Introduction & Inspiration
Whenever I need a hearty, comforting dinner that doesn’t take hours to make, this Creamy Ground Beef Orzo always comes to mind. It’s rich, savory, and loaded with simple ingredients that come together in the most delicious way. I love how everything cooks in one pot, making cleanup easy and keeping all the flavors perfectly blended.
Nostalgic Appeal
Growing up, pasta dishes were always at the heart of our family dinners, warm, filling, and full of love. This orzo version feels like a more grown-up take on those nostalgic meals, creamy, slightly spicy, and incredibly satisfying. It brings back memories of cozy nights around the dinner table without feeling heavy or complicated.
Homemade Focus
Making this dish at home means I get to control every ingredient, from the lean beef to the creamy sauce and fresh spinach. I love using fresh garlic, high-quality tomato sauce, and real Parmesan for an extra punch of flavor. Homemade meals like this always feel fresher, more wholesome, and so much more rewarding than takeout.
Flavor Goal
The goal for this Creamy Ground Beef Orzo was to create a rich, deeply savory pasta dish that’s creamy without being too heavy. The beef needed to be well-seasoned and juicy, the orzo tender but not mushy, and the sauce silky with just a hint of spice. Every bite had to deliver a balance of hearty meatiness, smooth creaminess, and fresh herbiness.
Ingredient Insights
Lean ground beef forms the hearty base of the dish, keeping it rich without being greasy. Yellow onion adds sweetness and depth as it caramelizes alongside the beef. Fresh minced garlic infuses the entire pot with a warm, savory aroma that’s irresistible. Italian seasoning and dried basil create a herby backbone, while crushed red pepper flakes add a subtle kick. Tomato paste and tomato sauce build a rich, slightly tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the beef. Orzo, a tiny rice-shaped pasta, cooks right in the sauce, soaking up all the delicious flavors. Beef broth deepens the savory notes and keeps the orzo moist and tender. Heavy cream adds a luscious, silky richness that ties everything together. Worcestershire sauce boosts the umami flavors, making the dish even more satisfying. Fresh spinach adds a burst of color and lightness, balancing the creamy sauce beautifully. Grated Parmesan gives a final salty, nutty layer of flavor that melts into the sauce perfectly.
Essential Equipment
A large Dutch oven or deep, heavy-bottomed pot is perfect for browning the beef and cooking everything together. A good wooden spoon or spatula helps break apart the beef and stir the orzo evenly. A sharp knife and cutting board make prepping the onion and garlic quick and easy.
List of Ingredients with Measurements
1 lb lean ground beef
1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 cup uncooked orzo
1 14 oz can tomato sauce (or crushed/diced tomatoes)
1 cup beef broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
2 cups fresh baby spinach
1/2 cup grated Parmesan
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh basil, chopped for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Heat a Dutch oven or large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a spatula. Let it cook for about 5 minutes until it starts to brown.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Add the chopped onion to the pot and stir into the beef. Cook for another 5 minutes until the beef is browned and the onion is translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds to release its aroma.
Step 3: Build the Flavor Base
Add the Italian seasoning, dried basil, crushed red pepper flakes, and tomato paste to the pot. Stir well to coat the beef and onion mixture evenly with the seasonings. Add the uncooked orzo and stir to toast it slightly for about a minute.
Step 4: Create the Sauce
Pour in the tomato sauce, beef broth, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Give everything a good stir, making sure to scrape any bits from the bottom of the pot for extra flavor.
Step 5: Cook the Orzo
Once the pot starts bubbling, reduce the heat slightly to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered for 10-15 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the orzo from sticking. The orzo will absorb the sauce and become tender while staying creamy.
Step 6: Finish the Dish
Once the orzo is cooked, remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the fresh spinach and grated Parmesan. Cover the pot and let it sit for about 5 minutes to allow the spinach to wilt and the sauce to thicken.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve hot, sprinkled with extra Parmesan and freshly chopped basil for a beautiful finish.
Troubleshooting
If the sauce thickens too much before the orzo is cooked, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up. If the dish seems too watery after cooking, let it sit uncovered for a few minutes to allow the sauce to thicken naturally. If the orzo sticks to the bottom, make sure to stir frequently and lower the heat slightly during simmering.
Tips and Variations
Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. Use crushed tomatoes for a chunkier sauce if you prefer more texture. Add sautéed mushrooms or zucchini for extra veggies and flavor. Top with shredded mozzarella and broil for a minute for a melty, cheesy finish.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve this Creamy Ground Beef Orzo with a simple green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast. Pair it with warm, crusty bread to mop up the creamy sauce. A glass of medium-bodied red wine like Merlot or a sparkling water with lemon is a perfect drink to accompany it.
Nutritional Information
Each serving provides a great balance of protein, carbs, and fats for a satisfying meal. Fresh spinach adds vitamins and minerals without overwhelming the creamy flavors. Heavy cream and Parmesan give the sauce a rich taste while still feeling balanced and hearty.
Print
Creamy Ground Beef Orzo
Description
Make this rich and satisfying Creamy Ground Beef Orzo for a quick one-pot dinner. Packed with hearty flavors, tender orzo, and a creamy tomato sauce, this dish is perfect for busy nights!
Ingredients
1 lb lean ground beef
1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 cup uncooked orzo
1 14 oz can tomato sauce (or crushed/diced tomatoes)
1 cup beef broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
2 cups fresh baby spinach
1/2 cup grated Parmesan
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh basil, chopped for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Heat a Dutch oven or large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a spatula. Let it cook for about 5 minutes until it starts to brown.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Add the chopped onion to the pot and stir into the beef. Cook for another 5 minutes until the beef is browned and the onion is translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds to release its aroma.
Step 3: Build the Flavor Base
Add the Italian seasoning, dried basil, crushed red pepper flakes, and tomato paste to the pot. Stir well to coat the beef and onion mixture evenly with the seasonings. Add the uncooked orzo and stir to toast it slightly for about a minute.
Step 4: Create the Sauce
Pour in the tomato sauce, beef broth, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Give everything a good stir, making sure to scrape any bits from the bottom of the pot for extra flavor.
Step 5: Cook the Orzo
Once the pot starts bubbling, reduce the heat slightly to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered for 10-15 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the orzo from sticking. The orzo will absorb the sauce and become tender while staying creamy.
Step 6: Finish the Dish
Once the orzo is cooked, remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the fresh spinach and grated Parmesan. Cover the pot and let it sit for about 5 minutes to allow the spinach to wilt and the sauce to thicken.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve hot, sprinkled with extra Parmesan and freshly chopped basil for a beautiful finish.
Recipe Summary and Q&A
Today, I shared my favorite Creamy Ground Beef Orzo recipe, a hearty and comforting one-pot meal that’s full of flavor. We browned beef, cooked orzo right in a creamy tomato sauce, and finished it off with fresh spinach and Parmesan for a satisfying dinner. Can you make it ahead? Yes — it reheats beautifully with a splash of broth to refresh the sauce. Can you freeze it? It’s best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be refrigerated for up to three days. This dish is simple, comforting, and packed with bold flavors — the perfect easy dinner you’ll want to make again and again!