Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Creamy Ground Beef Orzo is a one-pan comfort dish that’s rich, hearty, and incredibly satisfying. With tender orzo pasta cooked directly in a savory ground beef sauce and finished with a touch of cream and cheese, this meal is quick, delicious, and perfect for busy weeknights. It’s like a cozy pasta and a creamy casserole all in one.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
ground beefoniongarlicorzo pasta(beef or chicken) brothheavy creamparmesan cheesetomato pasteolive oilpaprikasaltblack pepperfresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
directions
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess grease if needed.
Add chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
Stir in tomato paste and paprika, cooking for 1-2 minutes to deepen the flavor.
Pour in the broth and bring to a simmer.
Add orzo, stir well, and reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Stir in heavy cream and grated parmesan cheese. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until creamy and well combined.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields 4 servings.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 20 minutesTotal time: 30 minutes
Variations
Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.
Add spinach, peas, or mushrooms for extra veggies.
Swap parmesan with cheddar or mozzarella for a different cheese profile.
Spice it up with crushed red pepper or chili flakes.
Use a splash of white wine for added depth before adding the broth.
storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.It’s not recommended to freeze as the creamy texture may change.
FAQs
Can I use rice instead of orzo?
Yes, but cooking time and liquid ratio will need to be adjusted.
Is this dish spicy?
Not as written, but you can add spice if desired.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, it reheats well within a few days.
Can I use milk instead of cream?
You can, but the sauce will be less rich and creamy.
What type of broth works best?
Beef broth adds more depth, but chicken or vegetable broth works too.
Do I have to use tomato paste?
It adds great flavor, but you can skip it or substitute with a few spoonfuls of marinara sauce.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Use plant-based ground meat and veggie broth for a meatless version.
Does the orzo get mushy?
Not if cooked properly and not over-simmered.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just make sure to use a large enough skillet or pot.
Is this kid-friendly?
Absolutely! It’s creamy, cheesy, and full of mild flavors.
Conclusion
Creamy Ground Beef Orzo is the ultimate comfort food that’s fast, flavorful, and fuss-free. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug after a long day. Perfect for families, quick dinners, or meal prep, this one-pan wonder is bound to be a regular on your dinner table.
Print
Creamy Ground Beef Orzo
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
A hearty and comforting one-pan dish made with ground beef, tender orzo pasta, and a rich, creamy sauce. Perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until soft, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in orzo and cook for 1-2 minutes to lightly toast.
- Add beef broth, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until orzo is tender, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Cook uncovered for 2-3 more minutes until creamy and thickened.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra veggies.