Name: Delicious Ground Beef Orzo
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 cup orzo pasta; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 small onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups beef broth; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 2 cups fresh spinach; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt to taste; Black pepper to taste; Optional: red pepper flakes for heat

Looking for a comforting, one-pot meal that’s hearty, flavorful, and comes together in under 30 minutes? This Delicious Ground Beef Orzo is just what your busy weeknights need. Tender orzo pasta simmered in a rich, savory tomato beef sauce, balanced with creamy textures and wilted spinach, makes every spoonful taste like a warm hug. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this dish is a guaranteed hit.

It’s cozy, quick, and packs in serious flavor with minimal ingredients. Plus, it’s made in a single pot — which means less mess and more time to enjoy your evening. Even picky eaters won’t resist the creamy, cheesy finish and satisfying texture of the orzo paired with seasoned beef.

Why You’ll Love This Delicious Ground Beef Orzo

Quick & Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes from start to finish.
One Pot Wonder: Fewer dishes to clean makes weeknight cooking so much easier.
Hearty and Satisfying: Perfect balance of protein, carbs, and greens.
Customizable: Add veggies, spices, or cheese to suit your cravings.
Family Friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before jumping into cooking, it helps to gather your ingredients and tools. Here are the essential items that make this dish foolproof:

Large Dutch Oven or Deep Skillet: This is your best friend for one-pot meals. It retains heat well and gives you plenty of space for everything to cook evenly.
Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: Perfect for breaking up the ground beef and stirring without damaging your cookware.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accuracy matters, especially when adding broth and cream.
Grater (if using fresh cheese): Freshly grated cheese melts smoother into the sauce.
Lid: A lid helps steam the orzo to perfection while locking in moisture.

These tools not only make cooking more efficient, but also help elevate the texture and flavor of the final dish. With everything prepped and ready, you’ll breeze through this comforting dinner.

Ingredients for the Delicious Ground Beef Orzo

Ground Beef – The main source of protein that adds savory richness and texture.
Orzo Pasta – This small rice-shaped pasta cooks quickly and soaks up all the delicious flavors.
Tomato Paste – Adds depth and umami to the sauce base.
Garlic & Onion – Aromatic essentials that build the flavor foundation.
Beef Broth – Infuses the orzo with a rich, hearty taste as it simmers.
Heavy Cream – Balances the acidity and adds luxurious creaminess.
Spinach – A pop of green that brings freshness and nutrition.
Parmesan Cheese – Adds salty, nutty sharpness and creamy body.
Salt, Pepper, Italian Seasoning – Simple spices that bring everything together.

How To Make the Delicious Ground Beef Orzo

Step 1: Sear and Season the Beef

In a large Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until no longer pink. Break it apart with your spoon as it cooks, and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

Add the chopped onion and garlic to the browned beef. Sauté for about 2–3 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute to deepen the flavor.

Step 3: Simmer the Orzo

Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Stir in the orzo and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pan and let the orzo cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Add the Cream and Greens

Once the orzo is tender, pour in the heavy cream and fold in the spinach. Let it cook uncovered for 2–3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 5: Finish with Cheese

Turn off the heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Let it sit for a minute or two before serving for maximum creaminess.

How to Serve and Store Delicious Ground Beef Orzo

Serve this dish warm in shallow bowls with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan or fresh herbs like parsley or basil. Pair it with crusty garlic bread or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.

To store, allow leftovers to cool completely. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream to loosen it up. It also freezes well for up to 2 months — perfect for future meal prep!

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this recipe spicier?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños with the garlic for extra heat.

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works well and makes the dish a bit lighter.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

Half-and-half or whole milk can work in a pinch, though the sauce will be less rich.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, use a plant-based cream (like oat or cashew) and dairy-free Parmesan-style cheese.

Will any pasta work if I don’t have orzo?

You can substitute with small pasta shapes like ditalini or even rice, but adjust the cooking time and liquid accordingly.

Want More One-Pot Dinner Ideas?

If you loved this Delicious Ground Beef Orzo, try these other cozy and satisfying recipes:

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you try extra cheese or sneak in more veggies? Have a fun twist? I love hearing how you make these dishes your own. Questions welcome — let’s help each other cook better and smarter.

More cozy meal inspiration awaits you on my Pinterest page: Kitchen By Kate on Pinterest