There’s something about a warm bowl of pasta that calms the chaos. This Savory Ground Beef Orzo isn’t just dinner—it’s the hug you didn’t know you needed on a Tuesday night.
Back when my kids were still small, I’d come home from a double shift at the bistro, shoes off and back aching, and they’d be lined up at the kitchen island with empty bowls and hopeful eyes. This orzo recipe—ground beef, tomato, cream, and a sprinkle of parmesan—was the dish I could count on to fill bellies, spark conversation, and end the day with a little grace.
What Is Ground Beef Orzo?
Ground beef orzo is a one-pot pasta dish where tiny, rice-shaped orzo simmers with savory beef, a touch of cream, and a tomato-based sauce. Think risotto, but without the stirring drama—and way more kid-approved. It’s hearty, gently creamy, and packed with flavor from garlic, broth, and Italian herbs.
This recipe hits that perfect note between rustic and refined. It’s not fussy, but it tastes like you tried. And isn’t that what we’re all after on a weeknight?
Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Orzo
- One pot, minimal mess. You’ll only need one pot and a wooden spoon.
- Ready in 30 minutes. Dinner’s on the table before anyone can say “takeout.”
- Comforting and flexible. Add spinach, zucchini, or use ground turkey—it always delivers.
- Kid-friendly. No weird textures or overly spicy notes. Just creamy, meaty goodness.
Tips for Making the Best Ground Beef Orzo
- Use lean beef (90% or more) to avoid greasy sauce. Or drain if needed.
- Grate your own parmesan. Pre-grated doesn’t melt the same.
- Don’t overcook the orzo. It should be tender but not mushy—watch that simmer!
- Stir occasionally. Orzo loves to stick, so give it a friendly nudge.
How to Make Ground Beef Orzo
This ground beef orzo comes together in four simple stages: browning the beef, building the sauce, simmering the orzo, and finishing with spinach and cheese.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- ½ medium sweet onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 cup uncooked orzo
- 1 (14 oz) can tomato sauce
- ¾ cup beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 2 cups baby spinach
- Salt & pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Brown the Beef
Heat a Dutch oven over medium-high. Add ground beef and let it sear undisturbed for 4–5 minutes. Stir and break it up with a spoon. Add onion and cook for another 4–5 minutes. - Build the Flavor Base
Stir in garlic, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning. Add uncooked orzo and cook for 1 minute to toast it slightly. - Add the Liquids
Pour in tomato sauce, broth, cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir, bring to a gentle simmer. - Simmer Until Orzo Is Tender
Reduce heat to medium-low and cook uncovered for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally. Orzo should be soft and most of the liquid absorbed. - Finish With Greens & Cheese
Remove from heat. Stir in spinach and parmesan. Cover for 3–5 minutes to allow everything to meld and thicken. - Season and Serve
Taste and adjust with salt and pepper. Serve hot, maybe with crusty bread or a side salad.
Tools You’ll Need
- Dutch oven or large soup pot
- Wooden spoon
- Garlic press
- Microplane (for parmesan)
- Measuring cups/spoons
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Ground Beef Orzo
- Don’t boil hard. A low simmer gives orzo time to absorb without drying out the sauce.
- Let it rest. If it’s still too saucy, cover and let it sit 5 minutes. The orzo will soak it up.
- Customize it. Add mushrooms, zucchini, or fresh basil for variation.
Storing and Reheating Tips
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: On stovetop with a splash of cream or broth to loosen it up.
- Freezer: Not ideal. Orzo turns mushy when frozen and thawed.
FAQs
Can I use another meat besides beef?
Yes! Ground chicken, turkey, or beef bacon are great options.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Substitute cream with coconut cream or a plant-based alternative. Skip the cheese or use a dairy-free version.
Is orzo gluten-free?
Traditional orzo is not, but you can find gluten-free orzo made from rice or corn flour.
How spicy is this dish?
Very mild. The red pepper flakes add warmth, but you can omit or adjust to taste.
Conclusion
This Savory Ground Beef Orzo Recipe has saved more than a few weeknights in our house. It’s the kind of meal that brings people to the table without a fuss. It’s warm, rich, and just enough creamy to feel like comfort—but not too heavy to weigh you down.
If you’re craving something cozy but not complicated, something that reminds you of home but still feels a little special, this one’s for you.
Print
Savory Ground Beef Orzo
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Description
This savory ground beef orzo recipe is a one-pot, creamy, and comforting dinner perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. A hearty pasta dish with orzo, lean ground beef, and a tomato cream sauce your whole family will love.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- ½ medium sweet onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 cup uncooked orzo
- 1 (14 oz) can tomato sauce
- ¾ cup beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 2 cups baby spinach
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat for 5 minutes, undisturbed.
- Add chopped onion and cook another 5 minutes, breaking up beef.
- Stir in garlic, red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, and orzo. Cook for 1 minute.
- Add tomato sauce, beef broth, cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Reduce heat and cook uncovered for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender.
- Remove from heat. Stir in parmesan and spinach. Cover for 5 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper, and serve hot.
Notes
Tip: Stir regularly while simmering to prevent sticking. If the orzo absorbs too much liquid, add a splash of broth. Let it sit covered before serving to thicken naturally.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 525
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 31g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: ground beef orzo, one pot orzo, creamy beef pasta, easy orzo recipe
