Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe

If you’re craving comfort and flavor in every bite, you absolutely have to try Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce! This dish is a weeknight hero—richly savory, silky, and bursting with just the right hint of herbs. Juicy ground beef, tender orzo, and a truly velvety tomato cream sauce come together in one pan for a family-style meal that feels cozy and special, yet only takes about half an hour to make. Whether you’re gathering with friends, feeding a hungry family, or just want leftovers worth celebrating, Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is your new dinnertime obsession.

Ingredients You’ll Need

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes this recipe shine is the way simple pantry staples transform into a restaurant-worthy dish. Every ingredient is chosen with intention—bringing you flavor, texture, and a touch of color that sets this skillet dinner apart from the rest.

• Ground beef: Opt for 80/20 or 85/15 for a juicy, flavorful base; leaner beef works too, just reduce excess fat as needed.
• Orzo pasta: This rice-shaped pasta cooks quickly and soaks up all the creamy sauce—don’t skip it!
• Onion: Diced small, it sweetens the base and gently flavors everything.
• Garlic: Just two cloves, minced, are all you need for aroma and robust flavor.
• Tomato paste: A tablespoon is magic for deepening those tomato notes.
• Crushed tomatoes: Use a 14.5-ounce can for the right consistency and a saucy, tomato-rich finish.
• Heavy cream: Adds unbeatable richness and mellows out the tartness of the tomatoes for a creamy, dreamy sauce.
• Dried Italian seasoning: Brings together the flavors of basil, oregano, and other herbs in one quick sprinkle.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings for balance—taste and adjust as you go!
• Olive oil: Helps soften the onions and ensures everything browns beautifully.
• Parmesan cheese: Stirred in for a nutty, salty finish and that perfect cheesy melt.
• Fresh basil or parsley (optional): Chopped and sprinkled on top for freshness and a pop of color.

How to Make Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, add your diced onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes soft and translucent—just about three minutes. The aroma tells you you’re building the foundation of flavor! Now, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for about 30 seconds—it should be fragrant but not brown.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Add the ground beef right into the skillet with the onions and garlic, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Give it time—about six to eight minutes—so it becomes gorgeously browned and all the pink disappears. For extra flavor, let it get just a little crispy in spots. Don’t forget to drain any excess fat if your beef is on the fattier side.

Step 3: Develop the Sauce Base

Now’s the time to stir in tomato paste and your dried Italian seasoning. Let this cook for a minute—you’re toasting the paste, bringing out the concentrated tomato flavor, and allowing the herbs to bloom. It adds complexity that shines through in every spoonful of your Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce.

Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Cream

Pour in the can of crushed tomatoes, and stir well. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat so everything bubbles steadily. Stir in your heavy cream, add salt and pepper, and let the sauce cook while you move on to the pasta. This is where the magic starts—the sauce will become pink, silky, and absolutely irresistible.

Step 5: Cook and Combine the Orzo

Meanwhile, cook your orzo separately according to package directions—usually in rapidly boiling salted water until al dente, then drain. Don’t forget to stir it a few times to keep it from sticking! Once drained, immediately stir the cooked orzo into your tomato cream sauce. Let everything simmer together for two to three minutes, so the orzo soaks up more flavor and the sauce thickens just right.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Off the heat, stir in your freshly grated Parmesan until it melts and mingles with the sauce. If you like, sprinkle with chopped basil or parsley for an extra touch of color and freshness. Serve hot and watch this Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce disappear right before your eyes!

How to Serve Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce

Garnishes

A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top is classic and brings even more savory depth. For color and bright flavor, toss on a handful of chopped fresh basil or flat-leaf parsley. If you want a slight kick, red pepper flakes or a few cracks of black pepper right before serving will do the trick.

Side Dishes

This dish is filling, but a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette helps balance the richness. Crusty bread—or garlic bread if you feel indulgent—makes an ideal companion for mopping up any extra tomato cream sauce. Roasted or steamed green veggies, like broccolini or asparagus, add both color and nutrition.

Creative Ways to Present

For a playful twist, serve your Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce in shallow bowls with a rustic chunk of bread nestled alongside. If you’re feeling elegant, spoon it into small ramekins and garnish individually for a dinner party flair. For busy nights, make it a hearty all-in-one bake: transfer the pasta and sauce to a casserole, top with extra cheese, then broil for a bubbly finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The flavors continue to blend as it rests, making next-day Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce extra satisfying. Just be sure to store the garnishes separately so they stay fresh.

Freezing

This pasta dish actually freezes well! Portion the cooled Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce into sealable containers or freezer bags, leaving a little space for expansion. Freeze for up to two months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream, broth, or even water if the sauce has thickened too much. Stir frequently to heat evenly and restore the creamy consistency. The microwave works too—just cover your dish and heat in short bursts, stirring between each.

FAQs

Can I make Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the entire dish in advance and refrigerate it for up to three days. For best results, reheat gently and add a splash of cream or broth to refresh the sauce before serving.

Do I have to use ground beef, or can I substitute another meat?

You can swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based ground if you prefer. Just be sure to adjust seasoning and cook times as needed to keep the flavors bold.

What kind of tomatoes work best in the sauce?

Crushed tomatoes make the sauce thick and velvety without being too chunky. In a pinch, you can use tomato sauce or diced tomatoes blended smooth, but try to stick with crushed for classic results in this Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce.

Can I add extra vegetables to this recipe?

Of course! Stir in a handful of baby spinach, frozen peas, or diced bell peppers in the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrition, color, and texture. The recipe is super flexible to whatever you have on hand.

Is Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce spicy?

Not at all! This dish is savory and creamy, without much heat. If you love a little kick, sprinkle red pepper flakes into the sauce or at serving time to tailor the spice level to your tastes.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you taste how deliciously satisfying Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is, it will become a star in your dinner rotation. Whether weeknight or special occasion, each creamy, comforting bite brings people together—so don’t hesitate to give it a try and make it your own!

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