This orzo pasta is creamy, cheesy, flavorful, and so easy to make. It’s high in protein and made just in one skillet.

Imagine combining tender ground beef, rich tomato sauce, and creamy orzo. While it sounds too good to be true, this recipe has everything you want combined in one delicious dish.

And, one of the best things about this recipe is that it only takes roughly 30 minutes to make! This means you can make a nice family meal in no time.

What I love about this recipe is that it’s a take on classic Italian food with a modern twist. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you want something delicious without spending hours cooking (or cleaning) and avoid overspending.

I know this recipe is going to become one of your favorite meals. It surely is one of mine.

Another thing I love about this pasta is that you can easily make it your own. For example, you can experiment with different herbs like adding thyme or oregano instead of basil.

For those who love spicy food, you can add more red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper (even chipotle powder for a smoky taste).

You can also make this pasta to suit any dietary preference. If you want to make this a gluten-free recipe, you can replace orzo with gluten-free pasta or even rice.

And, if you are looking to make a plant-based recipe, don’t worry! You can avoid adding meat and add plant-based ground meat or mushrooms.

You really cannot go wrong and I’m saying that as someone who’s tried many versions of this meal at home. And absolutely loved it!

Ingredients and Substitutes

Lean ground beef (1lb) – For a leaner option, you can replace it with ground turkey or chicken. And, if you want a vegetarian meal, you can use crumbled tofu or mushrooms.

1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped – You can also use red onions for a sharper taste or shallots for a milder one. You can also use onion flakes or onion powder if you don’t have fresh onions.

4 cloves garlic, minced – If you don’t have fresh garlic, you can use garlic powder or garlic flakes.

Italian seasoning (1 tsp) – Don’t skip this ingredient since it adds a lot of flavor to the meal. If you don’t have any, try making some at home using dried oregano, rosemary, thyme, and sage (in equal parts).

Dried basil (1 tsp) – You can also use fresh basil.

Crushed red pepper flakes, optional (1/2 tsp) – If you don’t like spicy food, you can remove this ingredient. But, if you like spicy food, you can adjust it to suit your preferences. I love spicy food, so I typically add a bit more.

Tomato paste (1 tbsp) – If you don’t have tomato paste you can use double the amount of tomato sauce.

Uncooked orzo (1 cup) – You can also use other small pasta like ditalini or pearl couscous.

Tomato sauce (1 14 oz can) – A good replacement is crushed or diced tomatoes or using a similar amount of fresh, pureed tomatoes.

Beef broth (1 cup) – For a plant-based option, you can use vegetable broth or stock.

Heavy cream (1 cup) – This adds richness and creaminess to the meal. If you don’t have any, you can use half-and-half or non-dairy alternative options like coconut milk.

Worcestershire sauce (1 tsp) – You can also use soy sauce or tamari sauce for another umami flavor.

Fresh baby spinach (2 cups) –  If you don’t have any, you can use kale or Swiss chard.

Parmesan, grated (1/2 cup) – This adds a salty and nutty flavor. For a plant-based alternative, you can use nutritional yeast or Pecorino Romano for a different flavor.

Salt & black pepper, to taste

Fresh basil, chopped – If you don’t have fresh basil, you can use parsley or cilantro. But keep in mind that it may change the flavor.

How to Make Creamy Ground Beef Orzo

Step 1. Grab a pot or a Dutch oven and place it over medium-high heat. Add the beef, and make sure you break it apart with a spatula.

Let it cook for roughly 5 minutes until the beef browns up.

Step 2. Add the chopped onion and stir the mince. Cook another 5 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.

Step 3. Add the garlic, Italian seasoning, dried basil, and crushed red pepper flakes. Mix until everything is well-blended.  

Step 4. Add the tomato paste and the orzo into the pot. Stir everything and cook for another minute. 

Step 5. Pour the tomato sauce, beef broth, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix everything and let it cook for a couple of minutes.

Step 6. Once the pot starts bubbling, lower the heat slightly. Keep the pot covered and continue cooking for another 10-15 minutes. Make sure you stir frequently while you are cooking it to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

Step 7. Once the orzo is cooked, you can remove the pot from the heat. Stir the fresh baby spinach and grated parmesan. Cover the pot for another 5 minutes to let it thicken.

Step 8. When you are ready to serve, season with salt and pepper to taste and sprinkle some grated parmesan cheese and chopped basil.

Storage Tips

If you manage to have some leftovers (lucky!), place the remaining orzo in an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

For longer storage, you can also place it in the freezer. Place it in a freezer-safe container, and you can keep it for up to a month. However, keep in mind that the orzo may soften in the freezer.

When you are ready to have it, place it on the stove over low heat, and add a splash of broth or cream to prevent the sauce from drying out.

Other Recipes You’ll Love

• Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Orzo
• Cheesy Baked Italian Sausage
• Creamy Chicken in Parmesan Sauce
• Creamy Pesto Chicken