Looking for an easy ground beef and orzo recipe that’s comforting, budget-friendly, and ready in about 30 minutes? This Greek Ground Beef and Orzo, known in Greece as Kritharaki Me Kima (Κριθαράκι με Κιμά), combines seasoned ground beef, tender Greek orzo, tomatoes, onion, garlic, and a touch of cinnamon into one hearty meal that’s been a favorite in my family for generations.
Unlike many American ground beef pasta dishes, this traditional Greek recipe relies on simple Mediterranean ingredients instead of heavy cream sauces or lots of cheese. The warm cinnamon adds subtle depth to the tomato sauce, creating a comforting meal that’s rich in flavor without being complicated.
My mother made this dish throughout my childhood, and today it’s still one of the meals my own family requests most often. It’s inexpensive, pantry-friendly, and exactly the kind of recipe you can turn to after a long day when everyone is hungry and you need dinner on the table fast.
Whether you’re introducing your family to Greek cooking or simply looking for a new weeknight dinner, this easy Ground Beef and Orzo recipe is one you’ll come back to again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Authentic Greek family recipe
- Ready in about 30 minutes
- One of the easiest weeknight dinners you’ll make
- Made with simple pantry ingredients
- Budget-friendly
- Kid-approved
- Perfect for meal prep
- Freezer-friendly
- Easy to make with ground beef or ground turkey
What Is Kritharaki Me Kima?
In Greece, this comforting dish is known as Kritharaki Me Kima, which translates to orzo with ground meat.
Although orzo looks like rice, it’s actually a small pasta that’s commonly used in Greek cooking. Combined with seasoned meat and tomato sauce, it creates one of the simplest and most satisfying comfort foods you’ll find in a Greek home.
Like many traditional Greek recipes, there are countless family variations. Some families add more cinnamon, others include allspice or grated cheese, but the heart of the recipe remains the same: simple ingredients cooked with love.
A Favorite Family Dinner
When I was first married and beginning to build my collection of weeknight dinner recipes, I called my mother for this recipe expecting a long list of ingredients and complicated instructions.
Instead, she laughed and told me how simple it really was. Ground beef, Greek orzo, tomatoes, onion, garlic, olive oil, and cinnamon. That was it. I couldn’t believe one of my favorite childhood meals came together with such a short ingredient list.
More than twenty years later, it’s still in our regular dinner rotation. Whether I make it with ground beef, turkey, or a meatloaf mix, it disappears just as quickly as it did when I was growing up.
It’s one of those dependable recipes that never seems to get old.
And yes…on especially busy nights, I’ve occasionally reached for a quality jarred tomato sauce. While homemade is always my first choice, it’s a shortcut that still makes a delicious dinner when life gets hectic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ground Beef
I usually use lean ground beef, but meatloaf mix or ground turkey work beautifully as well.
Greek Orzo (Kritharaki)
Whenever possible, I recommend using Misko Kritharaki, the traditional Greek brand of orzo. The pasta is slightly larger than many American brands and has the perfect texture for this dish.
If you can’t find Misko, regular orzo works just fine.
Onion
A chopped yellow onion provides sweetness and depth.
Garlic
Fresh garlic complements the tomatoes and cinnamon beautifully.
Tomato Sauce
A 28-ounce can of tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, or hand-crushed whole tomatoes all work well.
Cinnamon
One of the signature flavors in many traditional Greek meat dishes.
Don’t worry—it doesn’t make the dish taste sweet. Instead, it adds warmth and richness to the sauce.
Olive Oil
A good-quality extra virgin olive oil brings everything together.
How to Make Greek Ground Beef and Orzo
Step 1: Cook the Orzo
Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil.
Add the orzo and cook until just al dente according to the package directions.
Drain well and set aside.
Be careful not to overcook the pasta since it will continue cooking slightly when combined with the sauce.
Step 2: Brown the Meat
While the orzo cooks, heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Add the ground beef and cook until no longer pink, breaking it into small pieces as it browns.
Drain any excess grease if necessary.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Season the beef mixture with salt, pepper, and cinnamon.
Pour in the tomato sauce and stir until everything is well combined.
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to develop.
Step 4: Combine
Add the cooked orzo to the meat sauce.
Stir gently until every piece of pasta is coated.
Continue cooking over low heat for another 5–10 minutes so the orzo absorbs some of the sauce.
Taste and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Step 5: Serve
Serve warm with freshly grated Parmesan, Kefalotyri, or Fontina cheese if desired.
Pair with a Greek salad and warm crusty bread for a complete meal.
Vayia’s Tips
- Use Misko Kritharaki whenever you can find it.
- Salt the pasta water generously.
- Don’t overcook the orzo.
- Simmer the sauce long enough to develop flavor.
- Taste before serving and adjust the seasoning.
- This dish tastes even better the next day.
