Can I use regular pasta instead of orzo?

Orzo’s small, rice-like shape is key to the silky, almost risotto-like texture of this dish, but you can substitute other small pasta shapes like ditalini or small shells. Just adjust the liquid and keep an eye on the cooking time, as bigger shapes may need a bit more broth and time to soften.

Can I make this recipe ahead for meal prep?

Absolutely—Creamy Ground Beef Orzo keeps well in the fridge for a few days. Some of the sauce will be absorbed into the pasta as it chills, so add a splash of beef broth or water and reheat gently. It’s a fantastic option for work lunches or busy weeknight dinners.

How can I make this healthier?

Lighten things up by using ground turkey or chicken, swapping heavy cream for half-and-half or a splash of milk, and loading up on extra veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers. It’s easy to sneak in nutrition without losing flavor.

Can I skip the spinach or use something else?

Spinach adds a nice color and nutrient boost, but you can absolutely use kale, arugula, or even finely chopped broccoli florets. If your family isn’t a fan of leafy greens, just leave them out—the dish will still be deliciously creamy and satisfying.

Creamy Ground Beef Orzo Recipe

Hearty, creamy, and gloriously comforting — this Creamy Ground Beef Orzo recipe is what cozy weeknight dreams are made of! Imagine tender orzo simmered with juicy ground beef, fresh spinach, and a silky tomato cream sauce, finished off with a generous sprinkle of parmesan and fresh basil. It’s the perfect one-pan meal: just add everything, stir, and let the magic happen. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking to meal-prep for the week, this dish will instantly become a go-to favorite. Minimal fuss, maximum flavor, and it all comes together in about 30 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy & Fast: Everything is cooked in one skillet, making prep and clean-up a breeze. Dinner is ready in around half an hour, and you’re only using one pot!
Rich & Creamy: The combo of tomato sauce, beef broth, and heavy cream creates an irresistibly velvety sauce that clings to every piece of tender orzo.
Nutritious Boost: Spinach adds vibrancy, a little extra nutrition, and balances out the richness without overpowering the flavors.
Family-Friendly: The mild, savory flavors appeal to both kids and adults, but it can be amped up with a sprinkle of red pepper if you like a kick.
Unfussy Ingredients: You probably have most of these pantry staples on hand, so there’s no need for fancy shopping trips.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Lean Ground Beef: For hearty flavor and protein; drain off extra fat for a lighter dish.
Yellow Onion: Chopped to bring sweetness and aromatic depth.
Garlic: Minced for a sharp, savory foundation.
Italian Seasoning: Essential for herby notes—if you love extra punch, add a little more.
Dried Basil: Enhances the freshness, pairs beautifully with tomatoes and cream.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, but adds a gentle heat if you’re into some spice.
Tomato Paste: For extra richness and umami depth. Don’t skip it—just a spoonful makes a difference!
Orzo (uncooked): The star of the show; this rice-shaped pasta gets delightfully creamy as it cooks in the sauce.
Tomato Sauce or Crushed/Diced Tomatoes: Use what’s on hand for a tomato base; crushed tomatoes give a rustic texture, sauce makes it extra smooth.
Beef Broth: Enhances the meaty flavor—choose low sodium to control saltiness.
Heavy Cream: This is what makes the sauce luxuriously silky; milk can work in a pinch but isn’t as rich.
Worcestershire Sauce: Adds savory depth and subtle tang—don’t skip, it’s the secret umami boost!
Fresh Baby Spinach: Wilts beautifully at the end and brings a flash of color and nutrients.
Parmesan Cheese (grated): For salty, nutty creaminess; always go for fresh-grated if you can.
Salt & Black Pepper: To taste; season as you go for best results.
Fresh Basil: Chopped for a bright, aromatic finish—makes the flavor pop.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Spicy Kick: Add more red pepper flakes or serve with a swirl of hot sauce.
Veggie-Packed: Toss in mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for even more color and fiber.
Cheesy Goodness: Stir in mozzarella or fontina cheese alongside the parmesan for extra gooeyness.
Dairy-Free: Swap heavy cream and parmesan for canned coconut milk and plant-based cheese. It won’t be quite as rich, but still luscious.
Meatless Option: Replace ground beef with cooked lentils or a plant-based ground for a satisfying vegetarian meal.

