Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce

I love dishes that bring comfort and satisfaction to the dinner table, and Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is exactly that. It combines the perfect balance of hearty ground beef, tender orzo pasta, and a rich, velvety tomato cream sauce that wraps around every bite, making it one of my favorite go-to recipes for a filling weeknight meal. The best part? It’s a one-pot wonder that comes together in less than 30 minutes while delivering restaurant-quality flavor.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family on a busy Tuesday or looking for a comforting dish that everyone will love, this recipe never disappoints. The savory ground beef paired with the creamy tomato sauce and perfectly cooked orzo creates an unforgettable meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds. If you’re looking for a way to make dinner both delicious and effortless, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your weekly rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce

This recipe is a winner for many reasons. First, it’s incredibly simple to prepare. You can have everything cooked in one pot, which means minimal cleanup and maximum flavor. The creamy tomato sauce infuses the orzo and beef with amazing taste while cooking, and the final result is a perfect blend of textures and flavors that feels indulgent without being heavy. It’s a dish that satisfies even the pickiest eaters but is still wholesome enough to feel good about serving. Plus, it’s made with pantry staples and ingredients you likely already have on hand, which makes it a perfect solution for those nights when you need something delicious without a trip to the grocery store.

What Kind of Ground Beef Should I Use for Ground Beef Orzo?

When it comes to this recipe, I recommend using 85/15 ground beef (85% lean, 15% fat). It provides the perfect balance of flavor and moisture without being too greasy. The fat content helps keep the beef tender and adds richness to the sauce. However, if you prefer leaner meat, 90/10 ground beef works well too—just be aware that the dish might be slightly less rich. You can also substitute with ground turkey or ground chicken for a lighter option, though you may want to add a tablespoon of olive oil for extra moisture.

Options for Substitutions

If you’re looking to make a few swaps based on what you have at home, here are a few options to consider:

Ground Beef to Ground Turkey or Chicken: These are great lighter alternatives, though you may need to add a bit more seasoning and fat for flavor.
Orzo to Other Pasta: Small pasta shapes like ditalini, small shells, or even broken spaghetti can work in place of orzo.
Heavy Cream to Half-and-Half: For a lighter version, half-and-half works well, though the sauce will be slightly less rich. You can also use full-fat coconut cream for a dairy-free option.

Delicious Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce

Ingredients for this Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce

Ground Beef: This is the hearty protein base of the dish, providing savory flavor and satisfying substance that makes the meal filling.
Orzo Pasta: These rice-shaped pasta pieces cook perfectly in the sauce, absorbing all the delicious flavors while maintaining a tender texture.
Crushed Tomatoes: Forms the foundation of the sauce, bringing bright acidity and rich tomato flavor to the dish.
Heavy Cream: This creates the luxurious, velvety texture that transforms the tomato sauce into something truly special.
Onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the base flavor, creating a savory foundation for the entire dish.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic brings aromatic punch and enhances every other ingredient in the pot.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds classic Italian flavor with oregano, basil, and thyme notes.
Beef Broth: Provides liquid for cooking the orzo while adding extra savory depth to the sauce.
Olive Oil: Used for sautéing, it helps develop flavors and prevents sticking.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors into balance.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds nutty, salty richness and helps thicken the sauce while providing amazing flavor.
Fresh Basil: Used as a garnish, it adds a bright, fresh element that contrasts beautifully with the rich sauce.

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Drain excess fat if needed, leaving about a tablespoon in the pan.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Add the diced onion to the pan with the beef and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and Italian seasoning, cooking for another minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Broth

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and beef broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

Step 4: Cook the Orzo

Stir in the orzo pasta, making sure it’s submerged in the liquid. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.

Step 5: Add the Cream

Once the orzo is cooked, reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the sauce is smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly. Garnish with fresh basil and additional Parmesan cheese before serving.

How Long to Cook the Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce

The ideal cooking time for this dish is 25 to 30 minutes total from start to finish. The ground beef takes about 5-7 minutes to brown, the orzo needs 10-12 minutes to cook through, and the final cream addition requires just 2-3 minutes. The key is ensuring the orzo is tender but not mushy—it should have a slight bite to it. If the liquid absorbs too quickly and the orzo isn’t quite done, add a splash of broth or water and continue cooking for a few more minutes.

