Creamy Ground Beef Orzo Recipe

There’s something deeply comforting about a skillet full of creamy ground beef orzo bubbling away on the stove. The rich aroma of savory beef, garlic, and herbs wrapped in a velvety sauce has a way of drawing the whole family into the kitchen before dinner is even served.

this Recipe

I came across this recipe on a chilly weeknight when the fridge was nearly bare and I needed something fast, hearty, and satisfying. What started as a humble throw-together meal is now a permanent staple in our dinner rotation—and for good reason.

It’s quick, it’s creamy, it’s packed with flavor—and you only need one pan. Let’s dive into why you’re going to love this Creamy Ground Beef Orzo as much as we do.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Ground Beef Orzo

Get ready to meet your new go-to comfort meal. This creamy ground beef orzo is the perfect blend of convenience and indulgence, making it a winner for busy weeknights or cozy weekends in.

Quick and fuss-free. This recipe comes together in just about 30 minutes and only dirties one skillet. No need to juggle multiple pots and pans—just throw it all in, stir, and simmer.

Budget-friendly ingredients. With pantry staples like orzo, ground beef, and a splash of cream, you can feed your whole family without breaking the bank. It’s hearty, filling, and easy on the wallet.

Family-approved flavor. Kids and adults alike will love the creamy texture and savory flavor. The orzo soaks up the beefy, cheesy sauce in the best way possible, making every bite irresistible.

Versatile and customizable. You can easily swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand—use turkey instead of beef, toss in some spinach or mushrooms, or spice it up with chili flakes. It’s a flexible base for your flavor creativity.

Whether you're meal-prepping for the week or scrambling for a last-minute dinner, this recipe checks all the right boxes.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this creamy ground beef orzo lies in its simple yet well-balanced ingredients. Each component brings texture and flavor that makes this dish so comforting and satisfying.

Let’s start with the ground beef. I prefer using 85/15 lean ground beef—it gives the dish a rich, savory depth without being too greasy. If you want to keep things lighter, ground turkey or chicken works beautifully too.

Orzo is the star of the show here. This tiny pasta cooks right in the skillet, absorbing all the flavor from the beef and broth. It creates a creamy, risotto-like texture without the constant stirring. Just be sure not to overcook it—it’s best when it still has a little bite.

You’ll need a generous pour of chicken or beef broth to bring everything together. It not only helps cook the orzo but infuses the dish with umami flavor. If you're out of broth, water with a bouillon cube will do in a pinch.

A splash of heavy cream transforms the sauce into something luxurious. It adds body and silkiness to the dish. You can swap it with half-and-half or even whole milk if needed, though the result won’t be quite as indulgent.

To finish it off, Parmesan cheese brings saltiness and a nutty richness that ties everything together. Freshly grated is ideal, but the pre-shredded kind will work if that’s what you’ve got.

As far as equipment goes, all you really need is a large, deep skillet or sauté pan with a lid. A wooden spoon and a sharp knife for prep, and you’re ready to go.

How To Make This Creamy Ground Beef Orzo

Making this creamy one-skillet wonder couldn’t be easier. The process is straightforward, and once you’ve made it once, you’ll have it memorized.

Start by heating a bit of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your ground beef and break it up with a wooden spoon. Let it brown undisturbed for a few minutes before stirring—it builds flavor. Once browned and fully cooked, drain any excess grease if needed.

Toss in your finely chopped onion and let it soften for 2–3 minutes until translucent. Then stir in the minced garlic, cooking for another minute until fragrant. These aromatics are key to building the base of the sauce.

Next, sprinkle in some Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, stirring to evenly coat the beef. Pour in your orzo and toast it for a minute or two. This helps lock in flavor and gives the final dish a wonderful texture.

Now it’s time to pour in the broth. Stir everything together, bring it to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and cover. Let it simmer for about 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.

Uncover the skillet and stir in your cream and Parmesan cheese. Cook for another few minutes, just until the sauce thickens and coats the orzo beautifully. If it gets too thick, a splash of broth or milk will loosen things up nicely.

From start to finish, this dish takes about 30 minutes—perfect for those nights when you want something hearty and homemade without spending hours in the kitchen.

Storage Options

Leftovers of this creamy ground beef orzo are a gift. It stores well and tastes just as good (if not better) the next day.

For the fridge, transfer the cooled orzo into an airtight container. It’ll keep well for up to 4 days. The orzo might absorb more liquid as it sits, so be prepared to add a splash of broth or milk when reheating.

You can also freeze this dish, though the texture may change slightly. Spoon it into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, label with the date, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

To reheat, use a skillet over medium heat, adding a bit of liquid to bring back that creamy consistency. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between, until warmed through.

Variations and Substitutions

This creamy orzo recipe is endlessly flexible. You can tweak it to match your dietary needs, clean out the fridge, or just change things up a bit.

Want to lighten things up? Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. You’ll still get a satisfying result with a bit less fat.

Looking to go meatless? Replace the beef with sautéed mushrooms or a can of drained lentils. A handful of baby spinach stirred in at the end adds a pop of color and nutrients.

If you’re dairy-free, use coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative, and skip or replace the Parmesan with a dairy-free cheese. The result will still be delicious and silky.

You can also boost the flavor with a spoonful of tomato paste, a splash of Worcestershire sauce, or a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like some heat.

This dish is your canvas—don’t be afraid to experiment. You might just stumble on your next favorite version.

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