This Creamy Ground Beef Orzo Skillet is a cozy, one-pan meal that brings together tender orzo pasta, savory ground beef, and a rich tomato cream sauce. It’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for busy nights when I want comfort food without a ton of cleanup.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how everything comes together in one pan—less mess, more flavor. The orzo absorbs the tomato cream sauce beautifully, giving each bite a velvety, savory richness. It’s a meal that feels indulgent but is surprisingly simple to make. Plus, it’s super versatile and family-friendly, making it one of my go-to weeknight dinners.
ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground beef
- Orzo pasta
- Yellow onion, finely chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Canned crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
- Heavy cream
- Beef or chicken broth
- Olive oil
- Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
directions
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I heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and add the chopped onion, cooking until it softens.
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I stir in the garlic and cook for another minute before adding the ground beef.
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I cook the beef until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
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I season the mixture with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
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I add the uncooked orzo and stir it in so it gets slightly toasted and coated in the flavors.
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I pour in the broth and crushed tomatoes, bringing the mixture to a simmer.
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I lower the heat and let it cook, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed (about 12–15 minutes).
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I stir in the heavy cream and let it simmer for a couple more minutes until the sauce thickens.
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I taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then top with Parmesan and fresh parsley before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 and takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. It’s ideal for a comforting, no-fuss weeknight meal.
Variations
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I swap ground beef for ground turkey or Italian sausage depending on what I have.
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For a spicy kick, I stir in red pepper flakes or use hot Italian sausage.
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Sometimes I add spinach or chopped kale during the last few minutes for extra greens.
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I use coconut milk instead of cream for a dairy-free version—it adds a subtle sweetness that works really well with the tomato.
storage/reheating
Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I add a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce and warm it in a skillet or the microwave until heated through. It also makes a great next-day lunch.
FAQs
Can I use rice instead of orzo?
Orzo works best for texture, but if I want to use rice, I adjust the liquid and cooking time accordingly. It’s doable but takes a little longer.
What kind of cream should I use?
I usually go with heavy cream for richness, but half-and-half also works if I want it a bit lighter.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, I often make it ahead and just reheat it gently with a bit of extra broth or cream stirred in.
How do I keep the orzo from getting mushy?
I keep an eye on it and stir regularly. I also remove it from heat once it’s al dente, since it’ll keep absorbing liquid off the heat.
Is this freezer-friendly?
It can be frozen, but the texture of the orzo may soften a bit when reheated. I freeze it in portions and reheat slowly on the stove for the best results.
Conclusion
This Creamy Ground Beef Orzo Skillet is a delicious one-pan wonder that I keep coming back to. It’s rich, comforting, and full of flavor with minimal effort. Whether I’m feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, it’s always a satisfying choice that hits the spot.
Print
Creamy Ground Beef Orzo Skillet
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner, One-Pot Meals, Pasta
- Method: Stovetop / Skillet
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Creamy Ground Beef Orzo Skillet is a cozy, one-pan dinner made with tender orzo pasta, seasoned ground beef, and a rich tomato cream sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this easy skillet recipe is hearty, comforting, and full of flavor—all in under 30 minutes!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup orzo pasta (uncooked)
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups beef or chicken broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes.
- Stir in garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in the orzo and toast for 1–2 minutes.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes and broth. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
- Reduce heat and cook, stirring occasionally, for 12–15 minutes, until orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in the heavy cream and simmer for another 2–3 minutes until creamy and thickened.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Top with Parmesan and parsley before serving.
Notes
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage.
- Add spinach or kale in the final minutes for extra greens.
- Use coconut milk instead of cream for a dairy-free twist.
- For spice, add red pepper flakes or use spicy sausage.
- Reheat with a splash of broth to maintain creamy consistency.
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