This Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe is a weeknight dinner hero: savory ground beef, velvety orzo pasta, and a dreamy tomato cream sauce mingle in one pan for total comfort food perfection. The flavors are robust, the texture irresistibly creamy, and you won’t believe everything comes together so quickly. Each ingredient pulls its weight, making this a dish that feels both homey and a little bit special—one you’ll return to whenever you crave a hearty, foolproof meal.

Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s the beauty of the Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe: just a handful of everyday ingredients, but each plays a starring role in creating big-time flavor and that silky, craveable finish. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this dish shine.

Ground beef: Savory, juicy, and deeply flavorful, it’s the base that gives this meal its satisfying bite.
Olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps bring out the beef’s flavor as it browns.
Yellow onion: Adds gentle sweetness and depth that balances the tang of the tomato.
Garlic: Bright, aromatic, and essential for a full-flavored sauce.
Dried oregano and basil: Bring classic Italian-inspired herby warmth to every forkful.
Red pepper flakes (optional): A touch of heat, if you love a little zing—totally customizable!
Salt and black pepper: Enhances all the flavors and brings the whole dish together.
Tomato paste: Adds concentrated tomato richness and gorgeous color.
Crushed tomatoes: Give body and tang to the cream sauce—canned works perfectly for convenience.
Heavy cream: The secret to a luscious, dreamy sauce that hugs every piece of pasta.
Orzo pasta: This tiny, rice-shaped pasta cooks right in the sauce for extra flavor and less cleanup.
Beef broth or water: Adds moisture and depth, helping the orzo cook to tender perfection.
Parmesan cheese: For salty, savory, umami-rich creaminess that finishes the sauce beautifully.
Fresh parsley (optional): A fresh, herby pop to garnish and brighten before serving.

How to Make Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan set over medium heat. Toss in the ground beef and cook, breaking it into smaller pieces as it sizzles. When it’s browned and no longer pink, drain off any excess fat—this ensures your Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe doesn’t turn greasy, but stays rich and hearty.

Step 2: Sauté the Onions and Garlic

Add the diced onion right into the pan and cook for about 3–4 minutes, until it’s soft, translucent, and smells a little sweet. Next, stir in the minced garlic, dried oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if you like a little kick), salt, and black pepper. Let everything cook for another minute, just until the garlic is super fragrant—this quick sauté really unlocks all those beautiful flavors.

Step 3: Bring in the Tomato Base

Now, spoon in the tomato paste and stir it through the beef and onion mixture. Let it cook for about a minute—it’ll darken and become richer. Then pour in the crushed tomatoes, giving your sauce that signature tangy depth. As soon as the tomatoes hit the pan, everything starts smelling downright irresistible.

Step 4: Simmer with Orzo and Broth

With the sauce starting to bubble, stir in the beef broth (or water for a lighter option) and the uncooked orzo. Mix everything together, then bring it gently to a boil. Reduce the heat so it’s just simmering, cover, and let it bubble away for 10–12 minutes. The orzo will drink in the tomatoey liquid, becoming tender and flavorful—make sure to stir it every now and then so it doesn’t stick.

Step 5: Make It Creamy & Cheesy

Once the orzo is cooked and most of the liquid has been absorbed, it’s time for the magic touch: stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan. The sauce turns silky and luscious in just a couple of minutes. Let it simmer uncovered for 2–3 minutes longer to thicken up, then get ready to swoon—it’s creamy pasta night, upgraded!

Step 6: Finish and Garnish

If you love a finishing flourish, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top just before serving. That pop of green brightens up the whole dish, making it as pretty as it is tasty. That’s it—your Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe is ready to serve!

How to Serve Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

A final sprinkle of extra Parmesan or a handful of fresh parsley takes this creamy pasta from comforting to absolutely eye-catching. If you like, thinly sliced basil or even a light drizzle of olive oil can add a fresh, aromatic finish that perfectly balances the savory, rich flavors in every bowl.

Side Dishes

This dish is already so satisfying, but it welcomes a side of garlicky bread or a crisp green salad with open arms. Roasted vegetables or simple sautéed spinach also pair beautifully, adding bursts of color and crunch alongside the creamy Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe.

Creative Ways to Present

For casual family meals, serve it straight from the skillet with big spoons and lots of love. If you’re feeling a little fancy, ladle it into individual bowls and top with extra Parmesan and microgreens for a restaurant-worthy touch. It’s also fabulous spooned into ovenproof dishes, sprinkled with cheese, and baked for a bubbly pasta bake.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making for incredible next-day lunches or quick dinners. Just be sure to let it cool to room temperature before storing.

Freezing

If you’d like to make a batch ahead of time, this recipe holds up well in the freezer. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results—the texture stays surprisingly creamy!

Reheating

To reheat, scoop portions into a saucepan or skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water, milk, or broth to help loosen the sauce and revive the creamy texture. Stir gently until everything is heated through; microwave reheating works too, just do it in short bursts and stir often for even warmth.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Yes, you can! Ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage all work well in place of ground beef, offering different flavor profiles while keeping preparation the same. It’s a fun way to switch things up week to week.

Is it possible to make this recipe lighter?

Absolutely! You can use half-and-half or even whole milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce, and swap in lean ground meat. Don’t forget, using water instead of beef broth also shaves off a bit of richness.

What’s the best way to prevent the orzo from sticking?

Stir the orzo frequently as it cooks in the sauce—especially during the first few minutes. Make sure there’s enough liquid in the pan, and be ready to add an extra splash of broth or water if things look dry.

Can I add extra vegetables?

Definitely! Toss in baby spinach, frozen peas, or even chopped bell pepper during the last few minutes of cooking for color, texture, and a nutrition boost. Nearly any quick-cooking veggie will work beautifully.

How do I know when the orzo is cooked?

The orzo is ready when it’s tender but not mushy and the majority of liquid has been absorbed. Taste a small spoonful toward the end of the recommended cook time—it should have just a slight bite remaining for that perfect al dente texture.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so comforting and welcoming about a bubbling pan of Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe—every bite is creamy, cozy, and just a little bit special. If you’re looking for a fresh twist on classic pasta night, give this recipe a try; you might just find it becomes your own family favorite, too!

Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe

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4.7 from 26 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce recipe is a comforting and flavorful one-pan meal that is perfect for a weeknight dinner. The creamy tomato sauce pairs perfectly with the tender orzo pasta and savory ground beef, creating a satisfying dish that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Ground Beef Mixture:

1 pound ground beef
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small yellow onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 (14.5-ounce) can crushed tomatoes

Orzo and Finishing:

1/2 cup heavy cream
1 1/2 cups orzo pasta, uncooked
3 cups beef broth or water
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare Ground Beef Mixture: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef in olive oil. Add onion, garlic, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook until fragrant.
Add Tomato Base: Mix in tomato paste and crushed tomatoes. Simmer.
Cook Orzo: Stir in beef broth and orzo. Cover and simmer until orzo is tender.
Finish with Cream: Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan. Simmer until creamy. Garnish with parsley.