Print

Greek Beef Orzo Recipe – Easy Dinner with Feta and Olives

Greek beef orzo - featured image
Print Recipe

This Greek beef orzo is a one-pan, Mediterranean-inspired dinner featuring savory ground beef, tender orzo pasta, tangy feta, and briny Kalamata olives. It’s hearty, comforting, and ready in under 40 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (85% lean preferred)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
  • 1 1/4 cups orzo pasta
  • 3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives, halved
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and golden, about 3 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  2. Add ground beef to the pan. Season with salt and pepper. Cook, breaking up the meat, until browned and no pink remains, about 4 minutes. Spoon off excess fat if needed.
  3. Add tomato paste, oregano, thyme, smoked paprika, and cinnamon (if using). Stir well and let the spices toast for about 1 minute.
  4. Pour in crushed tomatoes and beef broth. Stir, scraping up any bits from the bottom. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  5. Stir in orzo. Reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer uncovered, stirring every few minutes, until orzo is tender and most liquid is absorbed (10–12 minutes). Add more broth or water if needed to keep it saucy.
  6. Remove pan from heat. Stir in half the feta and half the olives. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lemon if desired.
  7. Sprinkle remaining feta, olives, and chopped parsley over the top. Serve hot with extra lemon wedges.

Notes

For best flavor, use block feta and Greek oregano. Stir orzo frequently to prevent sticking and add broth as needed for a creamy, saucy finish. To make gluten-free, substitute gluten-free orzo or rice. Leftovers keep well and flavors deepen overnight. For a vegetarian version, use lentils or mushrooms instead of beef.

Nutrition

Keywords: Greek beef orzo, one-pan dinner, feta, olives, Mediterranean, easy dinner, ground beef, orzo pasta, weeknight meal, comfort food

Find it online: https://atomicbite.com/greek-beef-orzo-recipe-easy-dinner-with-feta-and-olives/