Creamy Ground Beef Orzo Recipe

There's something undeniably cozy about a skillet of creamy ground beef orzo bubbling away on the stove. The rich aroma of seasoned beef mingling with tender pasta and velvety sauce fills the kitchen, promising a comforting meal that's impossible to resist.

I first whipped up this dish on a rainy weeknight when pantry staples were all I had to work with. What started as a throw-together dinner has quickly become a family favorite that's requested at least once a week. It's hearty, budget-friendly, and comes together in under 30 minutes — perfect for busy nights when you need something quick and satisfying.

Whether you're cooking for a crowd or just craving a warm, one-pan dinner, this Creamy Ground Beef Orzo will be your new go-to.

Why You'll Love This Creamy Ground Beef Orzo

Get ready to add this dish to your regular dinner rotation. There's so much to love about Creamy Ground Beef Orzo, and once you try it, you'll wonder how you lived without it.

First, this recipe is incredibly quick and easy. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can have a hearty, homemade dinner on the table in about 25 minutes. Perfect for those nights when time feels impossibly short.

Second, it's budget-friendly. Ground beef and orzo are both inexpensive, and you probably already have most of the other ingredients in your pantry or fridge. It's a comforting, filling meal that won't stretch your wallet.

Third, it's family-approved. Even picky eaters devour this dish without complaint. The creamy sauce and tender pasta are a winning combination for kids and adults alike.

Finally, it's incredibly versatile. You can easily swap in ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles to suit your dietary needs or whatever you have on hand. Plus, you can sneak in extra veggies without anyone noticing!

Ready to see how simple it is? Let’s dive into the ingredients next.

Ingredient Notes

The beauty of this Creamy Ground Beef Orzo is how it transforms everyday ingredients into something special. Each item brings its own magic to the skillet.

Ground Beef forms the hearty, savory base of the dish. I recommend using 85/15 ground beef — it's flavorful without being overly greasy. Be sure to drain any excess fat after browning to keep the sauce from getting too heavy.

Orzo Pasta is the star of the show. Although it looks like rice, orzo is a pasta that cooks up tender and slightly chewy, absorbing the creamy sauce beautifully. It's what gives this dish its uniquely satisfying texture.

Beef Broth enhances the rich, meaty flavor of the orzo as it cooks. Low-sodium beef broth works best, allowing you to control the salt level to your preference without sacrificing depth of flavor.

Heavy Cream is key to achieving that luscious, creamy sauce. If you're looking for a lighter option, you can substitute with half-and-half, though the sauce will be a little thinner.

Parmesan Cheese ties everything together with its nutty, salty goodness. Freshly grated is ideal for the best melt and flavor, but pre-grated will work in a pinch if that's what you have.

As for equipment, all you really need is a large skillet with a lid. A good nonstick or stainless steel skillet helps prevent sticking and ensures even cooking.

How To Make This Creamy Ground Beef Orzo

Bringing this dish to life is as simple as can be. Follow these easy steps for a dinner that'll have everyone coming back for seconds.

Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Season it with salt, pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder if you like. Cook until the beef is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain off any excess fat.

Once the beef is cooked, stir in the orzo. Let it toast lightly for 1-2 minutes in the skillet. This step adds a nutty depth to the pasta and helps prevent it from becoming mushy as it cooks.

Next, pour in the beef broth and bring everything to a simmer. Cover the skillet, reduce the heat to low, and let it cook for about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to make sure the orzo doesn’t stick to the bottom. The orzo will absorb most of the broth and plump up beautifully.

After the orzo is tender, stir in the heavy cream and a generous handful of Parmesan cheese. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes, just until the sauce thickens to a silky consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Total time from start to finish is about 25 minutes, and what you’re left with is a skillet full of creamy, savory perfection — ready to be devoured!

Storage Options

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, this dish stores wonderfully. Allow the orzo to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.

In the refrigerator, your Creamy Ground Beef Orzo will stay fresh for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.

For longer storage, you can freeze it. Place the cooled orzo in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

When reheating from the fridge or freezer, stir well to reincorporate the creamy sauce, and add a little extra Parmesan to freshen it up!

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how flexible it is. Feel free to tweak it based on your taste preferences or what's in your kitchen.

Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or ground chicken for a lighter version that's still just as satisfying. Plant-based ground "meats" also work well if you're keeping it vegetarian.

Not a fan of orzo? Try using small pasta shapes like ditalini or even rice. Just adjust the liquid and cook time as needed to match the ingredient.

Amp up the veggies by stirring in frozen peas, spinach, or diced bell peppers during the last few minutes of cooking. They'll add color, nutrition, and a pop of freshness.

Prefer a bolder flavor? Mix in a spoonful of tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, or even a dash of hot sauce to the broth before simmering. It’s an easy way to customize the flavor profile.

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