Delicious Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce

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Creamy, cozy, and packed with flavor, this Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is the kind of dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes and tastes like pure comfort. Picture perfectly tender orzo pasta swirled in a rich tomato cream sauce, dotted with savory ground beef and finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan—this dish is simple yet totally satisfying.

Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a dish that feels indulgent without a ton of effort, this recipe checks all the boxes. It’s a one-pan wonder that pairs pantry staples with hearty ingredients to deliver big flavor with minimal cleanup.

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What Kind of Orzo Should I Use?

You can use any variety of orzo you have on hand—regular, whole wheat, or even gluten-free. Just make sure to check the package for cook times, as some may vary. Regular orzo tends to have the best texture for absorbing the tomato cream sauce.

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Ingredients for the Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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How To Make the Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until soft. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Season with salt, pepper, oregano, and red pepper flakes if using.

Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Orzo

Stir in the diced tomatoes (with juices), tomato sauce, and orzo. Mix everything to combine, then pour in 1 1/2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cover. Cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender.

Step 4: Finish with Cream and Cheese

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

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Remove from heat. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.

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Serving and Storing Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce

This dish is best enjoyed hot straight from the skillet, but it also makes fantastic leftovers. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just add a splash of water or cream and warm over low heat to bring back the creamy texture.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this recipe lighter?

You can swap heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk, and use lean ground beef or ground turkey.

Can I use rice instead of orzo?

Orzo has a pasta-like texture, so if you substitute with rice, adjust the liquid and cook time accordingly. The result will be more risotto-like.

Is this freezer-friendly?

It can be frozen, though the texture of the orzo may change slightly. For best results, reheat gently and add extra cream.

What veggies can I add to this?

Spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers work beautifully. Add them in with the orzo so they cook through.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes! Replace ground beef with lentils or a plant-based meat substitute, and use vegetable broth instead of water.

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Want More Dinner Ideas?

If you loved this creamy pasta, check out these easy and comforting dinners:

• Marry Me Chicken Pasta for that dreamy sun-dried tomato and Parmesan combo.
• Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta with spinach and a luscious garlic cream base.
• Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts when you want something protein-packed and rich.
• Cheesy Mexican Rice Casserole if you’re craving Tex-Mex flair.
• One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta for a flavor-packed alternative with a twist.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can make it anytime the craving hits.

And when you do, let me know how it turned out! Did you toss in extra cheese? Add a touch of spice? I love seeing your versions—tag me on Pinterest @NinaDishes.

Feel free to ask questions in the comments—let’s make dinner even better together.

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