Common Mistakes
Overcooking the Orzo
Slightly undercook it before combining with the sauce.
Using Too Much Cinnamon
A little cinnamon goes a long way.
Skipping the Simmer
Allowing the sauce to simmer creates much deeper flavor.
Forgetting to Taste
Tomato sauces vary in acidity, so always taste and adjust your seasoning before serving.
Variations
- Use ground turkey instead of beef.
- Substitute meatloaf mix for extra flavor.
- Stir in fresh spinach before serving.
- Top with crumbled feta cheese.
- Add crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Make it with ground chicken for a lighter version.
What to Serve with Greek Ground Beef and Orzo
This comforting pasta pairs beautifully with:
- Authentic Greek Salad (Horiatiki)
- Greek Lemon Potatoes
- Tourlou Tourlou (Greek Roasted Vegetables)
- Crusty bread
- Tzatziki
- Baklava for dessert
For more family favorites, browse my collection of Traditional Greek Recipes.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of water if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Kritharaki?
Kritharaki is the Greek word for orzo, a small rice-shaped pasta commonly used in Greek cooking.
Can I use regular orzo?
Yes. While I prefer traditional Greek Misko Kritharaki, any good-quality orzo works well.
Can I make this with turkey?
Absolutely. Ground turkey is one of my favorite substitutions.
Why is cinnamon used?
Cinnamon is a classic ingredient in many Greek meat dishes. It adds warmth and depth without making the dish sweet.
Can I freeze this recipe?
Yes. Freeze in airtight containers for up to three months.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Definitely. It reheats beautifully and makes excellent leftovers.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes. Although not traditionally included in the recipe, spinach, zucchini, mushrooms, or peas all work well.
What cheese is best?
Freshly grated Kefalotyri, Parmesan, or Fontina are all delicious options.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes. In fact, many people think it tastes even better the next day.
Is this authentic Greek food?
Yes. Variations of Kritharaki Me Kima have been enjoyed in Greek homes for generations, and every family has its own version.
Final Thoughts
Greek Ground Beef and Orzo is proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With just a handful of pantry staples and a few simple seasonings, you can create a warm, satisfying meal that’s been bringing Greek families together for generations.
Whether you’re making this recipe for a busy weeknight dinner, meal prepping for the week ahead, or introducing your family to traditional Greek cooking, I hope it becomes one of those dependable recipes you return to again and again.
If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Leave a comment below, rate the recipe, and don’t forget to save it on Pinterest so you’ll always have this easy Greek comfort food recipe ready for your next family dinner.
My mother has been serving this Ground Beef and Orzo dish for as long as I can remember. It’s a staple of my childhood. It’s the perfect dish to come home to when you’ve had a rough day. Call it Greek comfort food.
- 3 lbs ground beef or meatloaf mix, or ground turkey
- 2 cups Greek Orzo Misko brand is the BEST! Don’t bother with the tiny orzo you find in the grocery store. Order a few packages and keep them in your pantry.
- 1 28 oz can Tuttorosso Tomato Sauce or diced tomato, or whole tomatoes
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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Fill a large dutch oven halfway full withwater, cover, and bring to boil.
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When the water comes to boil, add the orzo and 1 tbsp. salt and cook for 15 minutes, or until the orzo is opaque. Note: If you use a brand other than Misko, follow the package instructions.
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While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil on medium high heat in a large dutch oven. Saute the onion, garlic, and ground beef. until the beef is no longer pink, Stir in salt, pepper, and cinnamon. (about 5-7 minutes).
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Add your tomato, bring to a boil, and simmer on low for 20 minutes. By now, your orzo should be almost ready!
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Drain the orzo into through a fine colander (don’t lose your orzo down the drain!)
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Stir orzo into ground beef mixture and combine well. Taste and adjust your seasonings. Cook on medium to low heat for another 10 minutes to allow the flavors to combine.
Serve with parmigian or fontina cheese.Have you tried my Lemon and Garlic Roasted Chicken and Potatoes yet? What are you waiting for?
Have you tried my Lemon and Garlic Roasted Chicken and Potatoes yet? What are you waiting for?!?
My mom and dad used to make a version of this in the oven with either chicken or lamb.
Wasn’t a fan of the orzo when I was a kid, but I have learned to acquire a taste for it –
Your recipe reminds me of ‘makaronia mai kima’!!
Thanks!
One of my favorites. Need to go to Prima.
Made this tonight during the rain storm, true comfort food. The Misko orzo makes the dish. Will add this the rotation.
Hi, Joyce! Thanks for posting a comment. I’m so happy that you tried the Ground Beef and Orzo recipe. It really is the perfect comfort food. We make this dish once a week and everyone loves it. Glad you tried the Misko Orzo, too. It’s also great in soups as an alternative to noodles.