Creamy Ground Beef Orzo Recipe

There's something truly comforting about a bowl of Creamy Ground Beef Orzo — rich, velvety, and packed with savory flavor in every bite. The orzo soaks up the creamy sauce beautifully, while the seasoned ground beef adds just the right amount of hearty goodness to make this a complete and satisfying meal.

I first came up with this recipe on a chilly evening when I needed something quick, filling, and made from pantry staples. One pot, minimal effort, and pure comfort in a bowl — it's now a go-to in our house, especially when everyone's craving something cozy but I don’t want to spend hours at the stove.

What makes this dish even better? It’s a one-pan wonder that comes together in under 30 minutes. Let’s dive into why you’ll fall in love with this Creamy Ground Beef Orzo.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Ground Beef Orzo

Get ready to discover your new favorite weeknight dinner. This Creamy Ground Beef Orzo is everything you want in a comfort food dish — easy, creamy, and irresistibly flavorful.

Fast and fuss-free. This meal comes together in just one pot and in under 30 minutes. Perfect for those evenings when you're short on time but still want a homemade dinner that feels indulgent.

Family-friendly. It’s picky-eater approved! The mild, creamy flavors and familiar ingredients make it a hit with both kids and adults. Plus, there's no need for side dishes — everything is right in the pot.

Budget-conscious. With affordable ingredients like ground beef, broth, and orzo, you can feed a hungry crowd without breaking the bank. It's a great recipe to keep in your rotation when you're trying to stretch your grocery budget.

Customizable. This dish is super flexible. Add veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or peas; swap in ground turkey; or spice it up with red pepper flakes. It’s a perfect blank canvas for whatever you have on hand.

Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend dinner, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that delivers comfort with every creamy bite.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this dish lies in the simplicity of its ingredients. Each one contributes to the velvety texture and savory depth that makes this orzo truly special.

Ground beef is the star of the show here. I recommend using 85/15 ground beef for a good balance of flavor and richness without too much excess fat. Browning it properly helps develop that deep, savory base that makes the dish so satisfying.

Orzo pasta acts like little flavor sponges, soaking up all that creamy goodness. Though it looks like rice, orzo is a pasta, and it gives the dish a silky, almost risotto-like texture when simmered directly in the sauce.

Heavy cream brings in the luscious creaminess. You can substitute with half-and-half for a lighter version, but for that ultra-smooth and decadent finish, full-fat cream makes all the difference.

Beef broth is key for adding depth and enhancing the meatiness of the dish. You can also use chicken broth if that’s what you have on hand, but beef broth really rounds out the flavor.

Parmesan cheese adds a salty, umami-rich finish that pulls everything together. Grating your own from a block makes a noticeable difference in taste and texture, but pre-shredded works in a pinch too.

As far as tools go, all you’ll need is a large skillet or deep sauté pan, a wooden spoon for stirring, and a measuring cup or two. That’s it — one pot, minimal cleanup, maximum comfort.

How To Make This Creamy Ground Beef Orzo

Making this dish is a breeze, and it all comes together in one pan — no separate boiling or draining required.

Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. You want it nicely browned, which should take about 5–6 minutes. Once it’s cooked through, drain off any excess fat, but leave a little for flavor.

Lower the heat slightly and stir in some diced onion and minced garlic. Let them cook for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant. This base builds so much flavor into the final dish and makes your kitchen smell amazing.

Now it’s time to add your orzo directly into the skillet. Give it a quick stir to coat it in all those delicious beefy juices. Then pour in the beef broth, scraping up any bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring everything to a simmer and let it cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, for about 10–12 minutes or until the orzo is tender.

Once the orzo is cooked and most of the liquid has been absorbed, stir in your heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Watch as the sauce transforms into a dreamy, creamy coating. Let it simmer for another 2–3 minutes until everything is heated through and well combined.

Taste and season with salt, pepper, and maybe a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Serve hot, straight from the pan, with an optional garnish of chopped parsley or extra Parmesan.

From start to finish, this recipe takes around 25 minutes. Expect rich, comforting flavors, a creamy texture, and very few leftovers.

Storage Options

One of the best things about this recipe? It stores like a dream. Leftovers can be just as delicious — if not more — the next day.

If you have extra, let it cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it a great next-day lunch.

You can also freeze the orzo for longer storage. Use a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, and label it with the date. It’ll keep well for about 2 months. Just be aware the texture may change slightly when reheated.

To reheat, add a splash of broth or cream to loosen it up, then warm it in a saucepan over medium-low heat or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

Whether fresh or reheated, it stays creamy and comforting — just the way you want it.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is endlessly adaptable, making it ideal for customizing to your preferences or what’s available in your kitchen.

Want to lighten it up? Try swapping the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. Both offer a leaner profile while still delivering on flavor, especially when seasoned well.

Add some veggies! Stir in a couple handfuls of fresh spinach or a cup of frozen peas during the last few minutes of cooking. Mushrooms, bell peppers, or even chopped zucchini would also be great additions.

Prefer a little heat? Toss in some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce when you add the cream. You can also mix in a spoonful of Dijon mustard or paprika for a more layered flavor.

If you’re out of heavy cream, half-and-half or whole milk with a little extra cheese can work in a pinch. The texture won’t be quite as rich, but it’ll still be tasty and satisfying.

Gluten-free? Substitute a gluten-free orzo or a small rice-shaped pasta alternative. Just make sure to check cooking times and adjust liquid levels as needed.

Don’t be afraid to make it your own. This is one of those recipes that welcomes creativity — and you really can’t go wrong with a creamy, savory one-pan pasta.

Print