Creamy Ground Beef Orzo Recipe: A Hearty Family Favorite

Whipping up a delightful ground beef orzo promises pure comfort on busy weeknights.

Pasta lovers will adore this hearty one-pot meal that comes together in minutes.

Mediterranean-inspired ingredients blend seamlessly to create a satisfying dish anyone can master.

Rich flavors mingle with tender orzo and perfectly seasoned beef for a restaurant-quality experience.

Weeknight cooking becomes effortless with this simple yet impressive recipe.

creamy textures and robust seasonings guarantee clean plates and happy smiles around the dinner table.

You’ll want to make this crowd-pleasing meal again and again.

What Makes Creamy Ground Beef Orzo Special

• Customize Your Spice: Adjust the Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes to match your heat preference, making this dish perfect for spice lovers or those who prefer milder flavors.
• Create a Restaurant-Quality Meal at Home: Enjoy a luxurious combination of succulent shrimp and tender chicken in a rich, creamy sauce that rivals professional restaurant dishes without the hefty price tag.
• One-Skillet Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup with this single-pan recipe that transforms simple ingredients into a hearty, satisfying meal that brings everyone to the table excited and hungry.
• Protein-Packed Comfort Food: Load up on delicious protein with both chicken and shrimp, creating a filling meal that's both nutritious and incredibly tasty for the whole family.

Ingredients for Creamy Ground Beef Orzo

• Ground Beef: A protein-rich base that provides hearty flavor and substance to the dish.
• Orzo: A small pasta shape that creates a creamy, comforting texture in the recipe.
• Beef Broth: Adds depth of flavor and helps cook the orzo while creating a rich liquid base.

• Milk: Contributes to the creamy consistency of the dish.
• Parmesan Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Provide a melty, cheesy finish with complex flavor profiles.

• Olive Oil: A cooking fat that helps sauté ingredients and build initial flavor.
• Onion, Garlic: Classic aromatics that form a flavor foundation for the dish.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste.
• Parsley: A fresh herb that adds a bright garnish and subtle herbal note.

How to Make Creamy Ground Beef Orzo Easily

Step 1: Sizzle Aromatic Base

Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium temperature. Toss in finely chopped onions and sauté until they become soft and translucent, releasing their sweet fragrance throughout the kitchen.

Step 2: Boost Flavor Profile

Add minced garlic and let it dance in the pan for approximately one minute, creating an irresistible aroma that will make your mouth water.

Step 3: Brown Protein

Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it into small crumbles as it cooks.

Continue cooking until the meat transforms into a rich, golden brown color. If excess fat accumulates, carefully drain it away.

Step 4: Toast Pasta

Introduce orzo to the skillet and stir, allowing the pasta to lightly toast and absorb the delicious flavors for about two minutes.

Step 5: Create Creamy Liquid Base

• Beef broth
• Milk

Stir the mixture and bring it to a gentle simmer, ensuring all ingredients are well combined.

Step 6: Simmer and Soften

Cover the skillet and let the orzo cook for 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

The pasta should become tender and absorb the liquid.

Step 7: Melt Cheesy Goodness

• Parmesan cheese
• Mozzarella cheese

Stir until the cheeses melt completely, creating a luxuriously creamy texture.

Step 8: Final Seasoning and Serve

Season with salt and pepper to your preferred taste. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.

Serve the dish warm, inviting everyone to enjoy its comforting appeal.

Helpful Notes for Creamy Ground Beef Orzo

• Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a lighter dish.
• Grate fresh Parmesan cheese for enhanced flavor compared to pre-packaged varieties.
• Swap whole milk with low-fat or dairy-free alternatives for a healthier version.
• Experiment with different herbs like basil or thyme to customize the flavor profile.
• Make the recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free orzo or replacing orzo with cauliflower rice.

