We’ve all been there—you’re hungry, tired, and one more dish in the sink might just break you. That’s where this one pot creamy beef and orzo swoops in like a weeknight hero. It’s comforting, creamy, and yes— all cooked in a single pot. Less cleanup, more happy bellies. This isn’t just any quick dinner. It’s got juicy ground beef, tender orzo that soaks up all the goodness, and a cheesy creaminess that’ll have your fork going back in before your brain even catches up. Whether you’re team ‘I forgot to thaw chicken’ or just love a good one-pan win, this one checks all the boxes. It’s part of our lineup of one pot ground beef recipes and works just as well in the ‘Ground Beef One Pot Meals’ hall of fame as it does among ‘One Pot Chicken Orzo Recipes’ or your favorite ‘One Pot Mediterranean Recipes.’ Seriously, if dinner had a personality, this dish would be your charming, low-effort best friend.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy One Pot Creamy Beef and Orzo Recipe
3) Ingredients for One Pot Creamy Beef and Orzo
4) How to Make One Pot Creamy Beef and Orzo
5) Tips for Making One Pot Creamy Beef and Orzo
6) Making One Pot Creamy Beef and Orzo Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover One Pot Creamy Beef and Orzo
8) Try these One Pot recipes next!
9) One Pot Creamy Beef and Orzo
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

Cooked in one pot, start to finish
Comforting, cheesy, and kid-approved
Easy cleanup and simple ingredients
Perfect for quick weeknight dinners

2) Easy One Pot Creamy Beef and Orzo Recipe

If you’ve ever stared at your fridge at 6 p.m. wondering what to cook with ground beef and not cry, you’re not alone. I’ve been there, more than I’d care to admit. That’s why I love this one pot creamy beef and orzo. It’s fast, rich, and doesn’t use every pot in your kitchen.

The ground beef browns up quickly, then orzo joins the party to soak up a tomato-cream sauce that hugs every bite. You could think of it like beef stroganoff’s fun younger cousin who wears cozy sweaters and likes weeknight dinners. And the fact that it uses one pot? Let’s just say cleanup is basically optional.

This dish is comfort food without the extra steps. The texture of the orzo is perfect—more satisfying than rice, less predictable than pasta. That’s why this recipe lives at the top of my list for one pot ground beef recipes.

3) Ingredients for One Pot Creamy Beef and Orzo

Olive Oil: This gets everything going and adds a soft depth of flavor to the beef and onion right from the start.

Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef if possible. It browns beautifully and holds the flavor like a sponge without making the pot greasy.

Onion: I like to finely chop a small onion. It mellows as it cooks and disappears into the sauce just enough to add sweetness and flavor.

Garlic: Minced garlic gives this dish its savory base. I use fresh, but garlic powder works if you’re in a pinch.

Orzo: It cooks directly in the sauce and ends up tender with just the right bite. It’s the pasta equivalent of a good pair of jeans: flexible, comfortable, and works every time.

Beef Broth: This gives the orzo its flavor while it simmers. It’s like stock with a little bit of sass.

Tomato Sauce: A small can does the trick. It adds just enough tang to balance the richness of the cream and cheese.

Heavy Cream: Creamy without being overwhelming. It smooths everything out, making the dish feel way fancier than it is.

Italian Seasoning: A good all-in-one hit of oregano, basil, and thyme. If your pantry has this, dinner is halfway done.

Salt and Pepper: Add to taste. I tend to go heavy on black pepper—it plays really well with the creaminess.

Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Stir it in at the end for the best melty texture. It’s what brings that warm, cheesy finish to every spoonful.

Fresh Parsley: Optional, but I like that pop of green on top. Makes it look like I tried, even if I didn’t.

4) How to Make One Pot Creamy Beef and Orzo

Step 1: Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until soft and fragrant, about 2 to 3 minutes.

Step 2: Add the ground beef and break it up with a spoon. Cook until it’s browned, and then drain off most of the fat.

Step 3: Stir in the orzo so it gets coated with all that flavor left in the pot. Trust me, this step matters.

Step 4: Pour in the broth, tomato sauce, heavy cream, and Italian seasoning. Stir everything together and bring it to a gentle boil.

Step 5: Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring once or twice so nothing sticks. The orzo should be tender and the sauce thickened.

Step 6: Remove the lid and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. It melts into the sauce and pulls everything together.

Step 7: Taste it, season with salt and pepper, and add parsley if you’re feeling it. Serve while it’s hot and creamy.

5) Tips for Making One Pot Creamy Beef and Orzo

Use a wide pot. A wider base means faster evaporation and even cooking, which matters when you’ve got orzo in liquid.

Don’t rush the simmer. Letting the orzo cook in the sauce gives it that extra punch of flavor. You’re not just boiling pasta—you’re building dinner.

Stir mid-simmer. Orzo likes to stick. A quick stir halfway through cooking keeps everything moving and creamy instead of clumpy.

6) Making One Pot Creamy Beef and Orzo Ahead of Time

You can absolutely make this one pot creamy beef and orzo ahead of time. In fact, it might taste even better the next day—if there’s any left.

If you’re planning for leftovers, hold back a bit on the cheese and add it when you reheat. It helps the sauce stay smooth and melty.

To reheat, just add a splash of water or broth in the pan over medium heat. Stir gently until it warms through and you’re back in business.

7) Storing Leftover One Pot Creamy Beef and Orzo

Scoop the leftovers into an airtight container and stick it in the fridge. It’ll last about 4 days, which works out great for lunch duty.

When it’s time to reheat, microwave it or toss it in a skillet with a little water or cream to bring the sauce back to life.

Pro tip: avoid freezing. The cream can break, and the orzo gets a little weird. Better to enjoy it fresh or within the week.

8) Try these One Pot recipes next!

9) One Pot Creamy Beef and Orzo