Name: Creamy Ground Beef Orzo: Tomato Sauce Comfort in a Bowl
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 70 min
Total time: 85 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 small onion, finely diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 tbsp tomato paste; ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional); Salt and black pepper, to taste; 1 ½ cups orzo pasta; 2 ½ cups beef broth; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Ground Beef Orzo Tomato Cream Sauce is more than just a meal; it’s a culinary hug in a bowl, promising warmth, flavor, and immense satisfaction with every spoonful. I’m genuinely thrilled to share this recipe with you, as it has become a staple in my own kitchen for its undeniable comfort and incredible ease. Imagine tender orzo pasta, perfectly cooked and coated in a rich, savory sauce brimming with seasoned ground beef and the bright zest of tomatoes, all brought together with a touch of creamy indulgence.

A Beloved Comfort Dish for All

While dishes featuring ground meat and pasta are a beloved tradition across countless cultures, from Italian ragù to Greek pastitsio, this particular rendition celebrates the wholesome simplicity and quick preparation time that modern cooks appreciate. Orzo, with its delightful rice-like shape, offers a unique texture that beautifully soaks up all the glorious flavors, making each bite truly memorable. It’s the kind of dish that genuinely satisfies, hitting all the right notes: hearty, flavorful, and incredibly comforting, making this Ground Beef Orzo Tomato Cream Sauce an absolute winner for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend supper. Its appealing blend of textures and deeply satisfying taste makes it a universally cherished favorite that I believe you will adore for its ease and profound deliciousness.

Ingredients:

For the Ground Beef:
- 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef (I usually go for 85/15 or 90/10 for a good balance of flavor without too much grease)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for browning the beef, if needed, but often the beef releases enough fat)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Aromatics & Sauce Base:
- 1 large yellow onion, finely diced (about 1 ½ cups)
- 4-5 cloves garlic, minced (I love garlic, so I often go for 5!)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing the aromatics)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste (this is key for a deep umami flavor)
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes (the smooth consistency works beautifully here)
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes (optional, but I sometimes add it for a bit more texture, though crushed is main)
- 3 cups beef broth (low sodium is best so you can control the seasoning)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick!)
- 1 bay leaf (adds a subtle complexity to the sauce)
For the Orzo & Creaminess:
- 1 ½ cups orzo pasta (uncooked)
- ½ cup heavy cream (this is what gives us that lovely “cream sauce” richness)
For Finishing & Garnish:
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (or fresh basil, or a mix of both, for a pop of freshness)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Preparation & Sautéing the Ground Beef:

Get Prepped: Before you even think about turning on the stove, let’s get everything ready. Trust me, mise en place makes cooking so much more enjoyable and less stressful. Finely dice your yellow onion. Mince your garlic cloves – if you’re like me and love garlic, don’t be shy! Measure out your spices and have your cans of tomatoes and broth ready. This dish comes together fairly quickly once you start, so having everything within reach is a game-changer.
Brown the Ground Beef: Grab a large, heavy-bottomed pot or a Dutch oven – something with plenty of space is ideal for this “Ground Beef Orzo Tomato Cream Sauce.” Place it over medium-high heat. Add your lean ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Season it with ½ teaspoon of salt and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper right away. This seasoning step is crucial for building flavor from the very beginning. Allow the beef to brown nicely, stirring occasionally. We’re looking for a good, deep brown color on the beef; this caramelization adds incredible depth of flavor to our finished dish. Don’t rush this step! It usually takes about 7-10 minutes.
Drain Excess Fat (if necessary): If your ground beef has released a significant amount of fat, carefully tilt the pot and use a spoon or ladle to remove most of it. You want to leave just about a tablespoon or so in the pot to help sauté our aromatics later. Too much fat can make the final dish greasy, and we’re aiming for a rich, comforting, but balanced “Ground Beef Orzo Tomato Cream Sauce.”

