Creamy Ground Beef Orzo Recipe

There's something irresistibly cozy about a skillet full of creamy ground beef orzo. The orzo turns tender and silky, soaking up every drop of rich, savory sauce while the beef adds that comforting, hearty flavor we all crave on busy weeknights.

this Recipe

This recipe first came to life in my kitchen after a long day when I wanted something fast, satisfying, and made with pantry staples. Now it’s one of our go-to meals when time is tight but appetites are big. It’s easy, affordable, and always hits the spot.

Let me show you how to make this weeknight hero of a dish.

Why You'll Love This Creamy Ground Beef Orzo

Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite skillet dinner. Creamy ground beef orzo is everything you want in a comfort food recipe—without all the fuss.

First of all, this dish is quick. From start to finish, you’re looking at just 30 minutes. Everything cooks in one pan, so there’s minimal cleanup and maximum reward.

It’s also incredibly easy to throw together. No fancy techniques here—just simple ingredients and straightforward steps. If you can stir and simmer, you can master this dish.

Let’s not forget how budget-friendly it is. With ground beef, orzo, and a few basic fridge and pantry staples, you can feed a family of four without breaking the bank.

Lastly, it’s a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’ve got kids at the table or picky eaters, this creamy, cheesy skillet is always a hit. You can even tweak it to fit what you’ve got in the fridge.

Once you make this once, I promise it'll become a regular in your weeknight rotation.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this creamy ground beef orzo lies in how a few simple ingredients come together to create something so rich and flavorful. Each one has a role to play in building that comforting, creamy bite.

Ground beef is the star of the show. I typically use 85/15 ground beef because it strikes the perfect balance between flavor and fat. You’ll brown it up first to develop that deep, savory base for the dish. Leaner beef works too—just make sure to adjust your seasoning and add a splash of oil if needed.

Orzo might look like rice, but it’s actually a small pasta that becomes luxuriously creamy as it cooks. It soaks up the broth beautifully and cooks directly in the pan, saving you an extra pot and delivering a risotto-like texture with much less effort.

Garlic and onion bring warmth and depth to the skillet. I recommend dicing the onion finely and sautéing it until soft and golden to really coax out the sweetness. Fresh garlic adds an aromatic punch that makes the whole dish feel homemade and hearty.

Beef broth and heavy cream create the silky sauce that binds everything together. The broth deepens the savory flavor, while the cream gives it that luscious, spoon-coating texture. You can substitute half-and-half if you’re looking to lighten things up a bit.

You’ll also need a large, deep skillet or sauté pan with a lid. This helps the orzo cook evenly and absorb all those rich flavors while keeping cleanup a breeze.

How To Make This Creamy Ground Beef Orzo

Making this creamy one-pan dinner is easier than you might think. Everything happens in a single skillet, and each step builds delicious flavor.

Start by heating a splash of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your ground beef and cook it, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess grease, then push the beef to one side of the pan.

Next, add your finely chopped onion to the same pan. Let it cook for about 4–5 minutes until soft and golden. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant. This is when your kitchen starts to smell amazing.

Once your aromatics are cooked, stir everything together and pour in the orzo, beef broth, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pan. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally so the orzo doesn’t stick.

When the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, stir in your heavy cream and shredded cheese—cheddar or mozzarella both work well here. Stir gently until everything is melted and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a bubbling, cheesy skillet of comfort food perfection. Serve hot and watch it disappear.

Storage Options

Leftovers? You’re in luck—this dish keeps really well and might be even better the next day.

Store any remaining creamy ground beef orzo in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days, making it perfect for meal prep or easy lunches.

If you want to freeze it, let the dish cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It should hold up well for about 2 months. Keep in mind, the texture may change slightly when thawed, but a quick stir with a splash of cream or broth brings it right back.

To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. Add a bit of broth or milk to loosen up the sauce and stir until heated through.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how flexible it is. You can swap ingredients in and out depending on what you’ve got on hand, and it still turns out delicious every time.

Want to lighten things up? Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. The end result is still creamy and satisfying, just with a leaner protein.

Looking to sneak in some veggies? Stir in a handful of spinach, frozen peas, or chopped zucchini during the last few minutes of cooking. They’ll cook down perfectly in the hot orzo and add a burst of color and nutrients.

If you prefer a dairy-free version, use a plant-based cream alternative and skip the cheese or use a vegan option. The dish will still be rich and comforting with the right seasoning.

For a cheesier version, try adding a bit of grated parmesan or even cream cheese. This amps up the richness and gives the sauce an ultra-smooth texture.

Don’t have orzo? Try using small pasta shapes like ditalini or even rice. Just keep an eye on the liquid ratio and adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Get creative, and don’t be afraid to experiment. Once you’ve mastered the base recipe, you’ll find endless ways to make it your own.

Print