
Looking for a comforting and delicious weeknight dinner?
This ground beef orzo with tomato cream sauce is a game-changer!
It’s creamy, flavorful, and comes together in just one pan – perfect for those busy evenings when you need something hearty and satisfying.
With tender orzo, rich tomato sauce, and savory ground beef, this dish hits all the right notes.
Bonus? It’s easy enough for weeknights but impressive enough for guests.
Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks in one skillet for minimal cleanup. Click here to find more One-Pot meals.
- Creamy and Savory: The tomato cream sauce adds the perfect balance of richness and tang.
- Family-Friendly: Kids love the creamy pasta, and it’s easy to adjust for picky eaters.
- Great for Leftovers: The flavors get even better the next day!
- Customizable: Add veggies, swap proteins, or spice it up to make it your own.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious dish:
- Ground Beef: Lean or regular, depending on your preference.
- Orzo Pasta: A small, rice-shaped pasta that cooks quickly and absorbs flavors beautifully.
- Tomato Sauce: Use high-quality canned or jarred tomato sauce for the best results.
- Heavy Cream: Creates that luxurious, creamy texture.
- Onion and Garlic: The aromatic base that brings depth to the dish.
- Parmesan Cheese: Optional but highly recommended for a cheesy finish.
- Seasonings: A mix of salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of spice.
- Fresh Herbs (Optional): Basil or parsley for garnish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep Your Ingredients
Before you start cooking, chop your onion, mince the garlic, and measure out the spices. Having everything ready makes the process smoother.
2. Cook the Ground Beef
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef.
- Cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces with a spatula.
- Drain excess grease if needed and set the cooked beef aside.
3. Sauté the Aromatics
- In the same skillet, add a drizzle of olive oil if needed.
- Sauté the onion until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
4. Build the Sauce
- Stir in the tomato sauce and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Add the heavy cream, mixing well to create a smooth, creamy tomato sauce.
5. Cook the Orzo
- Add the uncooked orzo directly into the skillet, along with 2 cups of water or chicken broth.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and cook until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid (about 10-12 minutes).
6. Combine and Serve
- Stir the cooked ground beef back into the skillet.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- For a finishing touch, stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese and garnish with chopped basil or parsley.
Serve immediately and enjoy the creamy, comforting goodness!
Tips for the Best Ground Beef Orzo
- Use High-Quality Tomato Sauce: The flavor of the sauce makes a big difference in this dish.
- Don’t Overcook the Orzo: It should be tender but not mushy. Keep an eye on it!
- Add Greens: Stir in fresh spinach or kale toward the end for added nutrition.
- Make It Spicy: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for a spicy kick.
- Customize the Protein: Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage.
Variations to Try
- Cheesy Baked Orzo: Transfer the finished dish to a baking dish, top with mozzarella cheese, and broil until golden and bubbly.
- Mediterranean Twist: Add sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese for a Mediterranean flair.
- Vegetarian Version: Replace the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or mushrooms for a meatless option.
- Extra Veggies: Toss in diced zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms for more texture and flavor.
What to Serve with Ground Beef Orzo
This dish is a hearty one-pan meal, but pairing it with sides can take it to the next level:
- Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce. Click here for a recipe.
- Green Salad: A fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the orzo.
- Roasted Vegetables: Serve with roasted broccoli, zucchini, or asparagus.
- Light Beverages: Pair with sparkling water or a light white wine like Pinot Grigio.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or broth to maintain the creamy texture.
- Freeze: You can freeze the dish before adding the cream. Add the cream after reheating for the best consistency.
One-Pan Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 ½ cups tomato sauce canned or jarred
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups water or chicken broth
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt adjust to taste
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes optional
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese optional
- 2 tbsp olive oil optional, for sautéing
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Instructions
Prep Your Ingredients
- Before you start cooking, chop your onion, mince the garlic, and measure out the spices. Having everything ready makes the process smoother.
Cook the Ground Beef
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef.
- Cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces with a spatula.
- Drain excess grease if needed and set the cooked beef aside.
Sauté the Aromatics
- In the same skillet, add a drizzle of olive oil if needed.
- Sauté the onion until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
Build the Sauce
- Stir in the tomato sauce and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Add the heavy cream, mixing well to create a smooth, creamy tomato sauce.
Cook the Orzo
- Add the uncooked orzo directly into the skillet, along with 2 cups of water or chicken broth.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and cook until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid (about 10-12 minutes).
Combine and Serve
- Stir the cooked ground beef back into the skillet.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- For a finishing touch, stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese and garnish with chopped basil or parsley.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the creamy, comforting goodness!