Building the Sauce Base:

Sauté the Aromatics: With the beef nicely browned and any excess fat drained, reduce the heat to medium. If the pot seems a little dry after draining, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Now, add your finely diced onion to the pot. Sauté the onion, stirring frequently, for about 5-7 minutes, until it becomes soft and translucent. You’ll notice the onions starting to sweeten and become aromatic – this is a wonderful foundation for our sauce.
Introduce the Garlic and Tomato Paste: Once the onions are soft, push them to one side of the pot, creating a little space in the center. Add your minced garlic to the cleared spot and let it cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it! Immediately after, add the 2 tablespoons of tomato paste to the same spot. Stir the tomato paste frequently for 1-2 minutes, allowing it to deepen in color and caramelize slightly. This step, known as “cooking off” the tomato paste, is vital for developing a richer, less acidic tomato flavor in your “Ground Beef Orzo Tomato Cream Sauce.” It really makes a difference, trust me!
Deglaze and Build Flavor: Now, stir the cooked garlic and tomato paste into the onions and ground beef, mixing everything together thoroughly. Pour in about ½ cup of the beef broth, scraping the bottom of the pot with your spoon to loosen any browned bits (this is called deglazing!). Those browned bits are packed with flavor, and you definitely want them incorporated into your sauce.
Add the Tomatoes and Seasonings: Add the entire can of crushed tomatoes to the pot, along with the optional can of diced tomatoes if you’re using them. Pour in the remaining 2 ½ cups of beef broth. Now, let’s get those delicious spices in there! Stir in the dried Italian seasoning, dried oregano, and the red pepper flakes (if you’re using them for that subtle warmth). Don’t forget to add the bay leaf; it’s a quiet hero that adds a beautiful depth to the sauce while it simmers. Give everything a good stir to combine all these fantastic flavors.
Simmer the Sauce: Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Once it’s simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook for at least 20-30 minutes. This slow simmer allows all the flavors to meld and deepen, transforming from individual ingredients into a harmonious, rich sauce. The longer it simmers, the more profound the flavors will become, making for an absolutely irresistible “Ground Beef Orzo Tomato Cream Sauce.” I often let mine go for 45 minutes if I have the time. Stir occasionally to prevent anything from sticking to the bottom.

Cooking the Orzo & Simmering the Sauce:

Introduce the Orzo: After the sauce has had a good, long simmer and developed incredible flavor, remove the bay leaf and discard it. Now, it’s time to add our star pasta: the orzo! Stir the 1 ½ cups of uncooked orzo directly into the simmering sauce. Make sure to stir it in well so it’s fully submerged in the liquid.
Cook the Orzo to Perfection: Increase the heat slightly to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook the orzo, uncovered, for about 10-15 minutes, stirring frequently. This frequent stirring is important to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom of the pot, and it also helps release its starch, which will thicken our “Ground Beef Orzo Tomato Cream Sauce” beautifully. You’re looking for the orzo to be al dente – tender with a slight bite in the center. As the orzo cooks, it will absorb a lot of the liquid, and the sauce will thicken considerably. If the sauce becomes too thick for your liking before the orzo is fully cooked, you can always add a splash more broth or even some hot water, about ¼ cup at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
Achieving Creaminess: Once the orzo is cooked to your liking and the sauce has thickened, reduce the heat to its lowest setting. Pour in the ½ cup of heavy cream. Stir it gently into the sauce until it’s fully incorporated. The heavy cream adds a luxurious richness and smooth texture, truly transforming this into a “Ground Beef Orzo Tomato Cream Sauce.” This is where the magic happens and the dish becomes wonderfully indulgent.

Finishing Touches & Serving:

Final Seasoning Check: This is a crucial step! Taste the “Ground Beef Orzo Tomato Cream Sauce” and adjust the seasoning as needed. Remember, the beef broth might have some sodium, and we seasoned the beef earlier, but the orzo and cream will have mellowed everything out. Add more salt if it tastes a bit flat, and a little more black pepper if you like that extra warmth. Sometimes a tiny pinch of sugar can balance the acidity of the tomatoes if needed, but I usually find the cooked-off tomato paste and cream do the trick perfectly.
Stir in Parmesan: Stir in ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. The cheese will melt into the hot sauce, adding another layer of salty, umami goodness and further contributing to that incredibly creamy texture.
Garnish and Serve: Ladle generous portions of your warm, comforting “Ground Beef Orzo Tomato Cream Sauce” into bowls. Before serving, sprinkle each portion with a generous amount of fresh chopped parsley or basil (or both!). The fresh herbs provide a vibrant contrast in flavor and a beautiful splash of color, making the dish visually appealing as well as incredibly delicious.
Enjoy Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed fresh off the stove while the orzo is perfectly tender and the sauce is wonderfully creamy. Offer extra grated Parmesan cheese at the table for anyone who wants to add even more cheesy goodness. This “Ground Beef Orzo Tomato Cream Sauce” is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad and some crusty bread for soaking up every last bit of that amazing sauce. It’s truly a comforting, satisfying meal that I know you’ll love as much as I do!

