Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce

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When it comes to comfort food that doesn’t take hours to make, I always find myself turning to this Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a hug in a bowl — rich, savory, creamy, and satisfying in every bite. What I love most is how it balances flavor and ease. You get all the cozy depth of a slow-cooked pasta dish, but it comes together in under 30 minutes.

I first made this on a busy weeknight with only a few ingredients on hand: some ground beef, orzo, tomato paste, and a splash of cream. I didn’t expect it to become a regular, but it’s so hearty and delicious that it quickly made its way into my weeknight rotation. It’s the kind of one-pot meal that pleases everyone — even picky eaters — and leaves you with minimal cleanup.

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

This dish is the perfect blend of quick, cozy, and delicious. The orzo cooks directly in the rich tomato-beef sauce, soaking up all the savory flavor. The creamy finish makes every bite silky and indulgent without being too heavy. It’s an easy one-pot wonder, ideal for weeknights, casual dinners, or even meal prep for the week.

What Kind of Orzo Should I Use?

Standard orzo pasta from any grocery store works perfectly. You don’t need anything fancy here. Just be sure not to overcook it — it should be tender but still slightly firm to the bite. Whole wheat orzo can also be used if you’re looking for more fiber and a nuttier flavor.

Options for Substitutions

You can easily adapt this recipe based on what you have:

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
• Use a plant-based ground meat alternative for a vegetarian version.
• Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or a dairy-free option like coconut cream.
• Add veggies like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers for more nutrition.
• Top with mozzarella or Parmesan depending on your cheese preference.

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Ingredients for this Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce

• Ground Beef – The rich, savory base of the dish. It brings depth and heartiness to the sauce.
• Orzo Pasta – A rice-shaped pasta that soaks up all the creamy, tomato-rich flavors while keeping the texture comforting.
• Yellow Onion – Adds sweetness and balance to the beef and tomatoes as it softens and caramelizes.
• Garlic – Aromatic and essential for a flavorful base.
• Tomato Paste – Intensifies the tomato flavor, giving the sauce richness and body.
• Crushed Tomatoes – Forms the bulk of the sauce and blends smoothly with the cream.
• Heavy Cream – Adds velvety smoothness and balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
• Beef Broth – Deepens the flavor and helps cook the orzo directly in the pot.
• Olive Oil – Used to sauté the onion and garlic to bring out their flavors.
• Salt & Pepper – Essential seasonings to highlight all the other ingredients.
• Fresh Basil – Brings a pop of freshness and color to the final dish.
• Mozzarella Cheese (optional) – Melted on top for an extra cheesy, gooey finish.

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Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Add ground beef to the pan, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until fully browned and no longer pink, about 5-6 minutes. Drain excess grease if necessary.

Step 3: Build the Tomato Base

Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes to deepen the flavor. Then add crushed tomatoes and stir to combine with the beef mixture.

Step 4: Add Orzo and Broth

Pour in the orzo and beef broth. Stir well, making sure the orzo is evenly distributed in the liquid. Bring the mixture to a low boil.

Step 5: Simmer and Stir

Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for about 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and ensure the orzo absorbs the liquid evenly.

Step 6: Add the Cream

Once the orzo is cooked and most of the liquid is absorbed, stir in the heavy cream. Let it simmer uncovered for 2-3 more minutes until creamy and thickened.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in fresh basil leaves. If using mozzarella, sprinkle it on top and cover for 1-2 minutes until melted. Serve warm and enjoy!

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

Prep Time: The prep for this dish is wonderfully short — around 10 minutes. That includes chopping your onions, mincing the garlic, and gathering all your ingredients. If you’re quick with a knife, even faster.

Cooking Time: The orzo cooks directly in the beef-tomato mixture, which cuts down on cleanup and time. It takes about 20-25 minutes from sautéing to simmering. You’ll have dinner on the table in under 35 minutes total, making it ideal for weeknights.

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Tips for Perfect Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce

• Use a wide, deep skillet or Dutch oven to ensure even cooking and enough room for the orzo to expand.
• Brown the beef well to deepen the flavor — don’t rush this step.
• Stir occasionally while the orzo simmers to avoid sticking and ensure even cooking.
• Add the cream only after the orzo is fully cooked so the sauce stays smooth.
• Fresh basil added at the end keeps the flavors bright and fresh.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Undercooking the Orzo: Make sure to simmer it until tender. Undercooked orzo can ruin the texture.
• Too Much Liquid Left: If the orzo is cooked but the sauce is too watery, let it simmer uncovered for a few minutes to thicken.
• Adding Cream Too Soon: Cream should go in after orzo is fully cooked. Adding it too early can cause it to separate.
• Not Seasoning as You Go: Taste your sauce and adjust salt and pepper throughout the cooking process.
• Overcrowding the Pan: Avoid a small pan, as it can lead to uneven cooking and clumpy pasta.

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

1. Garlic Bread

Buttery, crisp, and perfect for soaking up that creamy tomato sauce.

2. Simple Green Salad

A fresh mix of greens with a vinaigrette adds brightness to balance the richness of the orzo.

3. Roasted Broccoli

The slight bitterness and char from roasted broccoli complements the creamy orzo.

4. Grated Parmesan

A sprinkle on top enhances the umami and adds a salty finish.

5. Red Wine or Sparkling Water

Pair with a glass of light red wine or sparkling water with lemon to keep it refreshing.

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Storage Instructions

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The sauce will thicken, so you may want to stir in a splash of broth or water when reheating.

Freezing: This dish can be frozen, though the texture of the orzo may soften. Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stove with a bit of broth or cream.

Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth. Stir occasionally until heated through. Microwave works too — just cover and stir halfway through.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per Serving (based on 4 servings)

• Calories: ~620
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Fat: 35g
• Saturated Fat: 16g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 780mg
• Cholesterol: 95mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this recipe lighter?

Use ground turkey or chicken, and substitute the heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! It reheats well and can be made a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge and reheat gently before serving.

What if I don’t have orzo?

You can substitute with small pasta shapes like ditalini, pastina, or even rice. Adjust cooking time as needed.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely. Spinach, zucchini, or chopped bell peppers are great additions. Stir them in during the final minutes of cooking.

Is it spicy?

Not at all. But you can add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you want to spice it up.

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Conclusion

This Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is a weeknight winner. It’s rich, creamy, packed with flavor, and incredibly easy to pull off. Whether you’re feeding the family or meal-prepping for the week, this one-pot pasta checks all the boxes. It’s hearty without being heavy, simple yet satisfying — the kind of meal you’ll come back to again and again.

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