Tips for Perfect Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce

Don’t Skip Browning: Take time to properly brown the ground beef. This develops deep flavor that makes the entire dish better.
Stir Occasionally: While the orzo cooks, stir every few minutes to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Use Quality Tomatoes: Since tomatoes are a main component, using good-quality crushed tomatoes makes a noticeable difference in flavor.
Fresh Garlic is Key: Pre-minced garlic won’t give the same aromatic punch. Fresh garlic elevates the entire dish.
Let It Rest: After removing from heat, let the dish sit for 3-5 minutes. The sauce will thicken and the flavors will meld together beautifully.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Too High Heat: Cooking on high heat can cause the orzo to stick or burn on the bottom. Medium to medium-low is ideal once you add the pasta.
Not Enough Liquid: If your orzo isn’t cooking properly, you may need more liquid. Keep extra broth on hand to add as needed.
Adding Cream Too Early: Add the cream only after the orzo is fully cooked. Adding it earlier can cause it to separate or curdle.
Overcooking the Orzo: Orzo can go from perfectly tender to mushy quickly. Start checking for doneness at 10 minutes.
Skipping the Simmer: The dish needs to simmer gently to allow flavors to develop and orzo to cook properly. Don’t rush this step.

What to Serve With Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce?

Garlic Bread

Crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up every last bit of that creamy tomato sauce.

Simple Green Salad

A fresh salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette provides a crisp contrast to the rich pasta.

Roasted Vegetables

Roasted zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus add color and nutrition to round out the meal.

Caesar Salad

The tangy, creamy dressing and crunchy romaine complement the savory orzo beautifully.

Steamed Green Beans

Simple steamed green beans with butter and garlic offer a light, healthy side.

Caprese Salad

Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil bring Italian flavors that pair perfectly with this dish.

Roasted Broccoli

Crispy roasted broccoli with a squeeze of lemon adds a healthy, flavorful element.

Crusty Italian Bread

Warm, crusty bread is ideal for mopping up the delicious sauce from your plate.

Storage Instructions

Store any leftovers of the Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The orzo will continue to absorb liquid as it sits, so the dish may thicken. To reheat, warm it gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.

For longer storage, this dish can be frozen. Let it cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Note that cream-based sauces can sometimes separate slightly when frozen, but stirring while reheating usually brings it back together.

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving – Based on 6 Servings)

Calories: 485
Protein: 28g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Sugar: 6g
Fiber: 3g
Cholesterol: 85mg
Sodium: 620mg

These values are approximate and can vary depending on the exact brands and measurements used.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when the orzo is done cooking?

The orzo should be tender but still have a slight bite (al dente). Taste a few pieces after 10 minutes—if they’re still hard in the center, continue cooking and check every minute.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works well, though it’s leaner. You may want to add an extra tablespoon of olive oil and season a bit more generously.

What if my sauce is too thick?

Simply add beef broth or water a few tablespoons at a time, stirring until you reach your desired consistency.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare it a few hours ahead and reheat gently before serving. Add a splash of liquid when reheating to refresh the sauce.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Very much so! The creamy tomato sauce and familiar pasta shape make it appealing to children, and you can adjust the seasoning to be milder if needed.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Yes! Spinach, diced bell peppers, or mushrooms are great additions. Add them when you sauté the onions.

What can I use instead of Italian seasoning?

You can make your own blend with equal parts dried oregano, basil, and thyme, or use individual herbs according to your preference.

How can I make this dairy-free?

Use full-fat coconut cream instead of heavy cream and omit the Parmesan, or use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative.

Conclusion

Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is more than just a quick dinner—it’s a comforting, satisfying meal that brings everyone to the table with smiles. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or looking for something cozy and delicious, this one-pot wonder delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Plus, with how adaptable it is to different proteins and vegetables, you can make it your own and enjoy it again and again without it feeling repetitive. Add this recipe to your regular rotation—it’s guaranteed to become a family favorite that you’ll turn to time and time again.