Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce

Imagine tender orzo pasta enveloped in a velvety tomato cream sauce, with savory ground beef in every bite—that’s the comfort you’ll find in this Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce. This one-pot wonder combines the heartiness of a classic Bolognese with the creamy indulgence of a restaurant-quality pasta dish, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. The balance of tangy tomatoes and rich cream creates a sauce that clings beautifully to the rice-shaped pasta. You’ll learn how to create a perfectly balanced cream sauce that complements the beef without overwhelming it, and discover tips for achieving the ideal orzo texture every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is about to become your new go-to comfort meal for so many reasons. First, it’s incredibly satisfying—the combination of protein-packed ground beef and starchy orzo delivers a meal that will keep everyone full and happy. The contrasting textures create an exciting eating experience: tender orzo pasta, hearty ground beef, and a silky sauce that brings everything together.

What truly sets this beef and orzo dish apart is its impressive flavor-to-effort ratio. Despite tasting like something that simmered all day, it comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The tomato cream sauce strikes that perfect balance—tangy from the tomatoes, rich from the cream, and savory from the beef—creating layers of flavor that taste like they took hours to develop.

Perhaps best of all, this creamy beef orzo cooks in just one pot, meaning less cleanup and more time enjoying dinner with your loved ones. The pasta cooks directly in the sauce, absorbing all the flavors while releasing its starches to naturally thicken everything into a luscious consistency.

Ingredients

For the Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce, you’ll need:

• 1 lb (454g) lean ground beef (85/15 is ideal for flavor without excess fat)
• 1½ cups (300g) uncooked orzo pasta
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
• 1 can (14.5 oz/411g) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste (for concentrated flavor)
• 3 cups (720ml) chicken broth
• ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish

The quality of your tomato products significantly impacts the final flavor—look for San Marzano tomatoes for the best taste. For the creamiest texture, use full-fat heavy cream rather than substitutes.

Pro Tips

Perfect Your Beef Browning Technique
The foundation of great Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce starts with properly browning the meat. Don’t rush this step! Spread the beef evenly in your pan and let it cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes before breaking it up. This creates those delicious browned bits that add depth to your sauce. Resist the urge to stir constantly—patience here creates flavor that can’t be rushed.

Master the Orzo Cooking Method
Unlike traditional pasta, orzo in this creamy beef dish cooks directly in the sauce, requiring special attention. The key is to stir frequently during the first 5 minutes to prevent sticking, then reduce to occasional stirring. Test for doneness at the 8-minute mark—perfect orzo should be tender but still have a slight bite (al dente). If needed, add a splash more broth or water, 2 tablespoons at a time, until the desired texture is reached.

Balance Your Cream Sauce Perfectly
The secret to a silky-smooth tomato cream sauce lies in temperature control. After adding the cream, keep the heat at medium-low and never let it boil, which can cause curdling or separation. For extra insurance, temper your cream by mixing in a few tablespoons of the hot sauce before adding the entire amount. Finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan off the heat, letting it melt naturally into the warm sauce for the perfect consistency.

Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Beef
Heat a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and once shimmering, add the ground beef. Season with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Brown the meat for 5-6 minutes until no pink remains, breaking it into smaller pieces as it cooks. Use a wooden spoon to create some space in the center of the pan for the next ingredients.

Step 2: Develop the Flavor Base
Add the diced onion to the beef and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds until fragrant (be careful not to burn it). Stir in the tomato paste and let it cook for 1-2 minutes to caramelize slightly and deepen the flavor of your Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce.

Step 3: Create the Sauce
Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits. Add the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes if using. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed – this is your last chance to adjust salt and pepper before adding the pasta.

Step 4: Cook the Orzo
Add the dry orzo to the simmering liquid, stirring well to ensure it’s evenly distributed. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The orzo will absorb the liquid and become tender. If the mixture looks too dry before the pasta is fully cooked, add a little more broth, 2 tablespoons at a time.

Step 5: Finish with Cream
Once the orzo is tender, reduce heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, combining everything thoroughly. Let the Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce simmer gently for 2-3 more minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes – this resting period allows the sauce to thicken to the perfect consistency.

Step 6: Serve
Ladle the creamy beef orzo into bowls and garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately while hot and creamy, with crusty bread on the side if desired.

Variations

Mediterranean-Style Beef Orzo
Transform your Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce into a Mediterranean delight by adding ½ cup of chopped Kalamata olives, 1 cup of diced roasted red peppers, and a teaspoon of dried oregano. Replace half the Parmesan with crumbled feta cheese and finish with fresh lemon zest. This variation brings bright, tangy flavors that complement the creamy tomato base beautifully.

Vegetable-Packed Option
For a more nutritious twist on this orzo with ground beef recipe, add 2 cups of fresh baby spinach during the last 2 minutes of cooking, allowing it to wilt into the sauce. You can also incorporate 1 cup of diced zucchini or yellow squash along with the onions for extra vegetables. This adaptation maintains all the comfort of the original while boosting the vegetable content substantially.

Dairy-Free Alternative
For those avoiding dairy, create a delicious Ground Beef Orzo by replacing the heavy cream with ½ cup of full-fat coconut milk and omitting the Parmesan. Add 2 tablespoons of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor and an extra tablespoon of tomato paste for richness. This version still delivers a creamy texture while accommodating dietary restrictions.

Storage and Serving

This Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce stores beautifully, often tasting even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to restore the creamy consistency, as the pasta will continue absorbing liquid as it sits.

For serving, pair this hearty dish with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette—the peppery greens and bright dressing provide a perfect contrast to the rich pasta. A side of garlic bread makes an excellent accompaniment for soaking up every last bit of the tomato cream sauce. For a more substantial spread, roasted Brussels sprouts or asparagus add color and nutrition to the meal.

If you’re entertaining, serve this creamy beef orzo in shallow bowls garnished with a swirl of extra virgin olive oil, additional grated Parmesan, and a generous sprinkle of fresh herbs. The elegant presentation belies how simple this comforting dish is to prepare.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta instead of orzo?
Yes, small pasta shapes like ditalini, small shells, or even broken spaghetti work well in this Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce recipe. Adjust cooking times according to the pasta package directions, as different shapes require different cooking durations.

How can I make this recipe less creamy?
For a lighter version, reduce the heavy cream to ¼ cup and increase the chicken broth by ¼ cup. You’ll still get a pleasant richness without as much dairy fat.

Can I make this ahead for meal prep?
Absolutely! This beef orzo dish reheats beautifully. For best results, prepare it through step 4, then refrigerate. When ready to serve, gently reheat with a splash of broth, then add the cream and cheese fresh.

What can I substitute for ground beef?
Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives work well. Each will change the flavor profile slightly, with turkey and chicken creating a lighter dish. If using leaner meats, consider adding an extra tablespoon of olive oil.

Is there a way to add more vegetables?
Yes! Diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or grated carrots integrate seamlessly. Add firmer vegetables with the onions; tender ones like spinach or peas can be stirred in during the final minutes of cooking.

Conclusion

This Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is comfort food at its finest — creamy, savory, and utterly satisfying with each spoonful delivering the perfect balance of tender pasta, seasoned beef, and silky sauce. It’s the kind of dish that transforms ordinary weeknight dinners into something special while still being simple enough for even the busiest schedules. Whether you’re cooking for a family or meal prepping for the week ahead, this one-pot wonder proves that incredible flavor doesn’t require complicated techniques or endless hours in the kitchen. Try it once, and watch it quickly become a requested favorite in your regular meal rotation.

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