Ground Beef Orzo

The Creamy Ground Beef Orzo is the answer to your one pot dinner dreams. A hearty blend of tender ground beef, perfectly cooked orzo, and velvety cream comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights. The addition of baby spinach adds a fresh note while grated Parmesan brings richness that ties everything together.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal prepping for the week, this dish delivers big flavor with minimal effort. It’s comfort food made simple no fuss, no mess, just a cozy, satisfying meal. One pan, zero stress, and flavor that keeps you coming back for more.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 small onion, chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

• 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta

• 2 cups beef broth

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• 2 cups baby spinach

• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Directions:

1. In a large, deep skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.

2. Add chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft. Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

3. Stir in the orzo and toast for 1 minute.

4. Pour in the beef broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook uncovered for about 10 minutes, stirring often, until the orzo is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed.

5. Stir in the heavy cream and spinach. Cook until the spinach wilts, about 2-3 minutes.

6. Remove from heat and mix in Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 485 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

The Ultimate Comfort Food: Creamy Ground Beef Orzo with Spinach and Parmesan

If there’s one dish that effortlessly blends comfort, convenience, and flavor, it’s the Creamy Ground Beef Orzo with Spinach and Parmesan. This recipe is a one pan wonder that takes minimal effort and transforms it into a hearty, creamy, and absolutely satisfying meal. Designed with busy families and hungry foodies in mind, this dish delivers restaurant quality flavor without requiring hours in the kitchen.

Orzo may look like rice, but it’s actually a small, rice shaped pasta that cooks quickly and soaks up flavor like a sponge. When paired with savory ground beef, fragrant garlic, earthy spinach, and rich Parmesan cheese, it creates a beautifully creamy texture that’s both hearty and indulgent. It’s the kind of meal that brings people together warm, filling, and oh so delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe checks all the boxes for a perfect weeknight meal:

• Quick to prepare – The entire meal comes together in about 30 minutes.

• One-pot simplicity – Fewer dishes, less cleanup, and all the flavor.

• Family-friendly – Mild, comforting flavors make it a hit with kids and adults alike.

• Versatile – You can easily adapt it with different proteins or veggies.

It’s not just easy it’s also incredibly cozy and satisfying, making it a perfect go to during chilly nights, after a long day at work, or anytime you’re craving something warm and nourishing.

What Makes Orzo So Special?

Orzo might not be the first pasta that comes to mind, but it’s a secret weapon in the kitchen. Often mistaken for rice, this short cut pasta is beloved for its soft, tender texture and its ability to absorb the flavors of whatever it’s cooked in. In this recipe, it simmers directly in the beef broth and cream, allowing it to soak up every drop of savory flavor, while becoming wonderfully creamy.

Unlike long noodles that require draining, orzo is a great fit for one pan meals where the pasta cooks in the same pot as the sauce and proteins. This technique helps the starch from the pasta naturally thicken the sauce, giving you a rich, velvety consistency without needing a roux or flour based thickener.

The Flavor Profile

At its heart, this dish is deeply savory, with the richness of ground beef forming the foundation. The onions and garlic offer aromatic depth, while Italian seasoning provides a hint of herbaceous warmth. Red pepper flakes can be added for a gentle heat, though this is optional for those who prefer a milder flavor.

The heavy cream turns the broth into a luscious sauce that clings to every bite of orzo. Meanwhile, the spinach brings color, freshness, and a subtle earthiness that balances the richness. Lastly, Parmesan cheese adds sharp, salty umami that pulls the whole dish together.

The end result? A harmonious blend of creamy, cheesy, meaty goodness with just enough green to make you feel like you’re eating something wholesome.

Easy Customizations

One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is. Whether you’re looking to lighten it up, bulk it up, or just use what’s already in your kitchen, there are endless ways to personalize it:

• Protein swaps: Instead of ground beef, try ground turkey, chicken, sausage, or even plant based crumbles for a vegetarian version.

• Add more veggies: Mushrooms, zucchini, bell peppers, or peas make great additions and add even more nutrition.

• Make it extra cheesy: Stir in shredded mozzarella or fontina for extra meltiness.

• Spice it up: Add a dash of cayenne or a spoonful of harissa for a more fiery version.

No matter how you choose to tweak it, the creamy base and orzo’s texture will remain the stars of the show.

Nutritional Highlights

While creamy pasta dishes aren’t typically associated with healthy eating, this one manages to strike a great balance between comfort and nutrition. Ground beef brings a hearty dose of protein and iron, while spinach supplies fiber, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants. If you want to cut back on calories, you can opt for a leaner ground meat and substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or even a dairy free alternative like coconut cream.

Orzo’s smaller portion size and its ability to absorb so much liquid means that the dish feels indulgent without requiring heaps of cheese or fat. That makes it satisfying and rich without being overly heavy a rare balance in comfort food!

Ideal Pairings

Wondering what to serve with Creamy Ground Beef Orzo? Because it’s such a complete meal on its own, you don’t need much but a few extras can turn it into a well rounded dinner spread:

• Crispy garlic bread – Perfect for scooping up every last bit of sauce.

• Simple side salad – Something green with a tangy vinaigrette can balance the creaminess.

• Roasted vegetables – Brussels sprouts, carrots, or green beans make a great, hearty veggie side.

• A glass of wine – A light red like Pinot Noir or a white like Chardonnay complements the dish beautifully.

You can also serve this dish with a light soup or a bowl of broth as a starter for a more elegant, multi course meal.

Storing and Reheating Tips

This recipe stores beautifully and makes excellent leftovers, which means it’s also a great choice for meal prep.

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.

• Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months. Note: The texture may change slightly after freezing due to the cream.

• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of broth or milk to restore creaminess.

This means you can easily make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week or have a backup in the freezer for those nights when you just don’t feel like cooking.

Conclusion:

Creamy Ground Beef Orzo with Spinach and Parmesan is more than just a recipe it’s a comfort packed, family approved dinner that delivers incredible flavor with very little effort. Its one pot design, creamy texture, and balanced ingredients make it ideal for weeknight cooking, special occasions, or anytime you’re craving something that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and adaptability. Whether you follow the recipe to the letter or make it your own with favorite add ins, it’s guaranteed to become a repeat star in your meal rotation.

Next time you’re staring into the fridge wondering what to cook, reach for ground beef, a bag of spinach, and a box of orzo and get ready to make magic happen, all in one skillet.