When I think of comfort food, this Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is one of the first dishes that comes to mind. My mom used to make it on chilly evenings when we all craved something warm, hearty, and familiar. The smell of simmering beef, tomatoes, and herbs would fill the kitchen, and we’d gather around the table, ready for seconds before we even finished our first bite.
This recipe has stayed close to my heart over the years — a cozy, creamy, family-style dinner that feels like a hug in a bowl. I’m so excited to share this comforting classic with you.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce — A Comforting Classic
This Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is the epitome of a satisfying, home-cooked meal. It’s the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out, leaving you feeling nourished and content. The savory ground beef, tangy tomato sauce, and tender orzo pasta come together in a way that’s both familiar and delightful. It’s the kind of meal that fits seamlessly into the rhythm of real life, whether you’re feeding a hungry family or treating yourself to a cozy dinner.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Difficulty: Easy
What Is Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce?
Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is one of those cozy dinners that tastes like you’ve been simmering it all afternoon… even though it comes together on a regular weeknight. Think: savory browned beef, tender orzo, and a tomato sauce that turns silky and mellow once cream and Parmesan join the party. It’s hearty, comforting, and super family-friendly — the kind of meal that makes everyone “accidentally” wander back into the kitchen for a second scoop.
What makes it special
- Orzo = sauce magnet: those tiny pasta grains soak up flavor like a dream.
- Tomato + cream: the cream softens tomato acidity and makes the sauce extra cozy.
- One-pan comfort vibes: it’s satisfying without needing a dozen steps.
Quick texture + flavor guide
| If you love… | You’ll love this dish because… |
|---|---|
| Creamy pasta | The sauce is velvety and coats every bite |
| Classic beef & tomato | It’s familiar, warm, and not fussy |
| Easy weeknight dinners | It feels “special” but is totally doable |
If you’re craving more cozy comfort, you’ll probably love Slow Cooker Amish Pot Roast and Steak and Ale Pot Pie. For a lighter side, try Tangy Purple Cabbage Slaw or Sumac Cucumbers.
Curious about what orzo is? Bon Appétit has a simple guide to orzo pasta.
Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce
This is one of those recipes that feels both easy and special at the same time — the kind of meal you’ll want to make again and again.
- Comforting, creamy, and deeply satisfying
- Made with simple, budget-friendly ingredients
- On the table in less than an hour — ideal for cozy weeknight dinners.
- Family-friendly and picky-eater approved
- Reheats beautifully for leftovers or meal prep
- Feels indulgent without being complicated
It’s the perfect balance of cozy, creamy, hearty, and effortless.
Print
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is pure cozy comfort: savory browned beef, tender orzo, and a silky tomato cream sauce finished with Parmesan. It’s an easy weeknight dinner that tastes like a warm hug in a bowl.
Ingredients
– 1 pound ground beef (80/20 or 85/15)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
– 1 cup tomato sauce (or passata)
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup orzo pasta
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened, then stir in garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until browned and cooked through (about 5–7 minutes). Drain excess grease if needed.
3. Stir in Italian seasoning, oregano (if using), red pepper flakes (if using), diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Simmer 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Meanwhile, cook orzo in salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.
5. Lower heat and stir heavy cream into the sauce. Simmer gently 2–3 minutes (don’t boil hard).
6. Stir in Parmesan until melted and smooth. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
7. Fold in the cooked orzo until coated in the creamy tomato sauce. If it thickens too much, add a splash of warm water or broth.
8. Serve hot with fresh basil and extra Parmesan.
Notes
– Want it spicier? Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
– For a lighter version, use lean ground beef or ground turkey and swap heavy cream for half-and-half (the sauce will be a bit thinner).
– Leftovers keep well for 3–4 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk/broth to loosen the sauce.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: 🍲 Comfort Classics & Casseroles
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/4 cups
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Ingredients Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce (And Why They Matter)
This recipe uses simple pantry staples, but each ingredient plays an important role in building that rich, cozy flavor and creamy texture we love.
