There’s something magical about a warm bowl of Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce that brings everyone together. Imagine the savory aroma wafting through your kitchen, enticing family and friends to gather around the table, ready to dig in. Creamy Beef Stroganoff Recipe The creamy tomato sauce envelops tender orzo and hearty ground beef, creating a comforting dish that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening.

This recipe isn’t just about flavor; it’s about memories. I remember one rainy Sunday afternoon when I whipped up this dish for my family. As the rain tapped against the window, we shared stories and laughter over steaming bowls of orzo goodness. Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes It was one of those moments where food became the centerpiece of joy, and everyone went back for seconds—clearly a success.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This delightful Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is quick to prepare, making weeknight dinners stress-free
- The rich flavors will have your taste buds dancing in delight
- Its vibrant colors make it a feast for the eyes, sure to impress your guests
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to customize with seasonal vegetables or herbs from your garden!
I once made this dish for friends who were skeptical about orzo as an alternative to pasta. Their eyes widened with each bite as they declared it “the best orzo ever,” leaving me feeling like a culinary superstar. Cowboy Pasta Salad.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Ground Beef: Choose lean ground beef for a healthy option without sacrificing flavor; aim for about 80% lean.
- Orzo Pasta: This rice-shaped pasta cooks quickly and absorbs flavors beautifully; perfect for our creamy sauce.
- Canned Diced Tomatoes: Opt for high-quality tomatoes to ensure that fresh taste shines through in the sauce.
- Heavy Cream: Adds richness and creaminess; don’t skimp on this ingredient if you want that luxurious texture.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic elevates the dish with its aromatic punch; always go fresh over powdered.
- Onion: Chopped onion provides sweetness and depth; I prefer yellow onions for their balance of flavor.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds an authentic Italian touch; feel free to adjust based on your preference.
- Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for sautéing; it enhances flavor while keeping everything wonderfully moist.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a salty kick and complements the creamy sauce perfectly; always sprinkle extra on top before serving!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Start by prepping all your ingredients so you can cook efficiently without interruptions. Grab a large pot and set it over medium heat.
Sauté the Aromatics: Drizzle olive oil into your pot and add chopped onions. Cook until translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Toss in minced garlic for another minute until it’s wonderfully aromatic.
Brown the Ground Beef: Increase heat slightly and add ground beef to the pot. Break it up with a spatula and cook until browned, ensuring no pink remains—about 5-7 minutes will do nicely.
Add Tomatoes and Seasoning: Pour in canned diced tomatoes along with Italian seasoning. Stir well to combine all those beautiful flavors, letting them meld together for about 5 minutes.
Pasta Time: Add orzo into the pot along with enough water or broth to cover it by an inch—this allows the orzo to soak up all those delicious flavors while cooking.
Create the Creamy Sauce: Once the orzo is nearly cooked (about 8-10 minutes), reduce heat and slowly stir in heavy cream until fully incorporated. Let it simmer gently until thickened slightly—around 3-4 minutes should do!
Add Finishing Touches: Remove from heat and fold in grated Parmesan cheese until melted into that luscious sauce. Taste test and adjust seasoning if necessary—maybe a pinch more salt?
Serve immediately while hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if you’re feeling fancy! Cheese Tortellini with Veggies.
And there you have it! A bowl of Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce ready to enjoy—perfect for cozy nights spent at home or impressing guests at dinner parties! For more inspiration, check out this Ultimate Guinness Beef Stew recipe.
You Must Know
- Ground beef orzo with tomato cream sauce is a comforting dish that packs a flavor punch
- The combination of tender orzo and rich tomato cream creates a delightful experience, while the dish is quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by browning the ground beef in a large skillet, then add garlic and onion. Meanwhile, cook the orzo in salted boiling water until al dente. Mix everything together with the tomato cream sauce and enjoy!
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out ground beef for turkey or chicken for a lighter option. You can also add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to boost nutrition and flavor, making it uniquely yours.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to restore creaminess.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To create an unforgettable dish, use high-quality diced tomatoes and fresh herbs
- Don’t forget to season generously; this makes all the difference in flavor
- Perfect for impressing guests while being easy enough for a family dinner!
Cooking this ground beef orzo with tomato cream sauce has transformed my weeknight dinners from boring to brilliant. Friends rave about how creamy and comforting it is—I’ll never forget that one time my neighbor asked for seconds…and thirds!
FAQ
What can I substitute for ground beef in this recipe?
You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare it ahead and reheat when ready to serve for convenience.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
To thicken the sauce, simmer it longer or add a touch of cornstarch mixed with water.

Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce
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- Author: Mery Mack
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is a heartwarming dish that combines tender orzo and savory ground beef enveloped in a rich, creamy tomato sauce. This comforting meal is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings, bringing family and friends together around the dinner table. With its delightful flavors and vibrant colors, it’s a feast for both the palate and the eyes, sure to impress everyone who tries it.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef (80% lean)
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent (3-4 minutes). Stir in minced garlic for an additional minute.
- Increase heat slightly; add ground beef. Cook until browned (5-7 minutes), breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Stir in canned diced tomatoes and Italian seasoning; let simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add orzo with enough water or broth to cover it by an inch. Cook until orzo is al dente (8-10 minutes).
- Reduce heat and slowly stir in heavy cream; let simmer until slightly thickened (3-4 minutes).
- Fold in grated Parmesan cheese until melted; adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg