Greek Beef Orzo Pasta

This Greek Beef Orzo Pasta is a cozy, one-pan meal packed with Mediterranean flavors. Juicy ground beef is seasoned with warm spices like cinnamon and allspice, then simmered with orzo, tomatoes, and broth until tender. A finishing touch of lemon, crumbled feta, and fresh parsley gives this hearty dish a fresh and tangy kick.

It’s a simple recipe that comes together in under 40 minutes perfect for busy weeknights or when you want something nourishing without fuss. The mix of tender pasta, savory beef, and zesty cheese is sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters at your table.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• 1 cup dry orzo pasta

• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes

• 2 cups beef broth

• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

• Juice of 1/2 lemon

Directions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

2. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 5-6 minutes.

3. Stir in chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.

4. Add garlic, oregano, cinnamon, and allspice; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Add orzo to the skillet, stirring to coat it in the beef and spice mixture.

7. Pour in diced tomatoes (with juice) and beef broth. Stir well and bring to a boil.

8. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 12-14 minutes or until orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

9. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice.

10. Top with crumbled feta and chopped parsley before serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 460 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

The Greek Beef Orzo Pasta is a hearty, flavorful dish that seamlessly combines comfort and tradition in a single skillet. This one-pan wonder not only saves you time in the kitchen but also brings the rich, aromatic flavors of the Mediterranean right to your dinner table. Whether you’re craving something cozy and filling, or looking to introduce new global dishes into your weekly rotation, this Greek-inspired pasta is a winning choice.

A Taste of the Mediterranean in Every Bite

Greek cuisine is known for its bold use of herbs and spices, fresh produce, and nourishing ingredients that celebrate the natural flavors of the Mediterranean region. This dish draws from those roots, using ground beef, garlic, oregano, cinnamon, and allspice to create a rich, layered flavor profile. The subtle warmth of the cinnamon and allspice is a hallmark of many Greek meat dishes, bringing depth and complexity that distinguishes this pasta from standard beef-based meals.

The orzo a short, rice-shaped pasta often used in Greek and Italian cooking plays a central role in this recipe. It cooks in the same pan alongside the beef and tomatoes, absorbing the savory broth and spices, which gives the dish an irresistibly creamy, cohesive texture.

One Pan, Less Stress

One of the key advantages of this recipe is its convenience. With everything cooking in one pan, cleanup is minimal, making it perfect for busy weeknights. There’s no need to boil the orzo separately or juggle multiple pots and pans. Once the ingredients are combined and the orzo is simmering, you can let it all meld together beautifully on the stovetop.

The result is a hearty, all-in-one meal that’s filling, balanced, and requires very little fuss ideal for home cooks who want to eat well without spending hours in the kitchen.

The Magic of Mediterranean Spices

What truly sets this dish apart is its aromatic spice blend. While cinnamon and allspice may seem more suited to baking, they are essential in many Greek meat recipes. When paired with the savory notes of oregano and garlic, these spices give the dish a subtle warmth and exotic flair without overpowering the palate.

These spices are also rich in antioxidants and offer health benefits, making this recipe as nourishing as it is flavorful. They transform what could be a simple beef and pasta dish into something that tastes slow-cooked and deeply satisfying.

The Feta Finish

Once the orzo is perfectly tender and has absorbed all the rich, beefy goodness, it’s finished with crumbled feta cheese and a touch of lemon juice. The feta adds a creamy, salty counterpoint to the warm spices, while the lemon provides a burst of brightness that balances the entire dish. A sprinkle of fresh parsley brings color and freshness, elevating the presentation and flavor.

These final touches ensure that every bite of this Greek Beef Orzo Pasta is packed with contrast and interest from rich and savory to zesty and fresh.

Customizations and Variations

One of the best parts of this dish is its versatility. Here are a few ways you can customize the recipe to suit your preferences or dietary needs:

• Vegetarian Version: Replace the ground beef with crumbled tofu, lentils, or a plant-based ground meat substitute. Vegetable broth can be used instead of beef broth for a full vegetarian version.
• More Veggies: You can bulk up the dish with diced zucchini, spinach, red bell peppers, or mushrooms. Just sauté them along with the onions before adding the orzo.
• Spicier Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped chili for a touch of heat.
• Cheese Options: If you’re not a fan of feta, you can swap it with grated Parmesan or a dairy-free cheese alternative.
• Whole Wheat Orzo: For a slightly healthier version, use whole wheat orzo to increase fiber content.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Greek Beef Orzo Pasta is a dish that works equally well for a casual family dinner or a dinner party with friends. Its warm, inviting aroma will fill your kitchen, drawing everyone to the table. Serve it with a side of crusty bread, a crisp green salad, or even a glass of red wine to create a full Mediterranean dining experience.

Thanks to its one-pan simplicity, this dish is also ideal for meal prepping. Leftovers reheat beautifully, making it a fantastic option for work lunches or quick next-day dinners.

Nutritional Value and Balance

This dish offers a satisfying balance of macronutrients. The ground beef provides a hearty dose of protein and iron, while orzo delivers the comforting carbs needed to keep you full and energized. Tomatoes offer vitamins A and C, and herbs like parsley contribute antioxidants.

Adding feta not only boosts flavor but also adds calcium and healthy fats. Despite its rich taste, this meal can easily be adjusted to fit lower-fat or higher-fiber diets by swapping out ingredients as needed.

From Greece to Your Kitchen

While this dish isn’t a traditional Greek recipe per se, it’s inspired by the flavors and cooking methods common in Greek home cooking. Its approach using everyday ingredients to create complex, layered flavors is very much in line with the spirit of Mediterranean cuisine.

Whether you’re familiar with Greek food or just beginning to explore international flavors, this dish is a delicious entry point. It offers a wonderful contrast to more common pasta dishes and may just become a new family favorite.

Conclusion: Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to Greek Beef Orzo Pasta

In a world full of fast food and takeout, the Greek Beef Orzo Pasta offers something different a wholesome, homemade meal that feels both nourishing and indulgent. It delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, and the ability to tweak it to suit your tastes means it’s endlessly versatile.

From the warm, fragrant spices to the creamy feta and bright lemon, every element of this dish works in harmony. Whether you’re cooking for your family, entertaining guests, or simply treating yourself, this is one of those meals that checks all the boxes: easy, flavorful, and deeply satisfying.

If you’re looking to add more Mediterranean flair to your cooking, this recipe is the perfect place to start.