Core Ingredients & Their Purpose
- Ground beef — Adds hearty, savory depth and makes the dish filling and satisfying
- Onion — Brings natural sweetness and builds a flavorful base
- Garlic — Enhances aroma and boosts overall richness
- Tomato sauce — Creates a smooth, tangy foundation for the cream sauce
- Diced tomatoes — Add texture, brightness, and a fresh tomato bite
- Orzo pasta — A small pasta that absorbs sauce beautifully and keeps each bite creamy
- Heavy cream — Softens the acidity of tomatoes and gives the sauce a silky, luxurious finish
- Parmesan cheese — Adds salty, nutty depth and boosts umami
- Italian herbs (basil & oregano) — Provide warmth and classic comfort-food flavor
- Red pepper flakes — Optional, but great for a subtle kick of heat
- Salt and black pepper — The final touch that brings all the flavors into harmony.
Helpful Ingredient Tips
- Use 80/20 ground beef for the best flavor and tenderness
- Full-fat cream creates a richer, smoother sauce
- Freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly and delivers a brighter, richer flavor
Each ingredient works together to create a dish that feels creamy, comforting, and deeply satisfying — without being complicated.
Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce — Ingredient Swaps
If you need to make a substitution, here are a few options:
| Needs | Swap | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Ground beef | Ground turkey or chicken | For a leaner protein option |
| Orzo pasta | Elbow macaroni or small shells | Any small, pasta shape will work |
| Heavy cream | Half-and-half or whole milk | For a lighter sauce |
| Parmesan cheese | Mozzarella or Asiago | For a different cheese flavor |
Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce — Tools You’ll Need
To make this Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce, you’ll need a few basic kitchen tools:
- Large skillet or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board and knife
- (Optional) Immersion blender for a smooth sauce
How to Make Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce (Step-by-Step)
This recipe is straightforward, beginner-friendly, and perfect for busy weeknights. The goal is to build flavor in layers while keeping everything creamy and comforting.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned and crumbly. Break it up as it cooks so it stays tender. Drain excess grease if needed.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
Stir the diced onion into the pan and sauté until tender and gently golden. Stir in garlic and cook briefly until fragrant — this builds a rich, savory flavor base.
3. Create the Tomato Cream Sauce
Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, herbs, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently so the flavors blend and deepen.
4. Cook the Orzo Separately
Boil orzo in salted water until tender but not mushy. Drain well.
5. Combine & Finish
Fold the cooked orzo into the sauce, stirring until evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Why This Method Works
- Browning beef adds deep flavor
- Simmering develops a richer sauce
- Cooking orzo separately prevents it from becoming over-soft
The result is a creamy, cozy dish that feels homemade, hearty, and full of love.
Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Nutrition Notes
This is cozy comfort food, so it’s naturally a bit richer — but it can still fit beautifully into a balanced week. What matters most is portion size, the fat level of your beef, and how much cream + cheese you use. Ground beef brings protein and iron, orzo adds satisfying carbs for energy, and the tomato base contributes vitamins and antioxidants (tomatoes are especially known for lycopene).
What typically impacts the numbers most
- Beef choice: 80/20 = richer; 90/10 = lighter
- Cream amount: more cream = more calories + saturated fat
- Cheese amount: Parmesan adds protein + sodium
- Serving size: this dish is easy to “over-scoop” (I get it 😅)
Easy ways to lighten it (without losing the cozy vibe)
- Use lean ground beef or ground turkey
- Swap heavy cream for half-and-half (still creamy, just lighter)
- Add spinach or zucchini to increase volume + fiber
Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce — Cozy Kitchen Tips & Little Secrets
This is one of those recipes that’s forgiving, flexible, and almost impossible to ruin — but a few small kitchen tricks can take it from good to wow, this tastes like a hug.
Flavor-Boosting Secrets
- Let the beef brown deeply before adding anything else — those caramelized bits add rich, savory depth
- Simmer the sauce a little longer than you think — extra time = deeper, more comforting flavor
- Finish with a small splash of cream or olive oil right before serving for a silky, restaurant-style touch
- Grate Parmesan fresh if possible — it melts smoother and tastes brighter
Texture Tips (So It’s Never Mushy)
- Keep orzo just slightly al dente — it will soften more in the sauce
- If the dish thickens too much, add a splash of warm broth or pasta water to loosen it
- Stir gently once combined to keep the orzo tender and creamy
Make It Feel Extra Special
- Finish with a handful of fresh herbs to add a bright, colorful touch
- Serve it in warm bowls for extra cozy vibes
- Light a candle, play soft music, and turn dinner into a tiny moment of comfort — even on a busy night
Sometimes it’s not just about the recipe… it’s about how it makes your kitchen feel warm, calm, and a little more like home 💛
Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Variations
This recipe is wonderfully flexible — like a favorite sweater you can style a dozen ways. Whether you want it spicier, lighter, or packed with veggies, you can tweak it without losing that creamy, cozy heart.
