Hi, I’m Lina. As a busy mom, I rely on recipes that feel comforting without needing hours in the kitchen. This dish is one of my easy weeknight favorites, simple, warm, and full of flavor. If you love homey food that brings everyone to the table, this recipe will be perfect for you.
Comfort Meets Fresh Flavor
This Lemon Garlic Butter Steak Orzo is the kind of meal that surprises you. It’s hearty and comforting like a creamy risotto, but fresh and bright thanks to a squeeze of lemon and loads of garlic butter. Tender steak bites are seared to perfection, then tossed with buttery orzo pasta, garlic, and a hint of lemon zest.
It’s all cooked in one pan, no fuss, no extra dishes, and every bite tastes like something from a cozy bistro. The orzo soaks up all that garlicky steak flavor, creating a creamy texture without even needing cream.
If you enjoy one-pan comfort meals, you’ll love Beef and Noodles Recipe – A Comforting Classic or Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe. Both are easy, crowd-pleasing dinners with big flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-pan magic: Less cleanup, all the flavor.
- Creamy but light: Buttery orzo with a lemony twist.
- Restaurant-quality: Seared steak and fresh herbs make it feel gourmet.
- Family favorite: Kids love the tiny orzo pasta; adults love the rich garlic butter.
If you like zesty steak dishes, you should also try Blackened Cajun Ribeye with Garlic Butter, it’s bold, juicy, and packed with Southern spice.
Ingredients
For the Steak:
- 1 lb sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into bite-size cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
For the Orzo:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Instructions
- Sear the steak: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season steak cubes with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Sear for 2–3 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Toast the orzo: In the same pan, melt 1 tablespoon butter. Add orzo and toast until lightly golden, about 2 minutes.
- Add garlic and broth: Stir in minced garlic, then pour in beef broth. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed (about 8–10 minutes).
- Finish the dish: Add lemon juice, lemon zest, remaining butter, Parmesan, and parsley. Stir until creamy.
- Add steak: Return the steak to the skillet, toss to coat, and heat through.
- Serve: Spoon into bowls, top with extra Parmesan, and enjoy immediately.
Lina’s Kitchen Tips
- Cut the steak evenly so it cooks perfectly.
- Toast the orzo for a nutty, rich flavor.
- Use fresh lemon juice : bottled juice can dull the brightness.
- Add a handful of spinach for color and extra nutrients.
This Lemon Garlic Butter Steak Orzo is everything you want in a weeknight dinner, hearty, creamy, and full of fresh flavor. It’s the perfect mix of comfort and brightness, and it all comes together in just one pan.
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Lemon Garlic Butter Steak Orzo: Bright, Creamy & One-Pan Perfect
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Tender seared steak tossed with buttery, garlicky orzo and a squeeze of lemon for a creamy, bright one-pan dinner.
Ingredients
1 lb sirloin or ribeye steak, cubed
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
½ tsp garlic powder
1 tbsp butter
1 cup orzo pasta
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups beef broth
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp lemon zest
2 tbsp butter
¼ cup Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp chopped parsley
Instructions
1. Sear seasoned steak in olive oil 2–3 minutes per side; remove.
2. Melt butter in same skillet; toast orzo until lightly golden.
3. Add garlic, then pour in broth; simmer 8–10 minutes until tender.
4. Stir in lemon juice, zest, butter, Parmesan, and parsley.
5. Return steak to pan; toss and serve hot.
Notes
Toast orzo for richer flavor.
Add spinach or peas for color.
Use fresh lemon juice for best brightness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-Pan
- Cuisine: Mediterranean