Description

Creamy, comforting, and packed with bold flavor, this Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is the ultimate one-pan easy dinner. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something cozy but still quick to pull together. A silky tomato cream sauce hugs each bite of tender orzo and juicy ground beef, making it a go-to recipe for easy meals, weeknight family favorites, and comfort food cravings. Whether you’re looking for an easy recipe, quick dinner ideas, or weeknight food inspiration, this dish delivers every time.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 small yellow onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 pound ground beef (85/15)

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

1 1/2 cups orzo pasta

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 (14-ounce) can crushed tomatoes

3 cups beef broth

1/2 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and sauté until translucent.

2. Add garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Drain excess fat if needed.

4. Stir in the orzo and cook for 1–2 minutes to toast lightly.

5. Mix in tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, and beef broth. Stir everything together well.

6. Bring to a simmer and cook uncovered for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and liquid mostly absorbed.

7. Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream. Stir to combine.

8. Add Parmesan and stir until melted and the sauce is creamy.

9. Serve hot with fresh basil and more Parmesan on top if desired.

Notes

Use ground beef with some fat for the best flavor—85/15 works perfectly.

Toasting the orzo enhances its flavor and helps prevent mushiness.

If reheating leftovers, add a splash of broth or water to revive the creaminess.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Skillet
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
Calories: 620
Sugar: 7g
Sodium: 740mg
Fat: 34g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 1g
Carbohydrates: 47g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 31g
Cholesterol: 110mg

Keywords: easy dinner, one pan meals, creamy orzo, ground beef recipes, comfort food