If you’re searching for a dependable weeknight dinner that delivers comfort, flavor, and minimal cleanup, this Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is the kind of recipe you’ll return to often. The orzo cooks directly in the skillet, absorbing all the richness from the tomato broth and ground beef, while a splash of cream brings everything together into a velvety, satisfying sauce.

This dish consistently cooks in under 30 minutes and develops deep flavor without complicated steps or specialty ingredients. It’s a practical, family-friendly recipe perfect for busy evenings, meal-prep weeks, or anytime you need a warm, hearty skillet dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. One-Pan Efficiency

Everything—from browning the beef to simmering the orzo—happens in a single skillet. Fewer dishes, faster cleanup, and a more enjoyable cooking experience.

2. Layers of Flavor With Simple Ingredients

Aromatics, toasted orzo, tomato sauce, and beef broth create a foundation of flavor that rivals more time-consuming recipes.

3. Creamy, Comforting Texture

Adding cream at the end produces a smooth, velvety sauce that coats every bite.

4. Kid-Friendly and Reliable

The flavors are familiar, balanced, and mild enough for kids, yet rich and satisfying for adults.

5. Customizable for Any Cooking Style

You can add vegetables, switch proteins, or adjust the richness without disrupting the core method.

Tools You’ll Need

To ensure smooth cooking and proper texture:

• Large nonstick or heavy-bottomed skillet
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups
• Knife & cutting board

A wide skillet helps the orzo cook evenly and prevents sticking—important for consistent results.

How to Make Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce

Before You Begin:
Preheat and prepare your cookware as needed. Cooking times and results may vary depending on your equipment and ingredients.

1. Sauté the Aromatics
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic and cook 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
2. Cook the Ground Beef Safely
   Add ground beef and cook until fully browned. Break it into small pieces as it cooks.
   Cook to 160°F (71°C) for safe doneness.
   Drain excess fat if desired.
3. Toast the Orzo
   Add the dry orzo to the skillet and stir for 1 minute until lightly toasted. This helps achieve a better texture and prevents sticking.
4. Add the Liquid and Seasonings
   Stir in tomato sauce, broth, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
5. Simmer Until Tender
   Reduce heat to low and simmer 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
6. Add the Cream
   Reduce heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and cook 2–3 minutes until the sauce is creamy.
   Avoid boiling after adding cream to prevent curdling.
7. Serve
   Serve warm with parsley or basil as a garnish.

Tips for Best Results

Toast the Orzo

Don’t skip this step—it deepens flavor and helps prevent mushiness.

Keep the Simmer Gentle

A low simmer cooks orzo evenly without over-softening.

Season in Layers

Taste before adding cream and again before serving.

Use Good Tomato Sauce

A well-balanced tomato sauce dramatically improves the final flavor.

Add Vegetables

This dish adapts easily to nutrient boosts—spinach, carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers work well.

How to Serve This Dish

• Simple green salad with vinaigrette
• Parmesan or mozzarella on top
• Warm garlic bread
• Extra herbs for color
• A sprinkle of red pepper flakes for mild heat

Storage & Reheating Guide

Refrigerator

Store up to 3 days in airtight containers.

Freezer

Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with date.

Reheating Methods

Microwave: 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway
Stovetop: Add broth or water to loosen the sauce
Oven: 350°F for 20 minutes, covered

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking: Orzo cooks fast—check early.
• Skipping aromatics: Remove them, and the dish tastes flat.
• Adding cream too early: It can separate if boiled.
• Not stirring enough: Orzo sticks if left untouched.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I substitute a different type of pasta for orzo?
Yes. While orzo gives this dish its signature texture, several small pasta shapes work well in its place. Ditalini, mini shells, elbows, or even small macaroni can be used with minimal adjustments. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as different shapes absorb liquid at different speeds. Add extra broth gradually if the pasta absorbs more than expected before it becomes tender.

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely. Lean ground turkey or chicken is an excellent substitute if you’re looking for a lighter option. Because poultry has a milder flavor than beef, you may want to add an extra pinch of salt, oregano, or garlic to balance the dish. The rest of the cooking method remains exactly the same.

How can I add more vegetables to this recipe?
This dish adapts very well to added vegetables. Bell peppers, shredded carrots, zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach work beautifully. Add firmer vegetables—like carrots or bell peppers—along with the onions so they soften properly. Spinach or kale should be stirred in at the end, just before adding the cream.

Can this meal be prepared ahead of time?
You can prep the aromatics, portion ingredients, or brown the beef in advance, but the full dish tastes best when cooked fresh. If making ahead, store it tightly covered and reheat with a splash of broth to restore the creamy texture.

Why is my orzo sticking to the skillet?
Orzo can stick if the heat is too high or if the mixture isn’t stirred occasionally. Using a nonstick skillet and maintaining a gentle simmer prevents this issue. If the sauce becomes too thick, simply add a small amount of broth to loosen it.

Conclusion

This Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is the kind of dependable dinner that makes weeknights easier. It’s flavorful without being complicated, creamy without feeling heavy, and family-friendly without sacrificing taste. Whether you’re cooking for a busy evening or prepping meals ahead, this dish brings comfort and reliability every time you make it.

Recipe Card

Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce
Author: Isaac Blogger
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Method: Stovetop
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup dry orzo
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 2 cups beef broth
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley (optional)

Before You Begin

Preheat and prepare your cookware as needed. Cooking times and results may vary depending on your equipment and ingredients.

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook 2–3 minutes until softened.
2. Add ground beef. Cook until browned and crumbly, reaching 160°F (71°C) for safe doneness. Drain excess fat if needed.
3. Stir in dry orzo and toast for 1 minute.
4. Add tomato sauce, broth, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle boil.
5. Reduce heat to low. Simmer 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender.
6. Reduce heat and stir in heavy cream. Cook 2–3 minutes until creamy, avoiding boiling.
7. Serve warm. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Nutrition (Estimated per serving)

Calories: 468
Carbs: 45g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 23g
Fiber: 2g
Sodium: 580mg
Nutrition Disclaimer: Values are estimates and vary by ingredients used.