One Pot Creamy Beef Orzo Recipe is a quick and comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights. It combines tender ground beef, rich cream, and orzo pasta in a single pan for easy cooking and cleanup. This dish delivers hearty flavor with minimal effort.
What makes it stand out is the creamy texture and balanced seasoning that complements the beef and pasta perfectly. Everything simmers together, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. It’s a satisfying option that feels indulgent without being complicated.
Ideal for families or meal prepping, this one-pot wonder is both practical and delicious. With simple ingredients and a straightforward method, it’s a go-to recipe for anyone craving comfort food done right.
One Pot Creamy Beef Orzo Recipe
Discover a simple and delicious One Pot Creamy Beef Orzo recipe that's quick to make and packed with rich, savory flavors. Perfect for busy nights!
Ingredients
- 1 ounce of Parmesan cheese equivalent to 1/2 packed cup of freshly grated or 1/4 cup of pre-grated store-bought cheese, with extra for garnishing
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- 1 pound of lean ground beef
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt plus additional salt to taste
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper plus extra as needed
- 2 cups or 1 14.5-ounce can of beef broth, with more on hand if necessary
- 1 15-ounce can of tomato sauce
- 1 cup of dried orzo pasta about 6 1/4 ounces
- 1/4 cup of heavy cream or half-and-half
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Finely grate 1 ounce of Parmesan cheese using the small holes of a box grater to get about 1/2 cup. Alternatively, measure out 1/4 cup of pre-grated Parmesan. Set aside extra if you'd like to garnish later.
- Step 2:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. If you like a little heat, add 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the oil.
- Step 3:
- Once the oil is shimmering, add 1 pound of lean ground beef. Season it with 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
- Step 4:
- Cook the beef, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon, until it is browned and fully cooked, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Step 5:
- Pour in 2 cups of beef broth, 1 can (15 oz) of tomato sauce, and 1 cup of dried orzo pasta. Stir constantly and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Step 6:
- Reduce the heat to low to keep a steady simmer. Stir frequently to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Cook until most of the liquid is absorbed and the orzo is tender, about 8 minutes or as directed on the orzo package.
- Tip: If the orzo isn’t fully cooked, add more broth or water and continue simmering until done.
- Step 7:
- Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream or half-and-half along with the grated Parmesan cheese until fully combined.
- Step 8:
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and black pepper if needed.
- Step 9:
- Serve immediately, topped with extra Parmesan and torn fresh basil leaves if desired.
