This delicious ground beef orzo with tomato cream sauce is a comforting, fuss-free dish that turns everyday ingredients into a cozy dinner. With minimal prep and a short cooking time, it’s perfect for busy evenings when you want something filling and flavorful without spending hours in the kitchen. Tender orzo, savory beef, and a creamy tomato sauce come together for a meal that feels like a warm embrace. Whether you’re cooking for the family or batch-prepping meals ahead of time, this recipe fits the bill for simplicity and flavor.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Fast, Flavorful, and Filling
In just half an hour, you’ll have a hearty, satisfying dish that tastes like it took all day. With basic ingredients and simple steps, this recipe is ideal for nights when you want something homemade without the hassle.
Comfort Meets Gourmet with Minimal Effort
The velvety sauce, rich beef, and perfectly cooked orzo come together to create a dish that feels elevated yet approachable. The addition of garlic and parmesan adds depth, while a crispy bread crumb topping finishes everything with a satisfying crunch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
1 pound ground beef
Opt for an 85% lean mix for a juicy, flavorful base that won’t leave the dish greasy.
1 cup orzo pasta
This small pasta shape cooks quickly and absorbs sauce beautifully, giving each bite a creamy texture.
2 cups marinara sauce
Choose your favorite store-bought marinara or use a homemade version. It gives the dish its signature tomato base.
1/2 cup heavy cream
This ingredient transforms the marinara into a smooth, creamy sauce with a luxurious feel.
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
Adds a salty, nutty note that enriches the sauce and enhances the overall flavor.
2 cloves garlic, minced
Garlic brings warmth and aromatic depth to the dish, making it smell as good as it tastes.
Garlic bread crumbs, for topping
Adds texture and a hint of toasted garlic to every bite. Make your own or use store-bought.
Salt and pepper, to taste
Season as you go to bring out the best in each ingredient.
How to Make Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce
This dish starts by browning ground beef, then simmering it with marinara and garlic for bold flavor. Meanwhile, orzo is cooked separately until just tender. After that, you’ll enrich the sauce with cream and cheese before combining everything in the pan. A topping of garlic bread crumbs adds the final touch, bringing texture and a burst of flavor to this satisfying meal.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and break it into small pieces with a spoon. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes until fully browned. Lightly season with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Drain and Return
Remove excess fat by draining the beef, then return it to the skillet.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Marinara
Add minced garlic to the beef and sauté for about a minute. Pour in marinara sauce, stir to combine, and reduce heat to low. Let simmer for 5 minutes.
Step 4: Boil the Orzo
In a separate pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add orzo and cook according to package directions, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
Step 5: Add Cream and Parmesan
Lower the heat on the sauce and pour in the heavy cream. Stir gently, then add the parmesan. Continue stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
Step 6: Combine with Orzo
Add the cooked orzo to the skillet and stir until evenly coated with the sauce. Let it simmer for another 2 minutes.
Step 7: Serve with Toppings
Taste the dish and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve warm, topped with garlic bread crumbs.
Helpful Tips
Use fresh parmesan for better melting and taste.
Make sure the cream is added when the heat is low to avoid curdling.
Cook orzo just until al dente so it doesn’t get mushy when mixed with the sauce.
Use a wide skillet for even cooking and easier mixing.
Keep bread crumbs separate until serving if making ahead, so they stay crisp.
Details
Flavor: Savory with a creamy tomato base, nutty parmesan, and aromatic garlic
Texture: Tender orzo in a smooth sauce with crunchy topping
Occasion: Great for quick dinners, leftovers, or meal prep
Prep/Cook Time: Prep 10 minutes, Cook 20 minutes, Total 30 minutes
Notes (Optional Variations)
Ground turkey or chicken can be used for a leaner version.
For a vegetarian option, try replacing beef with lentils or chopped mushrooms.
Spinach or kale can be stirred in at the end for added nutrients.
Use gluten-free orzo if preferred.
Swap parmesan for pecorino or romano for a sharper flavor.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 520 kcal |
| Fat | 28 g |
| Saturated Fat | 13 g |
| Carbohydrates | 39 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
| Protein | 25 g |
These values are approximate and may vary depending on ingredient brands and substitutions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can orzo be cooked directly in tomato cream sauce?
Cooking orzo separately helps keep the texture ideal and prevents the sauce from thickening too much.
What type of ground beef works best for orzo dishes?
A mix with 15% fat (85/15) offers the right balance of flavor and tenderness without being overly greasy.
How do you keep tomato cream sauce from curdling?
Keep the heat low when adding cream and avoid boiling after it’s stirred in.
Can ground beef orzo be made ahead for meal prep?
Absolutely. Store in airtight containers and reheat gently. Keep bread crumbs separate until serving.
Storage Instructions
Let the dish cool before transferring it to containers. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days. When reheating, use a stovetop with a splash of cream or broth for best results. You can freeze it for up to a month. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat as needed.
Print
Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce | A Comforting Weeknight Favorite
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Creamy orzo pasta combined with ground beef and tomato cream sauce makes for a quick, comforting dinner ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 cup orzo pasta
2 cups marinara sauce
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
Garlic bread crumbs, for topping
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet.
2. Drain the excess fat and return beef to the pan.
3. Add garlic and marinara sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Boil orzo in a separate pot until al dente.
5. Reduce heat and stir cream and parmesan into the sauce.
6. Combine orzo with the sauce and stir well.
7. Top with garlic bread crumbs before serving.
Notes
You can swap beef for turkey or mushrooms.
Add leafy greens for more nutrition.
Use gluten-free pasta if needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Protein: 25g
Conclusion
This ground beef orzo with tomato cream sauce is the perfect balance of comfort and convenience. It’s quick to prepare, made with everyday ingredients, and packed with flavor in every bite. Whether you’re feeding the family or cooking for yourself, this recipe offers a creamy, savory solution that always hits the spot. Try it once, and it’s sure to become a regular on your dinner rotation.