Easy flavor swaps (choose one)
- Spicy kick: add extra red pepper flakes or a spoon of Calabrian chili paste
- Italian-style: stir in a pinch of fennel seed + a little extra oregano
- Extra creamy: add a splash of cream at the end + a handful of Parmesan
Add-in ideas (pick 1–2)
- Veggie boost: spinach, zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers
- More protein: swap some beef for Italian sausage, or use ground turkey
- Cheese moment: mozzarella for stretch, or fontina for melt
Variation table
| Variation | What to change | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Veggie-packed | Add spinach + mushrooms | Heartier, more colorful |
| Spicy | Add chili flakes + hot sauce | Warm heat, bold flavor |
| Lighter | Use turkey + half-and-half | Same comfort, a bit lighter |
For safe storage + reheating basics, the USDA has clear leftover guidelines.
Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Serving Ideas
This dish is already a full meal, but the right sides make it feel like a cozy little dinner moment — even if you’re eating in socks by the fridge light (no judgment, bestie).
My favorite ways to serve it
- Fresh + crunchy: a simple green salad with lemony vinaigrette
- Roasty + cozy: roasted broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or sheet-pan veggies
- Bread on the side: warm rolls, garlic bread, or a thick slice of sourdough
Toppings that make it extra special
- Fresh basil or parsley
- Extra Parmesan (always)
- A pinch of red pepper flakes
- A drizzle of olive oil for shine
Pairing table
| What you want | Serve it with | Why it works |
|---|---|---|
| Cozy comfort | Honey Oat Sourdough Bread | Perfect for scooping sauce |
| Bright balance | Thai Mango Salad | Cuts richness with fresh zing |
| Easy side | Sumac Cucumbers | Cool, crunchy, quick |
Try it with Honey Oat Sourdough Bread, or add a fresh pop with Thai Mango Salad.
Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce — Storage & Reheating
Leftovers of this dish are honestly a gift — the flavors deepen overnight and it reheats really well if you’re gentle with it. For food safety, the USDA recommends keeping cooked leftovers in the fridge for 3–4 days, and reheating leftovers to 165°F / 74°C.
Storage (best results)
- Cool, then store in an airtight container within 2 hours
- Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days
- Keep a tiny container of extra Parmesan for serving (optional but delightful)
Reheating (keep it creamy)
Microwave (fast):
- Stir in a small splash of milk, cream, broth, or water to loosen the sauce.
- Cover loosely, heat in 30–45 second bursts, stir between rounds
- Heat until steaming hot (aim for 165°F if using a thermometer)
Stovetop (best texture):
- Warm on low with a splash of liquid, stir gently until creamy and hot
Freezing note
The USDA says freezing keeps food safe longer, but quality can change. With orzo, texture can soften after thawing — so if you plan ahead, freezing the sauce alone often tastes best.
Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce — FAQ’s
Can I substitute orzo with a different type of pasta?
Yes! While orzo works beautifully because it absorbs sauce so well, you can substitute small pasta shapes like ditalini, elbow macaroni, small shells, or rotini. Keep in mind that cook time can change a bit depending on the pasta you choose.
Is Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce gluten-free?
Not as written, since orzo is made from wheat. To make it gluten-free, simply swap in a gluten-free small pasta or try cooked rice for a similar texture.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely. Replace heavy cream with unsweetened coconut milk, oat cream, or cashew cream, and skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative. The sauce will still be creamy and flavorful.
How do I make this dish healthier or lower in calories?
You can lighten it up by:
– Using lean ground beef or ground turkey
– Swapping heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk
– Adding extra vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms
– Reducing cheese slightly without losing flavor
Can Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce be made in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the sauce up to 3–4 days in advance and refrigerate it. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce and stir in freshly cooked orzo for the best texture.
Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce — Final Thoughts
This Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce will always feel like home to me — cozy, creamy, nostalgic, and comforting in the best way. It’s the kind of recipe that brings people together around the table, encourages second helpings, and turns ordinary evenings into warm little memories.
I hope this dish brings the same comfort and joy to your kitchen that it’s brought to mine over the years. 💛
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