Name: Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 cup orzo pasta; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 3/4 cup heavy cream; 2 cups beef broth; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon paprika or Italian seasoning (optional); 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or thyme (optional)

Rich, comforting, and surprisingly simple, this Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is the kind of one-pan dinner you’ll find yourself making on repeat. The tender orzo soaks up the creamy, tomato-kissed sauce while the ground beef adds heartiness to each bite. A sprinkle of parmesan and fresh herbs on top makes it taste like it simmered all day—but it’s ready in just about 30 minutes.

Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or planning a cozy weekend meal, this dish delivers all the flavor of a slow-cooked pasta bake without the oven. It’s a family-friendly classic that’s endlessly customizable and pairs beautifully with a simple salad or crusty bread.

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

One-pan wonder: Everything cooks in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze.
Creamy comfort: The tomato cream sauce is velvety and savory, with just the right balance of tang and richness.
Perfect texture: Orzo cooks right in the sauce, absorbing all the flavor while staying tender.
Crowd-pleaser: Kids and adults both love it, and it easily scales up for a larger group.
Simple ingredients: You probably have everything on hand already.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Getting ready to cook this dish is just as easy as eating it. Here are the essential tools and why each one matters:

Large Deep Skillet or Sauté Pan: This recipe is a one-pan dish, so a wide, deep skillet is a must to cook the beef and simmer the orzo evenly.
Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: For browning the beef and stirring the orzo gently without scratching your pan.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precision helps when adding broth and cream to achieve the perfect consistency.
Chef’s Knife & Cutting Board: For dicing onions, garlic, or any optional fresh herbs you want to toss in.
Grater: For shredding parmesan cheese fresh—a small touch that elevates the entire dish.

Ingredients for the Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce

Ground Beef: Brings savory richness and heartiness to the dish.
Orzo Pasta: This small, rice-shaped pasta cooks right in the sauce and absorbs all the flavor.
Diced Tomatoes: Adds acidity and freshness to balance the creaminess.
Tomato Paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
Heavy Cream: Gives the sauce its luxurious, velvety texture.
Beef Broth: Enhances the depth of flavor and provides the liquid for the orzo to cook.
Onion: Offers sweetness and aromatic base flavor.
Garlic: Boosts the savory notes in the sauce.
Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning.
Paprika or Italian Seasoning: Optional, but adds a bit of complexity.
Parmesan Cheese: For topping, bringing a nutty, salty finish.
Fresh Herbs (like thyme or parsley): For garnish and freshness.

How To Make the Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce

Step 1: Brown the Beef

In a large deep skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned. Break it apart with your spoon and season lightly with salt and pepper. Drain excess grease if needed.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Add diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Build the Base Flavor

Stir in the tomato paste and let it toast for a minute before adding diced tomatoes. Mix well to combine with the beef.

Step 4: Simmer the Orzo

Pour in the beef broth and bring it to a gentle boil. Stir in the orzo, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Finish with Cream

Once the orzo is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed, stir in the heavy cream and simmer uncovered for another 2-3 minutes until thickened.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Remove from heat, top with shredded parmesan and chopped herbs, and serve warm.

How to Serve & Store This Creamy Beef Orzo

This dish is hearty enough to be a complete meal, but you can also pair it with roasted vegetables, garlic bread, or a green salad. Leftovers reheat beautifully—just add a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce when microwaving.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze in individual portions and thaw overnight before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely. Ground turkey or chicken both work well and will lighten up the dish slightly.

How do I prevent orzo from sticking?

Stir occasionally while it simmers and make sure there’s enough liquid in the pan.

Can I make this dairy-free?

You can substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative, though the flavor will vary slightly.

Is this freezer-friendly?

Yes! Let it cool completely and store in freezer-safe containers. Thaw and reheat with a splash of broth to bring back the creaminess.

Can I add veggies?

Definitely. Spinach, bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini are great additions—just sauté them with the onions.

Want More Skillet Dinner Ideas?

If you love this creamy orzo dish, you’ll enjoy these other easy and flavorful meals:

Garlic Butter Beef Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with bold garlic notes.
French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole for rich, comforting layers.
Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Spinach Tortellini when you’re craving indulgence.
Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole for cheesy baked goodness.
Spicy Cheesy Chicken Sausage Pasta Skillet if you like a kick of heat.

Save This Pin For Later

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you sneak in some spinach or swap in turkey? Add extra spice?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter.

For more cozy and delicious meal ideas, follow me on Pinterest at Kitchen By Kate.