I’ve always been a fan of hearty, comforting meals that come together quickly on a busy weeknight, and that’s exactly what drew me to this Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce. Picture this: tender orzo pasta swimming in a rich, creamy tomato sauce laced with savory ground beef—it’s like a hug in a bowl after a long day. In my experience, combining simple pantry staples like these turns an ordinary dinner into something special, and I’ve made this Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce a staple in our home because it’s so forgiving for beginners yet impressive enough for company.
What I love most is how the flavors meld together; the tang of tomatoes balanced by the velvety cream and the heartiness of the beef. It’s one of those recipes where you can tweak it to your taste without ruining the dish. If you’re looking for an easy way to elevate your pasta game, this Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is it—let’s dive in and get you cooking!
Key Takeaways:
- This Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce delivers restaurant-quality flavor with everyday ingredients, making it perfect for family dinners.
- Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a time-saver for busy schedules without sacrificing taste.
- The creamy tomato sauce clings to the orzo and beef, creating a comforting, indulgent bite every time.
- Use fresh garlic and herbs for the best results to amp up the aroma and depth.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently to keep the cream sauce smooth.
Why You’ll Adore This Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce
Quick and Effortless Prep: One-pan wonders are my go-to, and this Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce fits the bill perfectly. You’ll spend less time cleaning up and more time enjoying the meal with loved ones. It’s straightforward enough that even on hectic evenings, dinner feels special.
Rich, Comforting Flavors: The marriage of juicy ground beef and creamy tomato sauce over orzo is pure bliss—think Italian-inspired comfort without the fuss. I always add a sprinkle of cheese on top for that extra gooey touch. You’ll find yourself craving seconds every time.
Versatile for Any Meal: Whether it’s lunch, dinner, or even meal prep, this Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce adapts beautifully. It’s hearty yet light enough to pair with a salad. In my kitchen, it’s become a canvas for seasonal veggies too.
Budget-Friendly Delight: Using affordable ingredients like ground beef and orzo means you can whip this up without breaking the bank. Yet, the taste punches way above its weight. Let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a meal that’s both delicious and economical?
Essential Ingredients for Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce
Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef to keep things lighter while still packing in that savory punch—it’s the star that grounds the entire dish in comfort. In this Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce, it browns beautifully, releasing juices that infuse the sauce with umami. I’ve tried turkey as a sub, but beef’s richness is unbeatable here. Don’t skip seasoning it well from the start.
Orzo Pasta: This tiny rice-shaped pasta is key for its quick cooking time and ability to soak up the creamy tomato sauce like a sponge. It adds a subtle chew that contrasts the tender beef perfectly. In my experience, rinsing it after cooking prevents clumping, ensuring every forkful of your Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is flawless. It’s a pantry essential you won’t regret stocking.
Tomato Cream Sauce Base: A blend of canned tomatoes and heavy cream creates that luscious, pinkish sauce that’s both tangy and indulgent. The tomatoes provide acidity to cut through the richness, while cream adds silkiness. For the best Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce, simmer them together slowly to let flavors deepen—it’s worth the few extra minutes. Fresh basil stirred in at the end elevates it even more.
How to Make Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce
Brown the Beef and Aromatics
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat and adding a drizzle of olive oil—then toss in your diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and no longer pink, which takes around 5-7 minutes; drain excess fat if needed. This step builds the flavorful base for your Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce, infusing everything with that savory depth. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick—trust me, it wakes up the dish beautifully.
Cook the Orzo and Build the Sauce
Stir in the uncooked orzo to the beef mixture, toasting it lightly for a minute to enhance its nutty flavor, then pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes with their juices. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 8-10 minutes until the orzo is al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking—the steam will make the kitchen smell amazing. Now, here’s the thing: taste and adjust seasonings as it cooks, because every palate is different. The orzo will absorb the liquids, creating a creamy texture without being soupy yet.
Finish with Cream and Serve
Once the orzo is tender, lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, letting it bubble gently for 2-3 minutes to thicken into that dreamy sauce. Toss in fresh chopped basil or parsley for a pop of color and freshness—it transforms the dish visually and taste-wise. This final touch in your Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce ensures a velvety consistency that’s spoonable but not heavy. For more beefy inspiration, check out our Korean Ground Beef Bowl recipe if you love quick ground beef meals.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (lean preferred)
- 1 cup orzo pasta, uncooked
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: Red pepper flakes, fresh basil, grated Parmesan for serving
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until softened and aromatic.
- Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes, then drain excess fat if necessary. Season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
- Stir in uncooked orzo and toast for 1 minute. Pour in chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream. Simmer uncovered for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens. Taste and adjust seasonings.
- Remove from heat and garnish with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce!
Pro Tips for the Best Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce
Don’t Overcook the Orzo: Keep an eye on the timer—al dente orzo holds up better in the creamy sauce and avoids a mushy texture.
Fresh Herbs Make a Difference: Swap dried basil for fresh at the end; it adds brightness that dried just can’t match in this Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce.
Quality Beef Matters: Go for grass-fed if possible; it brings a richer flavor that elevates the whole dish without extra effort.
You Must Know
- This recipe serves 4-6 people, making it ideal for family meals or leftovers.
