Name: Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (preferably lean); 1 ½ cups orzo pasta; 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking); 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried basil; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup beef broth (or chicken broth); 1 ½ cups diced tomatoes (canned or fresh); 1 tablespoon tomato paste; Fresh parsley for garnish (optional); 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version); ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tablespoon butter; 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity); Salt and pepper to taste

If you’re craving a cozy, satisfying dinner with restaurant-quality flavor that’s still possible on a weeknight, look no further than this Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe. It’s a one-skillet marvel—ultra-tender beef and orzo pasta nestled in a lush, tangy tomato cream sauce, seasoned with Italian herbs and finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan. Every bite brings together hearty textures and rich flavors, making this dish an instant family favorite that you’ll reach for again and again.

Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for this Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe couldn’t be simpler, but don’t let its simplicity fool you—each ingredient plays a key role. From the beefy base to the silky sauce, every component adds something special to the dish’s flavor, texture, or inviting color.

Lean ground beef: Opt for lean beef to keep the sauce rich without too much excess fat, creating a satisfying, hearty base.
Orzo pasta: This rice-shaped pasta absorbs the tomato cream sauce beautifully and gives each bite a lovely, tender chew.
Onion: Finely chopped onion brings a mellow sweetness and depth to the savory sauce.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic lifts the entire dish with its aromatic kick—don’t skimp!
Olive oil: A touch of olive oil is perfect for sautéing and adds a subtle fruitiness.
Dried oregano and basil: These classic Italian herbs infuse the dish with familiar, comforting flavors.
Salt and pepper: Essential for bringing all the savory notes into harmony—season to taste.
Beef broth (or chicken broth): Rich beef broth enhances the depth, but chicken broth works great in a pinch.
Diced tomatoes (canned or fresh): Tomatoes are the heart of the sauce—choose the ripest you can for maximum flavor.
Tomato paste: Just a spoonful intensifies the sauce’s savory tomato flavor and gives it a lovely color.
Fresh parsley (optional): A colorful finishing touch that adds a pop of freshness.
Heavy cream (or half-and-half): The key to a silky, creamy tomato sauce—use half-and-half for a lighter version.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds richness and a nutty kick to the sauce—freshly grated is best for melting.
Butter: Melting butter into the sauce rounds out the creaminess with a velvety finish.
Sugar (optional): Just a pinch can balance any acidity, especially with canned tomatoes.

How to Make Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Orzo

Kick things off by bringing a generous pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook until it’s perfectly al dente, usually 8-10 minutes. Once it’s ready, drain it and set it aside. I like to drizzle a little olive oil over the warm orzo to keep it from sticking together while you prep the rest of your Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

While the pasta cooks, grab a large skillet or Dutch oven and heat the olive oil over medium heat. Toss in your chopped onion and let it soften and turn translucent—about 3-4 minutes. Add the garlic for that classic aroma, cooking just a minute longer. Next, in goes your ground beef. Break it apart with a spatula as it cooks, until it’s all browned and no pink remains, ideally 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat so your sauce won’t get greasy, then mix in your oregano, basil, salt, and pepper to infuse the beef with an herby backbone.

Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Broth

With your beef nicely seasoned, stir in the diced tomatoes and tomato paste. Let them sizzle and soften for a couple of minutes—this is where the sauce magic really begins. Pour in your beef broth, give everything a good stir, and let it all simmer for about 5 minutes. You’ll notice the sauce thickening and the flavors melding beautifully at this stage.

Step 4: Prepare the Tomato Cream Sauce

While your beef and tomatoes work their magic, make the luscious cream sauce. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, then stir in the heavy cream (or half-and-half). Simmer gently for 3-5 minutes so it thickens just a little, then whisk in the Parmesan. You’ll feel the sauce turn silky and smooth—just what you want! If the tomatoes taste a little sharp, add a teaspoon of sugar, then season with salt and pepper to your liking. This extra step turns your Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe from good to unforgettable.

Step 5: Combine Orzo and Beef Mixture

When your tomato cream sauce is ready, pour your cooked orzo into the skillet with the beef-tomato mixture. Spoon over that dreamy cream sauce and gently stir everything together. It’s a moment when you can almost taste all the flavors coming together. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes so the orzo soaks up all that gorgeous sauce.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Give your masterpiece a final taste and adjust the salt, pepper, or dried herbs as you like. Finish with a flourish of fresh parsley for bright color. Your Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe is now ready to serve, piping hot and irresistibly aromatic!

How to Serve Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

The perfect garnish brightens both flavor and presentation. Sprinkle lots of freshly chopped parsley for a pop of green, or top with extra grated Parmesan to up the creaminess. For a mild kick, try a dusting of crushed red pepper flakes or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to bring out all the creamy, tangy notes in your Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe.

Side Dishes

Pairing is half the fun here. Warm, crusty garlic bread is sublime for soaking up any leftover sauce, while a crisp green salad tossed with a simple vinaigrette cuts through the richness perfectly. For something heartier, oven-roasted veggies or steamed broccoli balance out the savory flavors of the dish.

Creative Ways to Present

Family-style serving in a big, rustic bowl is always welcoming, but for a dressed-up take, try transferring individual portions to mini gratin dishes and broil with a little extra Parm on top. Or serve ladled onto a bed of wilted spinach or arugula for a fresh, colorful twist that’ll impress everyone around the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got leftovers? Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors only get cozier overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch or dinner just as delicious as day one.

Freezing

This Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe freezes better than you’d think! Just portion it into freezer-safe containers, let it cool completely, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and you’ll have an easy, satisfying meal ready at a moment’s notice.

Reheating

To reheat, transfer your portion to a skillet with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce, then warm over low heat, stirring gently. For microwave reheating, cover loosely and heat in intervals, stirring in between for even warmth and creaminess.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta instead of orzo?

Absolutely! Small pasta shapes like ditalini, small shells, or even elbow macaroni are great stand-ins. Just watch the cooking time to keep the pasta from getting mushy in the sauce.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?

No heavy cream? No worries. Half-and-half works beautifully for a lighter version, or you can even use whole milk plus a knob of butter for extra richness. The sauce might be a little less thick, but it’s still delicious.

Can this be made gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute the orzo with a gluten-free pasta or a gluten-free orzo alternative. Just keep an eye on the texture, as some gluten-free pastas cook faster than traditional ones.

What’s the best way to add more veggies?

Feel free to sauté diced bell pepper, zucchini, spinach, or kale with the onion for a veggie boost. Chopped mushrooms also add a wonderful earthy flavor that pairs perfectly with the beef and tomato cream sauce.

How spicy is this recipe?

This Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe is all about comfort, with no real heat as written. If you like a little kick, add red pepper flakes while browning the beef or set some chili oil on the table for drizzling.

Final Thoughts

This Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe isn’t just a reliable weeknight wonder—it’s a dish packed with comfort, flavor, and a little bit of dinnertime magic. Give it a try, share it with loved ones, and enjoy every creamy, tomato-ey forkful. Happy cooking!

Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe