Sloppy Joe Orzo

Sloppy Joe Orzo is another kid-friendly meal, and it’s high in protein and delicious.

Sloppy Joe Orzo

Sloppy Joes are one of my kids favorite foods, and they love pasta too. This is a nice blend of the two. They really liked this and ate every bite. I’ll be honest. I was a little shocked that they liked it so much. It tasted pretty good!

Oh girl, you’re in for a treat! This one-pot wonder is about to become your new weeknight hero. It’s hearty, saucy, and packed with flavor—basically everything we Lou Lou Girls live for. So grab your apron, crank up your favorite playlist, and let’s make some magic in the kitchen.

💖 Why We’re Obsessed

You know those nights when the kids are hangry, the laundry’s multiplying, and you just need a win? This dish is it. It’s got the comfort of a casserole, the ease of a skillet, and the flavor of a five-star meal. Plus, fewer dishes = more time for dessert (or a bubble bath—we don’t judge).

🍝 One-Pot Sloppy joe Orzo Skillet

Serves: 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Calories per serving: ~420

Sloppy Joe Orzo

Ingredients

1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
Freshly ground black pepper
Kosher salt
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
12 oz. orzo
3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
2 1/2 cups low-sodium beef broth
1 cup water
1 small can tomato sauce
3 Tbsp. tomato paste
3 Tbsp. packed light brown sugar
1/2 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar
1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce

Sloppy Joe Orzo

Directions

In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat, heat 2 Tbsp. oil. Add beef; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until beef is cooked through and browned, about 10 minutes. Scrape beef into a colander set over a bowl and let excess fat drain.
In same pot over medium-high heat, heat remaining 2 Tbsp. oil. Cook onion, stirring occasionally, until starting to soften, about 5 minutes. Add orzo and garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until orzo is lightly toasted and garlic is fragrant, about 3 minutes.
Add broth, tomato sauce, tomato paste, brown sugar, vinegar, Worcestershire, and 1 cup water; season with salt and pepper and stir to combine. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and bring to a simmer. Cook, stirring frequently, until liquid is mostly absorbed and orzo is tender, 12 to 14 minutes.
Return beef to pot. Cook, stirring frequently, until beef is warmed through, about 2 minutes more; season with salt and pepper, if needed

🧠 Cooking Tips from the Lou Lou girls Kitchen

Don’t skip toasting the orzo! It’s a game-changer for flavor.
Use a deep skillet or Dutch oven to avoid spillage—this baby bubbles up!
Make it ahead: This dish reheats like a dream. Just add a splash of broth or water before microwaving.
Want it creamier? Stir in ¼ cup of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream at the end.

Sloppy Joe Orzo

🥦 Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~420
Protein	28g
Carbohydrates	35g
Sugars	9g
Fat	20g
Saturated Fat	5g
Fiber	3g
Sodium	~620mg

Sloppy Joe Orzo

🔄 Recipe Variations

Spicy Kick: Add ½ tsp red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño with the garlic.
Veggie Boost: Stir in chopped spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Cheesy Upgrade: Top with shredded mozzarella or cheddar and broil for 2–3 minutes until bubbly.
Low-Carb Swap: Sub the orzo with cauliflower rice and reduce the broth to 1 cup.

💬 Final Thoughts

This dish is everything we love—simple, satisfying, and totally customizable. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel like a kitchen rockstar without breaking a sweat. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters, hungry teens, or just your fabulous self, this skillet supper is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

So go ahead, pin it, print it, and make it your own. And if you do, we wanna see it! Tag us @loulougirls_ on Instagram and show off your skillet skills. You’ve got this, girl 💪

Want more cozy dinner inspo? Check out Lou Lou Girls for more family-friendly favorites and weeknight lifesavers!