How to Make Creamy Ground Beef Orzo

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and no longer pink. Drain off any excess fat for a lighter final dish.

Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Lower the heat slightly and stir in your finely chopped onion. Sauté until soft and translucent, then add the minced garlic. Cook just until fragrant—don’t let the garlic brown!

Step 3: Season and Add Tomato Paste

Sprinkle in Italian seasoning, dried basil, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and plenty of salt and pepper. Add the tomato paste and stir it around to caramelize for a minute. This adds a deep, delicious flavor.

Step 4: Simmer with Orzo and Liquids

Pour in the uncooked orzo, tomato sauce or crushed/diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and heavy cream. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and cook until the orzo is tender—about 12-15 minutes. Stir occasionally so the orzo doesn’t stick, and add a splash of broth if things look too thick.

Step 5: Finish with Spinach and Parmesan

Once the orzo is tender and the sauce is creamy, stir in the fresh spinach. It’ll wilt in seconds. Take the pan off the heat and add the grated parmesan cheese, letting it melt in and thicken the sauce. Check seasoning and add more salt, pepper, or a little extra parmesan.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Right before serving, top with freshly chopped basil for a burst of herby freshness. Serve hot and enjoy all that creamy, comforting goodness!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Flavorful and Crispy: These chimichangas are bursting with flavor, thanks to the combination of tender chicken, a blend of spices, and a creamy, cheesy sour cream sauce. They’re also perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
Easy to Make: This recipe is surprisingly easy to follow, even for beginner cooks.
Versatile: You can easily customize these chimichangas with your favorite fillings and toppings.
Freezer-Friendly: You can assemble these chimichangas ahead of time and freeze them for a quick and easy meal later on.

How to Serve

Creamy Ground Beef Orzo is hearty enough to shine solo, but if you want to elevate dinner, it’s fantastic paired with:

Garlic Bread:

Serve with warm, crusty garlic bread for dipping into every drop of creamy sauce.

Simple Side Salad:

A crisp green salad with lemony vinaigrette balances the richness beautifully.

Roasted Veggies:

Roasted broccoli or asparagus makes for a wholesome, easy side.

Extra Garnish:

Top individual bowls with extra parmesan, a drizzle of good olive oil, or more red pepper flakes for those who love extra heat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually intensify overnight!

Freezing

For best texture, freeze before adding spinach and parmesan—just quickly thaw and stir in those ingredients while reheating. Freeze in a well-sealed container for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce, or microwave in short bursts, stirring between each. Add a little more cream or cheese to restore creaminess if needed.

FAQs

Can I use regular pasta instead of orzo?

Orzo’s small, rice-like shape is key to the silky, almost risotto-like texture of this dish, but you can substitute other small pasta shapes like ditalini or small shells. Just adjust the liquid and keep an eye on the cooking time, as bigger shapes may need a bit more broth and time to soften.
Can I make this recipe ahead for meal prep?

Absolutely—Creamy Ground Beef Orzo keeps well in the fridge for a few days. Some of the sauce will be absorbed into the pasta as it chills, so add a splash of beef broth or water and reheat gently. It’s a fantastic option for work lunches or busy weeknight dinners.
How can I make this healthier?

Lighten things up by using ground turkey or chicken, swapping heavy cream for half-and-half or a splash of milk, and loading up on extra veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers. It’s easy to sneak in nutrition without losing flavor.
Can I skip the spinach or use something else?

Spinach adds a nice color and nutrient boost, but you can absolutely use kale, arugula, or even finely chopped broccoli florets. If your family isn’t a fan of leafy greens, just leave them out—the dish will still be deliciously creamy and satisfying.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Ground Beef Orzo truly ticks every box: comforting, quick, and beautifully rich, with just the right touch of freshness from spinach and basil. One-pan wonders like this are the ticket to stress-free weeknights and happy tummies. Try it soon—feel free to tweak it, make it your own, and most importantly, savor every creamy bite. There’s nothing better than gathering around the table for a hearty, homemade meal that tastes like you’ve spent all day in the kitchen (when it actually took just half an hour). Enjoy!