Hearty Ground Beef Orzo – Looking for a meal that’s simple but tastes like you spent hours? This Hearty Ground Beef Orzo is your answer. Picture tender orzo soaking up a rich, creamy tomato sauce, with juicy bits of ground beef, garlic, and a touch of Italian herbs. It’s all cooked in one pot, which makes life so much easier—fewer dishes, more deliciousness. Plus, with just a handful of ingredients, you’ll have this on the table in no time. Perfect for a weeknight dinner when everyone’s craving something warm and comforting!
The first time I made this, I wasn’t sure what my family would think. My husband’s a pasta purist, and our kid loves spaghetti and meatballs, so introducing orzo felt a little risky. But as it cooked, the whole house started to smell amazing. My husband popped in, asking, “What smells so good?” And my kid was hovering around the stove, sneaking little tastes! Safe to say, it was a hit. Now, every time I mention “orzo night,” it’s met with big smiles and “yes, please!”
What makes this Hearty Ground Beef Orzo truly special?
This recipe is a dream for any pasta lover. Rich and creamy, with the perfect balance of flavors, it’s comfort food made easy. Everything cooks together, so the orzo soaks up every bit of that delicious sauce, and the Parmesan just takes it to another level. You’ll love how simple it is, but even more, you’ll love the way it brings everyone together, bowl after cozy bowl.
What You Need To Make This Hearty Ground Beef Orzo Recipe?
Lean Ground Beef: I go for lean beef here because it keeps the dish hearty without making it too greasy. But honestly, use whatever you have – just drain any excess fat if it’s not super lean, and you’re good to go!
White Onion: Finely chopped for that sweet, mellow base that ties everything together. It softens up perfectly and blends right into the sauce.
Garlic: Four cloves might sound like a lot, but trust me, it’s the magic here. Fresh garlic adds that deep, cozy flavor that just makes this dish sing.
Italian Seasoning: This is the go-to mix for those herby, savory vibes. It’s got a little of everything – oregano, basil, maybe a hint of thyme – and it just brings the flavors together.
Tomato Paste: Just a couple of tablespoons, but it adds richness and depth to the sauce, making everything taste like it’s been simmering for hours.
Orzo: Think of orzo as pasta pretending to be rice – it’s perfect for soaking up all the sauce and getting ultra-creamy. It cooks quickly and fills every bite with flavor.
Tomato Sauce: The base of the sauce. It’s simple and keeps the flavors balanced, letting the beef and seasonings shine through.
Chicken or Beef Broth: Adds that savory depth and keeps things from getting too heavy. If you want a richer flavor, go for beef broth; if you want a lighter touch, chicken works great.
Heavy Whipping Cream: This is the magic ingredient for that dreamy, creamy finish. Just a little goes a long way, making the sauce rich without overpowering the other flavors.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan at the end takes it up a notch with that salty, nutty kick. I always say, don’t skip the parm – it’s the finishing touch!
Fresh Parsley (optional): Adds a pop of color and freshness. It’s optional, but if you have it, sprinkle some on top. It makes the whole dish feel a little fancy!
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Steps To Make Hearty Ground Beef Orzo:
Get things sizzling: Grab a large pot or Dutch oven and set it over medium-high heat. Toss in the ground beef, season with a bit of salt and pepper, and let it sit for about 5 minutes without stirring. This helps it brown nicely. Once it’s starting to brown, break it up a bit but don’t go too crazy – let it develop some flavor!
Add the onion magic: Throw in the chopped onion and keep cooking. Break up the beef more as you go, stirring occasionally until the beef is fully cooked and the onion is soft, about 5 more minutes.
Garlic & tomato paste: Time for the flavor punch! Add the garlic and Italian seasoning, then stir in the tomato paste. Let it cook for about a minute until everything smells amazing and the tomato paste gets a bit darker.
Pour in the goodness: Stir in the orzo, tomato sauce, broth, and heavy cream. Give it a good stir to mix everything together. Bring the mixture to a low boil, then let it cook for about 10 minutes until the orzo is tender. Keep an eye on it and stir often – you don’t want it boiling too hard, so lower the heat if it’s getting wild.
Finishing touches: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese and parsley if you’re using it. Cover and let it sit for 5 minutes so everything can settle and thicken up a bit.
Serve & enjoy: Give it one last stir, taste to adjust any salt and pepper, and you’re ready to dig in!
Tip:
For a richer, deeper flavor, let the tomato paste cook a bit longer in the pot before adding in the liquids—just a minute or two. It brings out the natural sweetness and makes everything taste a little more “homemade.” If you’re using ground beef with a higher fat content, try draining off some fat after browning to keep the final dish balanced and not overly greasy. And here’s the secret for ultra-creamy orzo: after you take it off the heat, add a tiny splash more cream and give it a good stir. The heat from the pot will keep everything silky, making each bite as creamy and comforting as you want.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works great and will make the dish a bit lighter. Just add a touch more seasoning since turkey has a milder flavor than beef.
What if I don’t have heavy cream?
No worries! You can substitute half-and-half or even whole milk. It won’t be as rich, but you’ll still get a nice creamy texture.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, this dish actually tastes amazing the next day! Just keep it in the fridge and reheat it on the stovetop with a splash of extra broth or cream to bring back that creamy consistency.
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Hearty Ground Beef Orzo
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 small white onion finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 c orzo pasta
- 1 14-ounce can tomato sauce
- 1 c chicken or beef broth
- 3/4 c heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 c freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped (optional)
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, add the ground beef, seasoning it with a bit of salt and pepper. Break it up just a little, then let it sit and brown for about 5 minutes without touching it—this helps build that great flavor!
- Next, toss in the chopped onion and keep cooking, breaking up the beef more as it goes, until the meat is fully cooked and the onion turns soft, about another 5 minutes.
- Now, add the garlic and Italian seasoning. Stir in the tomato paste, letting it cook for about a minute so it gets fragrant and the color deepens a bit.
- Pour in the orzo, tomato sauce, broth, and heavy cream. Bring it to a gentle boil and let it cook, stirring frequently so the orzo doesn’t stick. If it starts boiling too hard, just turn the heat down a touch. Cook until the orzo is perfectly tender, about 10 minutes.
- Take the pot off the heat, then stir in the Parmesan and parsley if you’re using it. Cover it up and let it rest for a few minutes so everything melds together. Give it one last stir, taste, adjust seasoning as needed, and serve it up warm. Enjoy!
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
