flavors.
Canned diced tomatoes: For juicy texture and a bit of tang.
Tomato paste: Intensifies the savory-sweet tomato flavors and thickens the sauce.
Beef broth: Infuses the orzo with meaty depth as it cooks.
Orzo pasta: Looks like rice but cooks like pasta—it soaks up all those gorgeous juices.
Feta cheese: Creamy, tangy, and salty—crumbled over at the finish for that signature Greek flair.
Fresh parsley or dill: Brings freshness and color—both work gorgeously!
Lemon wedges (optional): For a zingy finish that brightens up every bite.

How to Make Greek-Style Orzo with Ground Beef

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start with a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Pour in the olive oil and let it shimmer, then add the diced onion. Cook for about 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions soften and turn a bit translucent. Now, in goes the minced garlic—just 30 seconds is enough to wake up its aroma without burning it.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Add the ground beef straight into the pan, breaking it up as you go. Stir frequently to make sure it browns evenly, soaking up all the flavor left behind by the onion and garlic. Keep going until it’s nicely crumbled and completely cooked through—no pink left. If you notice too much fat in the pan, you can spoon some off for a lighter finish.

Step 3: Season with Spices

Sprinkle in the dried oregano, ground cinnamon, salt, and black pepper right over the beef. This is when the magic really starts—a swirl of Greek-style aroma will fill your kitchen! Stir so the spices evenly coat the meat for maximum flavor in every bite.

Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Broth

Stir in the tomato paste, followed by the entire can of diced tomatoes (liquid and all). Mix thoroughly so the tomato paste dissolves into the juices. Now pour in the beef broth—this will be the delicious bath in which our orzo cooks!

Step 5: Simmer the Orzo

Pour the uncooked orzo straight into the skillet and give everything a good mix. Bring it all to a light simmer, then immediately reduce the heat to low and cover the pan. Let it cook for 10–12 minutes, checking and stirring occasionally. The orzo should end up plump and tender, with most of the liquid absorbed into each tiny pasta grain.

Step 6: Finish with Feta and Herbs

Time to take your Greek-Style Orzo with Ground Beef to the finish line! Remove the pan from heat and gently stir in the crumbled feta and fresh parsley or dill. Let everything sit covered for another 5 minutes—this allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken just enough. Scoop generous portions into bowls and get ready for a flavor-packed meal.

How to Serve Greek-Style Orzo with Ground Beef

Garnishes

For a fresh, zesty burst, scatter extra crumbled feta and a sprinkle of freshly chopped herbs right before serving. A squeeze of lemon over the top will brighten the whole experience, making each forkful even more irresistible. Don’t forget a drizzle of good olive oil for that sun-kissed finish!

Side Dishes

Greek-Style Orzo with Ground Beef is almost a meal on its own, but a crisp Greek salad with ripe tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and a simple lemon-oregano dressing pairs perfectly. Warm pita or crusty bread is ideal for scooping up every last bite of saucy orzo. For even more Mediterranean flair, serve with marinated artichokes or roasted vegetables.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving a crowd (or just want to impress yourself), spoon the orzo into a large shallow platter and top it with herbs and big chunks of feta. For individual servings, use wide, shallow bowls to showcase all those beautiful colors and textures. You can even stuff bell peppers with the orzo mixture, bake until the peppers are tender, and serve as a centerpiece entrée!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers can be cooled and transferred to an airtight container. Greek-Style Orzo with Ground Beef keeps well in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it even tastier the next day!

Freezing

For busy weeks, freeze extra portions! Let the orzo cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. It’ll keep for about 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. If the orzo looks a bit dry, splash in a little extra broth or water and stir until it’s silky and warmed through—just as delicious as day one.

FAQs

Can I substitute the beef with another protein?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, lamb, or even plant-based crumbles work wonderfully. Each gives the Greek-Style Orzo with Ground Beef its own unique twist while soaking up all those lovely spices and sauce.

How can I make this dish healthier?

Use lean ground beef or turkey, and toss in spinach, zucchini, or even chopped bell pepper for extra veggies. You can also cut back a bit on the feta if you want a lower-fat meal that’s still satisfying.

Is Greek-Style Orzo with Ground Beef suitable for meal prep?

It’s a fantastic meal prep option! Portion the cooked orzo into individual containers and garnish with herbs and feta. It reheats beautifully, so lunches or quick dinners are just a microwave away.

Does the cinnamon really make a difference?

Yes, trust me on this! The tiny amount of cinnamon offers that unmistakable warmth you find in Greek cooking. It doesn’t make the dish taste sweet—it just rounds out the flavors and makes the dish special.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Sure thing! Substitute regular orzo with your favorite gluten-free small pasta or even rice. The sauce and flavors of Greek-Style Orzo with Ground Beef remain just as wonderful.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a fan of Mediterranean food or simply need a new one-pan dinner that’s both satisfying and stress-free, Greek-Style Orzo with Ground Beef is your answer. Give this recipe a try—you might find it becomes a favorite in your home too!

Greek-Style Orzo with Ground Beef Recipe

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4.8 from 18 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Greek-style orzo with ground beef is a flavorful and satisfying one-pan meal that combines aromatic spices, tender orzo pasta, and savory ground beef topped with creamy feta and fresh herbs. It’s a perfect dish for a busy weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends and family.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef
1 small yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Additional Ingredients:

1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 tablespoon tomato paste
2 cups beef broth
1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or dill
lemon wedges for serving (optional)

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Instructions

Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a skillet, sauté onion until softened, add garlic.
Cook Ground Beef: Brown ground beef, season with oregano, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
Add Tomatoes and Orzo: Mix in tomato paste, diced tomatoes, beef broth, and orzo. Simmer until orzo is tender.
Finish and Serve: Stir in feta and herbs, let sit, then serve with lemon wedges.