One-Pan Ground Beef Orzo Bake

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large oven-safe skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat if needed.
3. Add the chopped onion and garlic. Cook for 2–3 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
4. Stir in diced tomatoes, beef broth, orzo, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender.
6. Remove from heat and sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly on top.
7. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 10–15 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Variation:

• Use Ground Turkey or Chicken: For a leaner twist, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. These lighter proteins soak up the savory flavors from the broth and tomatoes beautifully while keeping the dish a bit lighter.
• Make It Spicy: Add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or swap in a can of diced tomatoes with green chilies for a gentle kick. It brings warmth and depth without overwhelming the classic cheesy comfort.
• Add Veggies: Stir in baby spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini during the simmering step. They’ll cook down and blend right into the orzo, adding color, nutrients, and texture with no extra fuss.

Cooking Notes:

• Don’t Overcook the Orzo: Keep a close eye during the simmering phase. Orzo can go from tender to mushy quickly, so stir occasionally and test for doneness around the 10-minute mark.
• Use an Oven-Safe Skillet: A cast iron or stainless-steel skillet works best for stove-to-oven transitions. This saves dishes and ensures an even bake when melting the cheese topping.
• Let It Rest Before Serving: After baking, allow the skillet to sit for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the cheese set and gives the flavors a chance to settle in every bite.