Creamy Ground Beef Orzo Recipe

There's something so comforting about a skillet full of creamy ground beef orzo. With its velvety sauce, tender pasta, and rich beef flavor, this dish checks all the boxes for a cozy, weeknight dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor.

this Recipe

I first whipped this up on a night when the fridge was nearly bare—just some ground beef, a half box of orzo, and a bit of cream. What started as a humble throw-together has since become one of our most requested meals. It's quick, filling, and absolutely delicious.

Let’s dive into what makes this dish so irresistible.

Why You'll Love This Creamy Ground Beef Orzo

Get ready to meet your new dinner go-to. Creamy ground beef orzo brings the comfort of a casserole, the speed of a skillet meal, and the flavor of something that tastes like you worked way harder than you actually did.

One of the best things about this recipe is how fast it comes together. From start to finish, you’ll have a hearty, satisfying meal on the table in under 30 minutes. It’s ideal for busy nights when you’re juggling homework, laundry, and everything in between.

This dish is also incredibly budget-friendly. With just a few pantry staples—ground beef, orzo, broth, and cream—you can feed a family without spending much at all. No fancy ingredients required here!

Even picky eaters love this one. The flavors are simple yet comforting, making it a hit with kids and adults alike. Plus, it's a one-pot wonder, which means fewer dishes for you to wash later.

And finally, this recipe is endlessly adaptable. Swap in veggies, try different cheeses, or go with ground turkey instead of beef. It’s the kind of forgiving meal that works with what you have on hand.

Let’s take a look at the ingredients that make this dish shine.

Ingredients Notes

At its core, this creamy ground beef orzo is a study in simple ingredients doing beautiful things together. Each item has its role in building flavor and creating the luscious texture we all crave in a cozy pasta dish.

Ground beef is the star of the show here. I prefer using 85/15 for the perfect balance of flavor and fat. It adds a deep, savory richness that forms the backbone of the sauce. If you’re using a leaner cut, consider adding a splash of olive oil to help develop flavor as it browns.

Orzo, though technically a pasta, behaves like rice in this dish. Its small size means it cooks quickly and absorbs the flavors of the broth and beef. It becomes tender and creamy as it simmers, almost risotto-like in texture, but without all the stirring.

Beef broth builds depth into the base. You can use store-bought or homemade, but either way, make sure it's full-bodied. It soaks into the orzo as it cooks, helping to infuse every bite with meaty goodness. Chicken or vegetable broth can work in a pinch but won’t be quite as robust.

Heavy cream is what gives this dish its signature creaminess. A half cup is all you need to create a rich, silky sauce that clings to every bite of pasta. If you're looking for a lighter option, half-and-half can work, but the result won’t be quite as indulgent.

Parmesan cheese finishes the dish with a salty, nutty punch that rounds out all the flavors. Freshly grated is best if you have it on hand. It melts into the sauce, giving it that irresistible, cheesy pull with every spoonful.

No fancy equipment needed—just a deep skillet or large sauté pan and a wooden spoon. A pot for boiling water isn’t necessary since the orzo cooks right in the skillet, soaking up all that flavor.

How To Make This Creamy Ground Beef Orzo

Making this dish is as easy as it is satisfying. The steps are simple, and everything comes together in one skillet—less mess, more flavor.

Start by heating your skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it up with a wooden spoon. Let it brown without moving it too much at first—you want those crispy, golden bits to develop on the bottom. Once it’s nicely browned and fully cooked, drain off excess fat if needed.

Next, toss in some diced onion and minced garlic. These aromatics will lift the flavor of the beef and build the savory base of the dish. Stir them around until softened and fragrant—about 3-4 minutes should do it.

Now it’s time to add the orzo. Pour it right into the skillet and stir it around to toast slightly in the beef and onion mixture. This step enhances the flavor and keeps the orzo from getting mushy as it cooks.

Pour in the beef broth and give everything a good stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring it to a simmer, then lower the heat. Let it cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed—about 10-12 minutes.

Once the orzo is cooked and creamy, stir in the heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes, just until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens. Taste and season with salt and pepper to your liking.

Total cook time should land right around 25-30 minutes. What you’ll have is a skillet full of creamy, cheesy comfort food that’s ready to serve immediately.

Storage Options

This dish stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.

To store in the refrigerator, let the orzo cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days. The sauce may thicken in the fridge, but a splash of broth or cream during reheating will bring it right back to life.

For freezing, portion the orzo into individual containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove or in the microwave.

To reheat, use a microwave-safe dish or warm it in a skillet over low heat. Add a bit of liquid—cream, milk, or broth—as it warms to keep the texture creamy and smooth.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how flexible it is. You can tweak it based on what you have or to match your dietary needs without losing the essence of the dish.

If you’re looking for a lighter version, try using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. Just be sure to season generously, as these leaner meats are milder in flavor.

Want to sneak in some veggies? Stir in baby spinach, frozen peas, or grated zucchini during the last few minutes of cooking. They’ll blend seamlessly into the creamy sauce while boosting the nutritional value.

You can also play around with the cheese. Cheddar, Gruyère, or even cream cheese can work well in place of Parmesan, giving the dish a different twist.

For a spicy kick, stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dollop of harissa. You can also swap half the broth for a can of Rotel tomatoes to add extra flavor and a hint of heat.

Don’t be afraid to experiment and make this recipe your own. Whether you're feeding picky kids or looking to impress guests, this creamy orzo base is endlessly adaptable to your needs.

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