Name: Creamy One Pot Beef Orzo
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 28 min
Ingredients: 1 ounce Parmesan cheese packed cup, freshly grated or 1/4 cup store-bought grated, plus more for serving; 1 tablespoon olive oil; ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 1 pound lean ground beef; ¾ teaspoon kosher salt, plus more as needed; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning; ½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground, plus more as needed; 14.5 ounce can beef broth, plus more as needed; 1 15-ounce can tomato sauce; 1 cup dried orzo pasta; ¼ cup heavy cream or half-and-half; Fresh basil leaves for serving (optional)

Creamy One Pot Beef Orzo is the weeknight hero you didn’t know you needed. In just 28 minutes, you’ll have a rich, hearty, and irresistibly creamy dinner that tastes like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen. Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor – that’s my kind of cooking.

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I discovered this one-pot wonder on a hectic Tuesday night when my fridge was begging for a use-up-what-I-have kind of meal. The best part? Traditional beef and orzo recipes can take upwards of 45 minutes and 2-3 pots to prepare, but this version? You’ll toss everything into a single pot, stir a few times, and let dinner practically cook itself. If your weeknights are as packed as mine, trust me, this recipe will save your evening.

Why This Creamy One Pot Beef Orzo Is a Game-Changer

Time-saving: Ready in under 30 minutes compared to the 45+ minutes of traditional recipes.
One-pot cleanup: Forget scrubbing multiple pots and pans – one Dutch oven is all you need.
Easy ingredients: Pantry staples like tomato sauce and beef broth keep grocery shopping simple.
Hands-off cooking: Once the orzo simmers, you’ve got time to prep a side salad or kick up your feet.
Family-approved: The creamy tomato base and tender beef guarantee there won’t be leftovers.

Equipment You’ll Need for Creamy One Pot Beef Orzo

The backbone of this recipe is a heavy-duty Dutch oven or deep skillet. Here’s why it works and what you’ll need:

Dutch oven: Its even heat distribution ensures your orzo cooks perfectly without sticking or burning.
Wooden spoon: Essential for stirring and scraping up those flavorful browned bits from the beef.
Box grater: Freshly grated Parmesan takes the creaminess over the top.

If you’re shopping for a Dutch oven, look for a 5-6 quart size. It’s roomy enough for cooking pasta dishes while still fitting comfortably on the stovetop.

Simple Ingredients for Creamy One Pot Beef Orzo

This recipe keeps it simple with pantry favorites and a few fresh touches. Let’s break down the MVPs:

Ground beef: Lean ground beef (85/15) works best for a hearty yet balanced flavor.
Orzo: This small pasta is the star. It cooks quickly and soaks up all that creamy, beefy goodness.
Tomato sauce: A 15-ounce can provides the rich base for the sauce. Opt for no-salt-added if you’re watching sodium.
Heavy cream: Just ¼ cup transforms the dish into a luscious, restaurant-quality meal.

Quick tip: If you’re missing fresh basil for serving, go with dried Italian seasoning for a similar flavor boost.

Creamy One Pot Beef Orzo Recipe Details

Servings: 6 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Difficulty: Easy

Creamy One Pot Beef Orzo Ingredients

1 ounce Parmesan cheese packed cup, freshly grated or 1/4 cup store-bought grated, plus more for serving
1 tablespoon olive oil
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 pound lean ground beef
¾ teaspoon kosher salt, plus more as needed
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground, plus more as needed
14.5-ounce can beef broth, plus more as needed
1 15-ounce can tomato sauce
1 cup dried orzo pasta
¼ cup heavy cream or half-and-half
Fresh basil leaves for serving (optional)

How to Make Creamy One Pot Beef Orzo

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned (about 5-6 minutes).
Sprinkle with kosher salt, onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and black pepper. Stir well to coat the meat with seasoning.
Pour in the tomato sauce, beef broth, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
Add the orzo and bring everything to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Once the orzo is cooked and the sauce has thickened, stir in the heavy cream and 1 ounce of Parmesan. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the cheese has melted into the sauce.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, topped with fresh basil (optional) and extra Parmesan.

Jake’s Tips for the Best Creamy One Pot Beef Orzo

Toast the orzo: For a nutty flavor, toast the orzo in a dry pan before adding it to the sauce.
Keep an eye on the liquid: Stir often and add more beef broth if the orzo absorbs too quickly.
Grate your Parmesan fresh: Pre-grated tends to be drier and doesn’t melt as smoothly.
Make it ahead: This dish reheats beautifully. Just add a splash of water or broth when warming up.
Double the recipe: It’s easy to scale up for meal prep or feeding a crowd.

Easy Creamy One Pot Beef Orzo Variations

Veggie-packed: Toss in spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms for extra nutrients.
Spicy kick: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne for heat lovers.
Cheesy twist: Stir in shredded mozzarella and broil for a cheesy casserole vibe.
Herb swap: Replace basil with fresh parsley or oregano for a flavor change-up.

Creamy One Pot Beef Orzo FAQs

Can I use whole wheat orzo instead?

Absolutely! Just adjust the cooking time as whole wheat orzo may take a few extra minutes.

Can this be made dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based alternative, and skip the Parmesan.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat with a splash of broth to keep it creamy.

What if I don’t have a Dutch oven?

You can use any large, heavy-bottomed pot or deep skillet with a lid instead.

Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, but the texture of the orzo may become softer upon reheating. Freeze in portions and defrost in the fridge overnight.

Ready to make your weeknight easier? Try this Creamy One Pot Beef Orzo tonight and let me know how your family loves it. What’s your favorite quick dinner hack? Share it in the comments below!