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Creamy One Pot Beef Orzo in a white bowl topped with Parmesan and basil on a wooden table

Creamy One Pot Beef Orzo

This Creamy One Pot Beef Orzo is a time-saving weeknight dinner, ready in under 30 minutes, delivering rich, hearty flavors that will satisfy the whole family.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 28 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

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)

Equipment

  • Dutch oven
  • Wooden spoon
  • Box grater

Method
 

  1. 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).
  2. Sprinkle with kosher salt, onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and black pepper. Stir well to coat the meat with seasoning.
  3. Pour in the tomato sauce, beef broth, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, topped with fresh basil (optional) and extra Parmesan.

Notes

Jake's Tips for the Best Creamy One Pot Beef Orzo: Toast the orzo for a nutty flavor, keep an eye on the liquid and add more beef broth if needed, grate your Parmesan fresh, make it ahead for leftovers, and double the recipe for meal prep.