Conclusion:

Well, my friends, we’ve reached the end of our culinary journey for today, and I truly hope you’re feeling inspired and hungry! This recipe, my take on a classic comfort food, isn’t just another dish; it’s a hug in a bowl, a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly extraordinary. If you’re looking for that perfect blend of hearty and comforting, rich yet not heavy, and incredibly satisfying, then this is absolutely the recipe you need to add to your repertoire. It’s a dish that has repeatedly earned rave reviews in my own home, a reliable winner for busy weeknights, and impressive enough for casual gatherings. The way the tender orzo pasta soaks up all the rich flavors of the seasoned ground beef and the beautifully balanced tomato cream sauce is pure magic. Every spoonful delivers a harmonious symphony of savory, tangy, and subtly sweet notes, all enveloped in that luxurious creamy texture that just melts in your mouth.

What makes this particular dish a true standout is its incredible versatility and ease. We’ve meticulously crafted a recipe that ensures maximum flavor with minimal fuss. Think about it: a complete, wholesome meal that comes together relatively quickly, using pantry staples you likely already have on hand. It’s perfect for those evenings when you want something substantial and comforting but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. The robust flavor of the ground beef, seasoned just right, blends seamlessly with the bright acidity of the tomatoes, which is then mellowed and enriched by the touch of cream. It’s a symphony of textures and tastes that appeals to everyone, from the pickiest eaters to the most seasoned food connoisseurs. Trust me, once you try this, it’s going to become a frequent request in your household. It’s more than just a meal; it’s an experience of warmth and contentment.

Elevate Your Meal: Serving Suggestions & Creative Variations

Now, while this dish is absolutely phenomenal on its own, a meal complete in one bowl, I love to think about ways to enhance the experience. For serving, I highly recommend pairing it with a simple, crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette – the fresh acidity cuts through the richness beautifully, offering a lovely contrast. A crusty loaf of garlic bread is also an absolute must; it’s perfect for soaking up every last bit of that glorious sauce. Imagine dipping a warm, buttery piece of bread into that creamy goodness – pure bliss! For a vegetable boost, consider serving a side of roasted asparagus or steamed broccoli; their slight bitterness complements the savory pasta wonderfully.

But the fun doesn’t stop there! This recipe is incredibly adaptable, inviting you to put your own spin on it. If you’re looking for protein variations, ground turkey or even a mild Italian sausage would work beautifully, adding slightly different flavor profiles. For a vegetarian option, you could easily substitute plant-based ground “meat” or even a hearty blend of sautéed mushrooms and lentils. Want to sneak in more veggies? Feel free to stir in a handful of fresh spinach, some diced bell peppers, or even grated zucchini during the last few minutes of cooking – they’ll wilt perfectly into the sauce, adding extra nutrients and color. For a cheesier experience, a sprinkle of fresh mozzarella or a blend of Italian cheeses melted on top before serving would be divine. A pinch of red pepper flakes can introduce a lovely subtle heat, while fresh herbs like chopped basil or parsley stirred in at the very end will brighten up the flavors even further. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of tomatoes too, perhaps roasted cherry tomatoes for an added sweetness or fire-roasted diced tomatoes for a deeper, smokier note. The possibilities are truly endless, allowing you to tailor this incredible dish to your specific tastes and whatever ingredients you have on hand.

Your Turn to Create and Share!

I’ve poured my heart into developing this recipe, and I genuinely believe it delivers on all fronts: flavor, comfort, and ease. This is more than just a set of instructions; it’s an invitation to create something delicious, to bring warmth to your table, and to share good food with those you love. So, I wholeheartedly encourage you to roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and give this Ground Beef Orzo Tomato Cream Sauce a try this week. Experience for yourself the magic that happens when simple ingredients are treated with a little love and attention. I promise you won’t be disappointed.

Once you’ve made it, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience! Did you make any variations? What did your family think? Please come back and leave a comment below, share your photos on social media, or simply tell a friend about your new favorite dish. Your feedback and creativity inspire me and the entire cooking community. Let’s build a delicious conversation around this comforting classic. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to see what you create!