Savory Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe

Creamy ground beef orzo dances with vibrant flavors in this comfort-packed meal that promises satisfaction.

Mediterranean ingredients blend seamlessly for a delightful culinary experience.

Rich tomato cream sauce coats tender pasta and hearty meat perfectly.

Weeknight dinners need simple yet delicious solutions like this.

Home cooks appreciate quick recipes that deliver maximum taste with minimal effort.

Fragrant herbs and smooth sauce create a harmonious balance you will love.

Whip up this irresistible dish and watch everyone ask for seconds.

Storage Guidelines for Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled dish to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Remove excess air, label with date, and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, cover with damp paper towel. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.
• Warm in skillet over medium-low heat, adding splash of cream or broth to restore moisture. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and maintain creamy texture.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative and works perfectly in this recipe. Just ensure it’s fully cooked and seasoned well.

• How spicy is this dish?

The recipe has mild seasoning from Italian herbs. If you want more heat, add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper during cooking for extra kick.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes, it’s a crowd-pleaser for families. The creamy tomato sauce and pasta make it appealing to children, and the ground meat provides protein.

• What herbs work best for garnishing?

Fresh basil or parsley are excellent choices. They add a bright, fresh flavor that complements the rich, creamy sauce and enhances the overall taste of the dish.

Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce: What Makes It Special

• Whip Up a Comforting Meal: This ground beef orzo dish offers a perfect blend of hearty protein and creamy sauce that makes weeknight dinners a breeze.
• Master One-Skillet Magic: Minimize cleanup with this single-pan recipe that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal everyone will love.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible ingredients allow you to swap herbs, add vegetables, or adjust spice levels to match your family's taste preferences.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: From start to finish, this recipe comes together rapidly, making it ideal for busy households craving delicious home-cooked food without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients for Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that provides rich flavor and substance to the dish.
• Orzo: A small, rice-shaped pasta that absorbs the creamy tomato sauce perfectly.
• Diced Tomatoes: A key ingredient that adds tangy freshness and creates the base of the sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Brings a luxurious and smooth texture to the tomato sauce.

• Onion, Garlic: Classic flavor builders that provide a deep, savory foundation for the recipe.
• Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Essential spices that enhance and balance the overall taste of the dish.

• Parmesan Cheese, Fresh Herbs: Optional garnishes that add extra flavor and visual appeal to the completed meal.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the aromatics and preventing sticking.

How to Prepare Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce

Step 1: Sizzle Aromatics in Skillet

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Toss in diced onion and minced garlic, gently sautéing until they become soft and fragrant, releasing their delightful flavors.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon.

Cook until the meat transforms into a rich, golden-brown color.

If needed, drain any excess fat to keep the dish light.

Step 3: Build Robust Tomato Base

Introduce diced tomatoes to the skillet, sprinkling in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Let the mixture simmer, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify for about 10 minutes.

Step 4: Cook Orzo to Perfection

While the sauce develops, bring a pot of salted water to a boil.

Add orzo and cook according to package guidelines.

Once tender, drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 5: Create Creamy Sauce

Pour heavy cream into the tomato and beef mixture.

Stir gently and let it cook for 2-3 minutes, watching the sauce thicken and become luxuriously smooth.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Fold the cooked orzo into the skillet, ensuring every pasta piece gets coated with the rich, creamy tomato sauce.

Mix thoroughly until completely combined.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Transfer to serving plates.

Sprinkle generously with grated Parmesan cheese and garnish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley for an extra burst of flavor.

Tips for Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce

• Drain excess beef fat completely to prevent a greasy dish and ensure a cleaner, more appetizing meal.
• Crush dried Italian seasoning between your palms before adding to release more intense aromatics and boost overall taste profile.
• Stir orzo immediately after adding to the sauce to distribute evenly and prevent sticky, stuck-together pasta.
• Simmer sauce gently after adding cream to reach perfect thickness without scorching or separating the sauce.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian version of the recipe.

Variations of Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce

• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a meat-free version that maintains the dish's hearty texture.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute orzo with quinoa or gluten-free rice pasta to accommodate gluten sensitivities while keeping the creamy tomato sauce intact.
• Lighter Cream Alternative: Use Greek yogurt or coconut milk instead of heavy cream to reduce calories and create a tangy, lighter sauce with similar creaminess.
• Spicy Mediterranean Kick: Add red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, or harissa paste to amp up the flavor profile and give the dish a zesty Mediterranean-inspired twist.

Serving Suggestions for Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce

• Fresh Herb Sprinkle: Chop basil, parsley, or chives to add bright, zesty flavor and beautiful green color on top of the dish.
• Cheese Lover's Dream: Generously grate extra Parmesan or sprinkle crumbled feta for an extra creamy and tangy cheese experience.
• Crusty Bread Companion: Serve alongside warm garlic bread or toasted ciabatta slices to soak up the delicious tomato cream sauce.
• Side Salad Pairing: Create a quick mixed green salad with light vinaigrette to balance the rich and hearty pasta dish.

Ground Beef Orzo With Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Classic ground beef orzo with tomato cream sauce blends Italian-inspired comfort with rich, creamy flavors. Home cooks appreciate this simple one-pan meal that delivers satisfying textures and hearty warmth.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef

Pasta and Starch:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) orzo

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1/2 onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can (14.5 ounces/411 grams) diced tomatoes

Liquids and Dairy:

• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil

Seasonings and Herbs:

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Garnishes (Optional):

• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium temperature, gently sautéing onions and garlic until they become translucent and fragrant.
2. Introduce ground beef to the skillet, breaking it into crumbly pieces and cooking until completely browned. Eliminate any excess grease for a cleaner texture.
3. Incorporate diced tomatoes and seasonings, allowing the mixture to simmer and develop rich flavors for approximately 10 minutes.
4. Simultaneously, prepare orzo in a pot of salted boiling water, following package timing until perfectly al dente. Carefully drain and reserve.
5. Gently pour heavy cream into the tomato and beef mixture, stirring continuously and allowing the sauce to thicken and become luxuriously smooth for 2-3 minutes.
6. Fold the cooked orzo into the skillet, ensuring each pasta grain is lavishly coated with the creamy tomato sauce.
7. Transfer to serving dishes, generously sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and optionally garnish with chopped fresh herbs for a vibrant finishing touch.

Notes

• Swap lean ground beef for turkey or plant-based crumbles to create a lighter, diet-friendly version that maintains rich flavor profiles.
• Consider reducing heavy cream by using Greek yogurt or half-and-half for a lower-fat alternative without compromising the creamy texture.
• Add extra vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers during the simmering stage to boost nutritional value and introduce more vibrant colors and textures.
• Enhance dish complexity by incorporating a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar when browning the ground beef, which deepens the overall umami characteristics.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 460 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg