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White bowl of creamy ground beef and orzo with fresh basil and freshly grated parmesan cheese on top on a dark wood plate with a gold fork and a beige and white checkered tea towel.

Creamy Ground Beef and Orzo

Author: Stephanie Kay

Ready in 30 minutes, this one-pot ground beef orzo is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. It also keeps well in the fridge and freezer, so you can enjoy leftovers for days to come.

  • Author: Stephanie Kay
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 serving 1x
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. In a large pot or Dutch oven on medium-high heat, warm the olive oil, then add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon or spatula, and cook for 4-5 minutes, until no longer pink and partially cooked through.
  2. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, salt, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes; stir to combine with the ground beef mixture, and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes on medium heat.
  3. Add the orzo and stir to combine with the ground beef mixture, then pour in the beef broth and crushed tomatoes and stir until well incorporated.
  4. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly so the orzo doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pot, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender.
  5. Once cooked, turn off the heat, and pour in the heavy cream and freshly grated parmesan cheese and stir until well combined.
  6. The beef and orzo can be served immediately with parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves on top, or cooled and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Notes

To Use Ground Turkey or Chicken: Swap the ground beef for 1 pound of ground turkey or ground chicken in step #1.

To Use Tomato Sauce: Swap the crushed tomatoes for 1 (14-ounce) can of tomato sauce in step #3.

To Use Onion Powder: Swap the onion for 1 teaspoon of onion powder in step #2.

To Use Garlic Powder: Swap the onion for 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder in step #2.

To Use Dried Thyme: Swap the Italian seasoning with 1 teaspoon of dried thyme in step #2.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://kaynutrition.com/ground-beef-and-orzo/