All the bold, tangy flavors of Mississippi pot roast come together in this easy one pan Mississippi Orzo made with ground beef, tender orzo, pepperoncini peppers, and a creamy, buttery sauce.

From the recipe collection of Tara Ippolito

If you love the flavors of classic Mississippi pot roast, you’re going to be obsessed with this easy Mississippi Orzo! It has all the buttery, savory, tangy goodness you expect, but it’s made with ground beef and tender orzo for a quick weeknight meal that’s ready in about 30 minutes.

Everything cooks together in one skillet, which means less cleanup and tons of flavor in every bite. The orzo soaks up the rich beef broth, ranch seasoning, au jus, and pepperoncini juice, creating an incredibly comforting dinner that’s guaranteed to become a family favorite.

Why You'll Love It

Everything cooks in one skillet for easy cleanup.
Packed with the bold flavors of classic Mississippi pot roast.
Ready in about 30 minutes.
Comfort food that’s simple enough for weeknights but delicious enough to make again and again.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious recipe. You can find the full ingredients list along with measurements on the recipe card below.

Ground Beef – The hearty base of the dish.
Unsalted Butter – Adds richness while helping toast the orzo.
Orzo Pasta – A small pasta that cooks directly in the skillet and soaks up all the flavor.
Beef Broth – Cooks the orzo while creating a flavorful sauce.
Ranch Seasoning Mix – Gives the dish its signature creamy, savory flavor.
Au Aus Gravy Mix – Adds rich beefy flavor and depth.
Sliced Pepperoncini Peppers – Bring a tangy kick that makes Mississippi recipes so irresistible.
Pepperoncini Juice – Adds even more bright, tangy flavor.

How To Make It

Here's how to make this delicious meal. You can find the full ingredients list along with instructions on the recipe card below.

Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess grease. Add the butter and dry orzo to the skillet. Stir frequently for about 2–3 minutes until the butter melts and the orzo is lightly toasted. Pour in the beef broth and stir in the ranch seasoning packet, au jus gravy mix, sliced pepperoncini peppers, and pepperoncini juice

ground beef and orzo in skillet with seasoning and beef broth

Bring everything to a boil. Reduce to a gentle boil and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Let the orzo sit for a couple of minutes before serving to thicken slightly.

Pro Tip

Stir the orzo every couple of minutes so it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan
Toasting the orzo first adds a deeper, nuttier flavor.
If the orzo absorbs the broth before it’s fully tender, simply add a splash of extra beef broth.
Taste before adding salt since both seasoning packets already contain plenty of sodium.

Variations

Stir in shredded mozzarella or provolone at the end for a cheesy version.
Add cream cheese for an even richer Mississippi-inspired sauce.
Use ground turkey if you’d like a lighter option.
Toss in spinach during the last minute of cooking for extra veggies.
Sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan before serving.

What To Serve With This

This hearty skillet meal pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad, roasted broccoli, green beans, buttery dinner rolls, or garlic bread to soak up every last bit of the flavorful sauce.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of beef broth to loosen the sauce, as the orzo will continue to absorb liquid while it sits.

Other Eazy Orzo Recipes

I've rounded up all my Best Orzo Recipes so you can find them easily in one place.

ALL MY BEST ORZO RECIPES