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One-Pan Cheesy Ground Beef and Orzo Skillet

A comforting, creamy, and cheesy one-pan meal featuring ground beef, tender orzo pasta, and bell peppers simmered in a rich tomato broth.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian-Fusion
Calories: 480
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Meat & Aromatics
  • 1 lb lean ground beef or Italian sausage
  • 1 medium yellow onion diced
  • 1 medium green bell pepper diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
Pasta & Sauce
  • 1.5 cups uncooked orzo pasta
  • 2.5 cups beef broth sodium-reduced
  • 1 cup tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 0.5 tsp salt to taste
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
Finishing
  • 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese or cheddar/jack blend
  • 1 bunch fresh thyme for garnish
  • 1 small red chili pepper sliced, optional

Equipment

  • Large Cast Iron Skillet or Sauté Pan
  • Wooden Spoon
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board

Method
 

  1. Heat the skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon (about 5-6 mins). Drain excess fat if necessary.
  2. Add diced onion and green bell pepper to the meat. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
  3. Stir in minced garlic, uncooked orzo, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly to toast the orzo lightly.
  4. Pour in beef broth and tomato sauce. Scrape the bottom of the pan to deglaze. Bring to a gentle boil.
  5. Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook until orzo is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
  6. Remove from heat. Stir in half the cheese until creamy. Top with the remaining cheese.
  7. Cover for 2 minutes to melt the cheese topping (or broil briefly if using an oven-safe pan).
  8. Garnish with fresh thyme and sliced red chilies. Serve hot directly from the skillet.

Notes

If the mixture becomes too dry before the pasta is cooked, add a splash of hot water or extra broth. For a creamy finish, stir in 2 tablespoons of heavy cream at the end.