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 tender pasta, the richness of the beef, and that velvety sauce come together to create a cozy, one-pan meal that’s as satisfying as it is simple.

This dish was born out of a busy weeknight scramble when I had ground beef, a half-box of orzo, and a craving for something hearty. Since then, it’s become a go-to comfort meal in our house—quick enough for weekdays, indulgent enough for weekends.

With just a few staple ingredients and one skillet, this recipe checks all the boxes: minimal cleanup, maximum flavor, and a creamy finish that will have everyone asking for seconds. Let’s dive into why this Creamy Ground Beef Orzo belongs in your weekly rotation.

Why You'll Love This Creamy Ground Beef Orzo

Get ready to fall head over heels for your new favorite weeknight dinner. Creamy Ground Beef Orzo is the kind of no-fuss, all-reward recipe we all need more of in our lives.

First off, it’s a true one-pan wonder. From browning the beef to simmering the orzo, everything happens in a single skillet. That means fewer dishes and less cleanup—always a win in my book.

It also comes together fast. From start to finish, you’re looking at about 30 minutes. It’s perfect for those evenings when you want something hearty but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

Another major bonus? It’s super budget-friendly. Ground beef, pasta, broth, and a splash of cream are all you really need. And since it’s so filling, you can easily stretch it to feed a hungry family of four.

And finally, it’s endlessly customizable. Add spinach for some greens, mushrooms for earthiness, or swap in ground turkey if that’s what you have. It’s the kind of recipe that bends to your fridge and pantry.

Ready to make this creamy, dreamy dinner? Let’s talk ingredients.

Ingredients Notes

This Creamy Ground Beef Orzo relies on a few humble ingredients, but each one plays an important role in building layers of flavor. It’s amazing what you can create with simple pantry staples when combined just right.

Ground beef is the star of the show. I recommend using 85/15 for the best balance of flavor and richness. It browns beautifully and adds a savory depth to the dish. If you prefer something leaner, you can opt for ground turkey or chicken, but you may want to boost the seasoning to make up for the missing fat.

Orzo is what gives this dish its unique texture. Though shaped like rice, it’s actually a small pasta that cooks up tender and silky in the creamy sauce. Be sure not to overcook it—once the orzo is just al dente, it’s time to pull the dish from the heat to keep it from getting mushy.

Broth and cream are what transform this into a luscious, risotto-like skillet meal. I typically use chicken broth for a milder flavor, but beef broth works well too. The cream adds that dreamy richness—half-and-half can be used as a lighter alternative, but for the full experience, go with heavy cream.

Garlic and onion bring the aromatics. Mince your garlic finely so it melts into the dish, and sauté your onion until soft and lightly golden. These two build a flavorful base that elevates the entire skillet.

You won’t need much in terms of equipment—just a large, deep skillet with a lid. A wooden spoon and a sharp knife are about all else you’ll need for prep.

How To Make This Creamy Ground Beef Orzo

Creating this rich, satisfying meal is easier than you might think. The entire dish cooks in one pan and requires minimal prep, making it a perfect weeknight option.

Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it browns. You want it to be fully cooked and nicely caramelized, which adds depth to the final dish. Drain any excess grease if needed, but leave a bit for flavor.

Once the beef is browned, stir in the diced onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Then add the garlic, cooking for just 30 seconds until fragrant. This quick sauté step builds the aromatic base that makes this dish so crave-worthy.

Next, add the dry orzo directly to the pan. Toast it for a minute or two, letting it absorb some of that beefy goodness. Then pour in your broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to release all those flavorful browned bits. Bring everything to a gentle simmer and cover the skillet.

Cook the orzo for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Keep an eye on it—once the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, stir in the heavy cream and a handful of grated Parmesan if you’d like an extra cheesy finish.

Let everything simmer uncovered for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens. The orzo should be tender, the beef well-coated, and the sauce creamy but not soupy. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and finish with fresh parsley if you like a pop of color.

From start to finish, this dish takes around 30 minutes. You’ll end up with a rich, comforting skillet of creamy orzo that’s ready to serve straight from the pan.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers (and that’s a big if), this dish stores beautifully for easy meals later in the week.

Transfer any cooled leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The sauce will thicken as it sits, but a splash of broth or cream when reheating will bring it right back to life.

This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Just let it cool completely before sealing in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating on the stove.

To reheat, add a little water, broth, or cream to loosen the sauce, then warm gently over medium-low heat. Stir frequently to keep the orzo from sticking to the pan or drying out.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is. You can tweak it based on what you have or your personal preferences without sacrificing that creamy, comforting base.

For a lighter version, try swapping the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. You may want to increase the seasoning a bit, since leaner meats have a milder flavor, but it’s still delicious and satisfying.

Add some veggies for a nutritional boost. A few handfuls of spinach stirred in at the end wilt beautifully into the sauce. Peas, mushrooms, or chopped zucchini are also great additions that cook quickly and add texture.

Want to make it cheesy? Stir in shredded mozzarella or a bit of cream cheese for an extra indulgent finish. Parmesan adds a salty, umami kick that complements the beef perfectly.

If you’re dairy-free, you can use coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative. Just keep in mind it will slightly alter the flavor, so adjust seasoning as needed.

Don’t be afraid to play with the spices, either. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds heat, or try Italian seasoning for a more herb-forward profile. The base is neutral enough to go in many directions.

Once you try this Creamy Ground Beef Orzo, you’ll see just how flexible it is. It’s the kind of dish that welcomes your creativity—perfect for cleaning out the fridge or whipping up something cozy on the fly.

Print