If you’re craving comfort food with a punch of flavor and minimal cleanup, this Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is your answer. It’s rich, creamy, hearty, and ready in under 40 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays. Orzo, that delicate rice-shaped pasta, soaks up the tangy tomato and luscious cream sauce like a dream. Meanwhile, savory ground beef brings satisfying protein and a deep, meaty base to round everything out.

This dish hits that sweet spot between pasta and stew. It’s filling but not too heavy, creamy but still fresh, and every bite packs a comforting, homestyle flavor that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds. The beauty? It’s all made in one pan. Seriously. You brown the beef, simmer the sauce, toss in the orzo, and finish it off with a splash of cream and parmesan. That’s it. Minimal dishes. Maximum flavor.

Whether you’re cooking for family, meal prepping for the week, or simply need a go-to recipe to save dinner, this creamy beef orzo has you covered.

What Makes This Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Special?

One-pan simplicity: Fewer dishes, more flavor, and minimal cleanup.
Rich, creamy texture: Tomato paste and heavy cream blend into a silky sauce.
Affordable ingredients: All pantry staples—no fancy groceries needed.
Hearty and satisfying: Protein-packed with pasta that feels like a hug.
Weeknight hero: From fridge to table in just 35-40 minutes.

This dish is ideal for beginner cooks or busy home chefs. Cooking orzo directly in the sauce saves time and boosts flavor. Plus, it’s incredibly forgiving—perfect for experimenting or tweaking based on what you’ve got in your fridge.

Ingredient Notes

Ground beef: Use 80/20 or 85/15 for good flavor. Leaner works too, but you might need a splash of oil.
Orzo: This small pasta cooks quickly and absorbs the sauce beautifully. Substitute with ditalini or small shells if needed.
Tomato paste: Adds deep, umami-rich tomato flavor. Don’t skip it.
Garlic and onion: Essential for building savory depth.
Heavy cream: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes and adds creaminess. Use half-and-half for a lighter option.
Chicken broth: Provides a flavorful base. Vegetable broth works too.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated gives the best flavor. Avoid pre-shredded.
Italian seasoning: Adds a nice herby background. Or use oregano + basil.
Salt and pepper: Adjust to taste. Season at every stage.

Optional but tasty:

Red pepper flakes (for heat)
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
A squeeze of lemon at the end for brightness

How To Make Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce

Sauté the aromatics: In a large skillet, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook another 30 seconds.
Brown the beef: Add ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink (about 6-8 minutes). Drain excess grease if necessary.
Add tomato paste and seasoning: Stir in tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Cook for 1-2 minutes to toast the tomato paste.
Deglaze and simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and stir to deglaze the pan. Bring to a simmer.
Add orzo and cook: Stir in the orzo. Lower heat to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.
Finish with cream and cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and parmesan cheese. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes until creamy and thick. Adjust seasoning if needed.
Serve and garnish: Spoon into bowls, garnish with fresh herbs, and enjoy immediately.

Tip: If the mixture gets too thick before the orzo is fully cooked, add a splash more broth or water.

Storage Options

Room temperature: Not recommended—cool and refrigerate within 1 hour.
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or water.
Freezer: Cool completely and freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
Reheating tip: Add a little liquid when reheating to restore creaminess.

Variations and Substitutions

Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Make it vegetarian: Skip the meat and add mushrooms or chickpeas.
Spice it up: Add diced jalapeños or smoked paprika.
Add veggies: Stir in spinach, zucchini, or roasted red peppers.
Use a different pasta: Try small shells or elbows.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes! Just use something small and adjust the liquid/cook time as needed.

What if I don’t have tomato paste? You can use a bit of tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes, but the sauce may be thinner.

How do I make this dish gluten-free? Use gluten-free orzo or short pasta and check that all other ingredients are GF-friendly.

Can I prep this ahead? Yes! It reheats well. Just add a bit of broth or water before reheating.

Can I make this dairy-free? Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and skip the cheese—or use a vegan alternative.

Is this spicy? Not unless you add red pepper flakes. Adjust to taste.

Conclusion

This Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is everything a home-cooked meal should be: warm, comforting, simple to prepare, and packed with flavor. It’s the kind of dish that becomes a go-to after just one taste. So grab a skillet, cozy up, and give this recipe a try. Don’t forget to tag your photos and let us know how you liked it!