Flavor Twists for Creamy Ground Beef Orzo

• Mediterranean Magic: Replace ground beef with lamb, add oregano, and mix in crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-inspired version.
• Spicy Southwest Sensation: Use ground turkey, incorporate taco seasoning, add diced green chiles, and top with pepper jack cheese.
• Vegetarian Veggie Bliss: Swap ground beef for plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms, mix in roasted bell peppers, and use vegetable broth.
• Creamy Tomato Fusion: Stir in sun-dried tomato paste, sprinkle dried basil, and finish with a dollop of ricotta cheese for extra creaminess.

Best Ways to Serve Creamy Ground Beef Orzo

• Mediterranean Pasta Bowl: Spoon the creamy orzo into wide bowls. Top with crumbled feta cheese, sliced kalamata olives, and fresh chopped basil for a Greek-inspired twist.
• Loaded Comfort Casserole: Transfer the orzo to a baking dish. Sprinkle extra cheese and breadcrumbs on top. Bake until golden and crispy for a comforting family-style meal.
• Stuffed Pepper Surprise: Use the creamy beef orzo as a delicious filling for bell peppers. Slice peppers in half, stuff with the mixture, and bake until peppers are tender and slightly charred.
• Quick Lunch Wrap: Wrap the orzo mixture in large tortillas with some fresh spinach leaves. Grill the wrap for a few minutes to create a crispy, portable lunch option that's packed with flavor.

How to Store Creamy Ground Beef Orzo Properly

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The dish will stay fresh and tasty when properly sealed.
• Transfer cooled orzo to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Freeze for up to 2 months, ensuring you remove excess air to prevent freezer burn.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed orzo in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of beef broth or milk to restore creamy texture, stirring occasionally until heated through.
• When reheating, stir gently and add extra liquid to maintain the creamy consistency. Avoid overheating to keep the cheese smooth and prevent oil separation.

FAQs

• What is orzo, and why use it in this recipe?

Orzo is a small, rice-shaped pasta that cooks quickly and absorbs flavors well. It creates a creamy, risotto-like texture in this ground beef dish.

• Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat for a similar result.

• Is this recipe budget-friendly?

Absolutely! It uses simple, affordable ingredients like ground beef, orzo, and common pantry staples, making it an economical meal for families.

• How can I make this dish more nutritious?

Add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms during the cooking process to boost nutritional value and add more flavor.

Creamy Ground Beef Orzo Recipe

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4.8 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory ground beef orzo combines Mediterranean comfort with hearty flavors. Home cooks will enjoy this simple one-pot wonder that delivers rich, satisfying results you can easily prepare on busy weeknights.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) ground beef
• 1 cup (240 ml) orzo pasta
• 2 cups (480 ml) beef broth
• 1 cup (240 ml) milk
• 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup (50 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat, sautéing diced onions until they become translucent and fragrant.
2. Introduce minced garlic and quickly sizzle for approximately 60 seconds, releasing its aromatic essence.
3. Incorporate ground beef into the skillet, breaking it into crumbly pieces while browning thoroughly, then eliminate any surplus grease.
4. Sprinkle orzo into the meat mixture, gently toasting for 2 minutes to enhance its nutty flavor profile.
5. Cascade beef broth and milk into the skillet, stirring to combine and creating a luxurious liquid base.
6. Reduce heat, cover the skillet, and allow the mixture to gently simmer for 10-12 minutes, periodically stirring to prevent sticking.
7. Once orzo reaches tender consistency, fold in Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, stirring until they melt into a silky, creamy texture.
8. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
9. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a vibrant finish, and serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian version that maintains the creamy texture.
• Toast orzo longer for a nuttier flavor profile, carefully watching to prevent burning and ensure even golden color.
• Choose low-sodium beef broth to control salt levels, allowing more precise seasoning during final taste adjustments.
• Fresh herbs like thyme or basil can replace parsley, adding unexpected depth and aromatic complexity to the dish.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 483 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 570 mg
• Fat: 29 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 33 g
• Cholesterol: 92 mg