There’s just something magical about a supper that comes together in one pot: quick to make, deeply comforting, and a breeze to clean up. That’s exactly what you get with Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce. This dish marries tender orzo, juicy ground beef, and the silkiest tomato cream sauce in a way that feels both familiar and new, all in about half an hour. If you’re craving something cozy, hearty, and packed with flavor, keep reading—you’re about to meet your new favorite weeknight dinner.

Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a starring role—whether it’s building the sauce, adding hearty texture, or making that final dish sing with flavor and color. Here’s what you’ll need for your delicious Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce:

Ground beef: The heart of the dish, offering satisfying richness and classic flavor.
Olive oil: Gives depth and helps everything caramelize perfectly in your pan.
Onion (diced): Adds subtle sweetness and essential base flavor.
Garlic (minced): Punches up the savory notes and adds warmth.
Italian seasoning: A quick blend that infuses the sauce with herby, Italian flair.
Salt: Enhances every bite and balances the creamy tomato base.
Black pepper: A must for gentle heat and complexity.
Red pepper flakes (optional): For a little zing if you like it spicy.
Tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and gives the sauce body.
Crushed tomatoes: The juicy backbone of the luscious sauce.
Beef broth: Adds a savory, meaty undertone that ties the sauce together.
Dry orzo pasta: Soaks up all that flavor while staying tender and toothsome.
Heavy cream: The magic ingredient for incredible creaminess in every bite.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce and brings that irresistible umami.
Chopped parsley or basil: For freshness and bright green color on top.

How to Make Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s soft and translucent. This gentle sauté brings out the onion’s sweetness and forms the base of those delicious layered flavors. Add your minced garlic and let it cook for just 30 seconds—it’ll smell incredible.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Add the ground beef to your pan, breaking it up with your spoon as it cooks. Let it brown thoroughly; this step both seals in flavor and delivers those tasty little caramelized bits. If your beef releases excess fat, drain some off to keep the sauce perfectly balanced (but leave a little for flavor!).

Step 3: Season and Build the Sauce

Sprinkle in your Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you’re craving a kick. Stir in the tomato paste, and cook for about a minute—this step deepens the tomato flavor and gives your sauce extra richness, essentially building the foundation for the whole dish.

Step 4: Simmer Tomato and Orzo Together

Pour in your crushed tomatoes and beef broth, stirring well to combine. Then, add the dry orzo pasta. Give it a good stir and bring everything to a simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it cook uncovered for about 10 to 12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally so nothing sticks—this part fills your kitchen with the coziest aroma!

Step 5: Creamy Finale

When your orzo is cooked just right, stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Let everything gently simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes, letting the sauce thicken and turn gloriously creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed before serving your Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce piping hot, topped with your favorite fresh herbs.

How to Serve Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce

Garnishes

Don’t underestimate the finishing touches! A shower of chopped parsley or basil adds fresh flavor and makes the dish pop with color. Sprinkling a little more grated Parmesan on top is always a welcome move for extra richness and that gourmet look.

Side Dishes

This dish is wholesome enough to stand alone, but it plays well with a crisp green salad or some buttered garlic bread. Roasted broccoli or sautéed zucchini would add a lovely veggie balance, soaking up any extra sauce on the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

To turn Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce into something really special, try serving it in individual bowls with a swirl of cream and a basil leaf garnish for restaurant flair. Or, pile it into a baking dish, sprinkle with extra cheese, and broil briefly for a golden, bubbly top—instant comfort food upgrade!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let your leftovers cool completely before popping them into an airtight container. Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days, and the flavors almost get better as they mingle together overnight.

Freezing

This recipe does freeze surprisingly well for a creamy pasta. Let it cool fully, portion into freezer-friendly containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. For best results, reheat slowly and add a splash of broth or cream to restore that dreamy texture.

Reheating

For the best creamy consistency, reheat leftover Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce in a pot over medium-low heat. Add a little more broth (or cream!) as you warm it up, stirring frequently, so the orzo stays tender and the sauce silky.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage will all bring their own special flair to this recipe. Just be sure to adjust your seasoning accordingly.

Is there a substitute for heavy cream?

If you want to lighten things up, swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or even whole milk, though the sauce will be a bit less rich. For a dairy-free version, plain unsweetened almond or oat milk can work in a pinch.

How do I add vegetables to this dish?

Stir in baby spinach, chopped zucchini, or bell peppers after browning the beef, and let them cook down until tender before adding the orzo and liquids. It’s a great way to sneak in extra flavor and nutrition.

Will the orzo get mushy if left to sit?

Orzo will naturally absorb some sauce as it sits, so if you’re making the dish ahead or storing leftovers, aim to slightly undercook the pasta. When reheating, just add a splash of extra broth or cream to loosen things up.

Can I make Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce gluten-free?

Yes! Just replace the orzo with your favorite gluten-free small pasta or even rice-shaped orzo, and double-check that your broth and other ingredients are gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

This is the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug at the end of a busy day. Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is equal parts easy, comforting, and bursting with flavor—and I truly hope it becomes as much a regular in your kitchen as it is in mine. Give it a try soon, and don’t forget to share it with someone you love!

Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe

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4.8 from 7 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A comforting and creamy one-pot meal, this Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is a flavorful dish perfect for a family dinner. The savory beef combined with tender orzo pasta in a rich tomato cream sauce is sure to be a hit.

Ingredients

Scale

Ground Beef Orzo:

1 pound ground beef
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion (diced)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Sauce:

1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
2 cups beef broth
1 cup dry orzo pasta
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Chopped parsley or basil for garnish

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Instructions

Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a skillet, sauté onion until soft, then add garlic.
Cook Ground Beef: Add ground beef, seasonings, and tomato paste; cook until browned.
Add Liquid: Pour in crushed tomatoes and broth, bring to a simmer.
Cook Orzo: Stir in orzo, simmer until tender.
Finish with Cream: Stir in cream and Parmesan, simmer until creamy.
Serve: Garnish with herbs and serve warm.