- The cream can curdle if overheated, so always add it on low and stir gently.
- Orzo cooks faster than regular pasta, so adjust broth if you prefer a saucier consistency.
- It’s naturally gluten-free adaptable by using gluten-free orzo.
How to Store Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce
Let your Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container—this prevents condensation and keeps it fresh. It stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days; for longer, freeze portions in freezer bags for up to 2 months. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth to revive the creaminess, avoiding the microwave if possible to maintain texture. I’ve found this method keeps the flavors intact, just like the first day.
Customizing Your Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce
If you’re vegetarian, swap the ground beef for lentils or plant-based crumbles—it still builds that hearty base for the tomato cream sauce. For a spicy twist, amp up the red pepper flakes or add diced jalapeños during the beef step. In my experience, stirring in spinach or peas at the end adds nutrition without overpowering the dish. Your Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce can also go dairy-free with coconut cream—try our High Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp for more cream sauce ideas.
What to Serve with Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce
A crisp green salad with balsamic vinaigrette cuts through the richness perfectly, adding freshness to balance the creamy tomato sauce. Crusty garlic bread is a must for sopping up every last bit—it’s like the dynamic duo of comfort food. For a lighter touch, try roasted vegetables on the side, or pair with a simple white wine to complement the Italian flavors. In our house, we often round it out with fruit for dessert to keep things light after such a satisfying meal.
Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce
This one pot ground beef orzo recipe comes together in just 30 minutes and is a creamy, comforting, and delicious meal for busy weeknights!
Timing
Recipe Details
Ingredients
- 01 1 pound lean ground beef
- 02 1/2 medium onion ((chopped))
- 03 3-4 cloves garlic ((minced))
- 04 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes ((optional))
- 05 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 06 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 07 14 ounce tomato sauce ((1 can))
- 08 3/4 cup beef broth
- 09 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
- 10 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 11 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 12 2 cups fresh baby spinach ((packed))
- 13 Salt & pepper ((to taste))
Instructions
Add the ground beef to a soup pot/Dutch oven and break it up a little bit with your spoon. Let it cook, without stirring, over medium-high heat for 5-6 minutes.
Add the onion to the pot and stir/break the beef up into small pieces. Let it cook for another 5 minutes or so. If there's a lot of excess fat (like if you didn't use lean beef), spoon some of it out. Otherwise, leave it in the pot.
Stir in the garlic, red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, and orzo. Cook for about a minute.
Stir in the tomato sauce, beef broth, cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Once it starts to bubble, continue cooking for 10 minutes, uncovered, stirring fairly often (so the orzo doesn't stick to the bottom of the pot). You will likely need to turn the heat down a bit (to medium or even medium-low). It should gently bubble vs. boil (you don't want the liquid to reduce too much before the pasta has cooked).
Take the pot off the heat, stir in the parmesan and spinach, and cover the pot for about 3-5 minutes or until it has thickened up to your liking. Season with salt & pepper as needed and serve immediately. See more troubleshooting tips in the blog post and notes below.
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NUTRITION FACTS (PER SERVING)
Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. In cases where multiple ingredient alternatives are given, the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce
Can I make Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely, you can prepare it up to the point of adding the cream, then refrigerate and finish cooking when ready—it reheats beautifully. Just store components separately to avoid sogginess. This make-ahead strategy has saved many weeknights for me.
How long does Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce last in the fridge?
It keeps for 3-4 days in an airtight container, but the orzo might absorb more sauce over time. For best taste, consume sooner. Freezing extends it to 2 months without quality loss.
Is Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce gluten-free?
Not inherently, due to the orzo, but swap in gluten-free orzo and it’s good to go—check labels for cross-contamination. The rest of the ingredients are naturally GF. It’s an easy adjustment for dietary needs.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef in this recipe?
Yes, ground turkey works great as a leaner option in Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce, though it might need extra seasoning for flavor. I’ve done this swap often and love how it lightens things up. For more turkey ideas, see our Sweet Hawaiian Crock Pot Chicken, but adapt to beef style.
What if I don’t have heavy cream?
Half-and-half or even full-fat coconut milk can sub in a pinch, though the sauce might be slightly less rich. Stir it in slowly to emulsify. Experiment to find your perfect creamy balance.
How do I make Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce spicier?
Add more red pepper flakes during browning or top with hot sauce—it’s customizable to heat levels. For bolder flavor, incorporate smoked paprika too. This tweak turns it into a fiery favorite without much effort.
Can kids enjoy Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce?
Definitely—it’s mild and pasta-based, so picky eaters often dive right in. Omit spice and add cheese to appeal more. We’ve had great success getting our little ones to try it this way.
What’s the calorie count for Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce?
Per serving (about 1/4 of the recipe), it’s roughly 450-500 calories, depending on beef leanness. Use low-fat cream to cut it down. Pair with veggies for a balanced plate—always a win.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about how this Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce brings warmth and satisfaction to the table, no matter the occasion—it’s become one of my all-time favorites for its simplicity and bold taste. I encourage you to give it a whirl in your kitchen; you might just find yourself making it weekly like I do. Head to the stove, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to this cozy delight—your taste buds will thank you!