If you’re craving a cozy, satisfying meal that cooks up in just one pan—and in less time than it takes to order takeout—Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce delivers big on flavor and comfort. This recipe swirls savory ground beef and tender orzo together in a silky, tomato-rich cream sauce, finished with a shower of Parmesan and fresh parsley. It’s simple, incredibly family-friendly, and truly feels like a warm hug in a bowl. If you’ve never tried Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce before, get ready to add a new favorite to your weeknight rotation!

Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This dish shines with approachable ingredients you’ll find in almost any kitchen, but every single component adds something special. Each ingredient either builds rich flavor, creates creamy texture, or adds a pop of appealing color—making this skillet dinner so much more than the sum of its parts.

Ground beef: Brings hearty protein and meaty flavor as the base of the sauce.
Orzo pasta: The small rice-shaped pasta soaks up all the flavors and cooks right in the sauce.
Yellow onion: Adds essential sweetness and depth to the dish.
Garlic: Provides aromatic, savory background notes that elevate every bite.
Crushed tomatoes: Give the sauce its luscious texture and tangy backbone.
Heavy cream: Makes the sauce velvety, rich, and incredibly comforting.
Beef broth: Infuses an extra level of savory flavor into the orzo as it cooks.
Dried oregano: Lends subtle herbal notes to the tomato cream sauce.
Paprika: Adds gentle warmth and beautiful color.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer of flavor.
Olive oil: Helps the onions and garlic bloom with flavor at the start.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce for salty, nutty goodness.
Chopped fresh parsley (optional): A bright, fresh flourish to finish things off.

How to Make Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce

Step 1: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet set over medium heat. As soon as the oil shimmers, toss in your diced onion and let it soften for two to three minutes—stirring occasionally as it turns a little golden and fragrant. Add the minced garlic and continue to stir for about thirty seconds, just until that marvelous garlicky aroma fills your kitchen.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Add the ground beef right into the skillet with the onions and garlic. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break up the beef into smaller crumbles as it cooks. You’ll know it’s done when there’s no pink left—just tender, browned bits ready to soak up the sauce. If there’s extra grease, feel free to carefully drain some off for a lighter finish.

Step 3: Add Orzo and Seasonings

Once the beef is browned, stir in the orzo, oregano, paprika, plus a big pinch of salt and black pepper. Mixing the orzo right into the beef lets it toast just a bit and pick up those aromatic flavors before you add any liquid.

Step 4: Build the Tomato Cream Sauce

Pour in the beef broth and crushed tomatoes, then give everything a good stir to bring it all together. Raise the heat just until the mixture comes to a gentle boil—then reduce it back to a simmer. Let the Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce bubble for about ten minutes, stirring here and there. The orzo will become tender and much of the liquid will be absorbed into creamy, flavor-packed goodness.

Step 5: Finish with Cream and Parmesan

This is the magic moment! Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, mixing gently until the sauce turns luxuriously creamy and everything looks silky and glorious. Simmer just two minutes more for the flavors to meld—then take the skillet off the heat and get ready to dig in.

How to Serve Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce

Garnishes

Give your Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce a fresh, vibrant finish with a generous sprinkle of chopped parsley and an extra dusting of Parmesan cheese. The parsley adds brightness that wakes up the rich sauce, and the extra Parm is never a bad idea for cheese lovers.

Side Dishes

All you need to make this a complete meal is a crisp green salad or maybe some roasted vegetables on the side. A crusty piece of garlic bread is perfect for scooping up every last bite of the creamy orzo. For something even lighter, a simple cucumber salad pairs beautifully with the richness of the dish.

Creative Ways to Present

This pasta skillet is just as fun served family-style right at the table as it is portioned into individual bowls. Try scooping Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce into roasted bell pepper halves for a colorful appetizer or baked entrée—talk about a wow-factor at the dinner table! Leftovers also make a fabulous packed lunch, tucked into a thermos or container for reheating on the go.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce cool to room temperature, then spoon it into an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to three days, making an easy grab-and-heat lunch or dinner.

Freezing

This dish freezes surprisingly well! Portion cooled pasta into zip-top freezer bags or containers (press out extra air to avoid freezer burn). Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Though the sauce may thicken slightly after freezing, a splash of broth or cream will bring it back to life.

Reheating

To reheat, add the orzo mixture to a saucepan or skillet over medium heat with a tablespoon or two of water or broth to loosen things up. Stir occasionally until heated through. The microwave works too—just cover and use 50-percent power to avoid overcooking the pasta.

FAQs

What can I substitute for ground beef?

Feel free to use ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based ground meat alternative. Each one offers a slightly different flavor and level of richness, so pick what works best for your family, dietary needs, or taste preferences!

Can I add vegetables to the Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce?

Absolutely! Stir in a few handfuls of baby spinach or frozen peas right before adding the cream and Parmesan. The veggies wilt beautifully and add both color and nutrition to your skillet meal.

Is this recipe spicy?

No, it’s quite mild and family-friendly. However, if you love a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the onions and garlic, or finish with a dash of hot sauce.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes! Look for gluten-free orzo or similar small pasta shapes made from corn or rice in most grocery stores. Cook times may vary, so keep an eye on the texture as it simmers.

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

While heavy cream gives the sauce its signature richness, you can use whole milk or half-and-half for a lighter option. The sauce will be a bit thinner, but still creamy and delicious.

Final Thoughts

There’s something incredibly satisfying about a recipe that comes together quickly, uses simple ingredients, and tastes like a special occasion. Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is that kind of dish—a skillet meal you’ll want to make again and again. I can’t wait for you to try it and share it with your favorite people!

Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe

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4.7 from 30 reviews

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

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Description

Indulge in a comforting and flavorful meal with this Ground Beef Orzo dish in a rich Tomato Cream Sauce. It’s a hearty and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner at home.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Ground Beef Orzo:

1 lb ground beef
1 cup orzo pasta
1 small yellow onion (diced)
3 cloves garlic (minced)

For the Tomato Cream Sauce:

1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 cups beef broth
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 tbsp olive oil

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Heat olive oil and sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a skillet, add onion, and cook until soft. Stir in garlic.
Brown ground beef: Add ground beef, cook until browned.
Cook orzo and season: Add orzo, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Pour in broth and tomatoes, simmer until orzo is tender.
Add cream and cheese: Stir in cream and Parmesan, simmer until creamy. Garnish and serve.