Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce and Fresh Basil
When I feel like indulging in a creamy orzo pasta dish, this one is always in my top five—and it’s so simple to make. The orzo cooks right in the tomato cream sauce, soaking up all the flavor while keeping things easy with just one pan.
What I love about this dish is how flexible it is. Some nights I make it with ground beef, other times I’ll switch to turkey or skip the meat entirely and add mushrooms or spinach. It’s quick, satisfying, and always a hit at my table.
Why You’ll Love It
- One-Pan Dinner: Everything cooks in a single pan for easy prep and cleanup.
- Ready in 30 Minutes: Perfect for busy weeknights.
- Customizable: Swap the ground beef for another protein or add extra veggies to make it your own.
Equipment Needed
- Large Skillet: Preferably deep and wide to accommodate the sauce and orzo.
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For stirring the beef, orzo, and sauce.
- Cutting Board and Knife: For chopping onions, garlic, and garnishes.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: To accurately measure broth, cream, and spices.
- Cheese Grater: For freshly grating Parmesan cheese.
A Little Tip
The key to this dish is letting the orzo cook directly in the sauce—it gets extra creamy and flavorful that way. Just stir occasionally to keep it from sticking, and you’re good to go.
Ingredients (with Substitutions)
This dish comes together with tender orzo, ground beef, a rich tomato cream sauce, and a handful of pantry staples for a simple, one-pan meal.
For the Base
- Ground Beef: Adds rich flavor; swap with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Onion: Finely diced for sweetness; shallots can be used as a substitute.
- Garlic: Freshly minced for the best flavor, or use garlic powder if needed.
For the Sauce
- Canned Crushed Tomatoes: Fire-roasted tomatoes add depth; diced tomatoes blended smooth also work.
- Heavy Cream: Replace with half-and-half or coconut milk for a lighter or dairy-free option.
- Tomato Paste: Adds richness; can substitute with ketchup in a pinch.
For the Orzo
- Orzo Pasta: Small pasta shapes like fregola or ditalini work as alternatives.
- Beef Broth: Provides a deep, savory base; vegetable broth or water with bouillon can work in a pinch.
For Garnish
- Parmesan Cheese: Pecorino Romano or grated Gruyère are good substitutes.
- Fresh Basil: Adds freshness, but parsley or thyme can also be used.
Instructions
Brown the ground beef, stir in the tomato cream sauce, and let the orzo simmer until it’s perfectly cooked—all in one pan for an easy dinner (perfect for those busy weeknights or weekends).
- Cook the ground beef and onion: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook for 6-8 minutes, breaking up the beef, until browned and the onion is softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the tomato paste and spices: Stir in the tomato paste, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 1-2 minutes to enhance the flavors.
- Pour in the tomatoes and beef broth: Stir in the crushed tomatoes and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add the orzo: Stir in the orzo and reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Finish with cream: Stir in the heavy cream and let the sauce simmer for another 2-3 minutes until creamy and well combined. Adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- Serve and garnish: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan over the skillet and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve warm.
What to Serve It With
This dish is filling on its own, but a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad makes it even better.
If you enjoyed the ground beef orzo with tomato cream sauce, here are some other recipes from the blog that you might like:
- One-Pan Angel Hair Chimichurri Pasta: Tender angel hair pasta tossed in a vibrant chimichurri sauce, all made in one pan for a quick and flavorful meal.
- Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash and Garlic Chicken Pasta: A comforting dish featuring roasted butternut squash and garlic chicken combined with pasta in a creamy sauce.
- 30-Minute Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta: Penne pasta coated in a creamy chipotle parmesan sauce with honey chicken, asparagus, bell peppers, garlic, and onion, ready in just 30 minutes.
Let’s See Your Orzo!
I’d love to hear how your ground beef orzo with tomato cream sauce turned out! Leave a comment below—I always enjoy reading your feedback and seeing your takes on these recipes.
If you snap a photo, don’t forget to share it on Instagram and tag me [@cocinarepublic] so I can see your version. Nothing makes me happier than seeing these dishes come to life in your kitchen!
Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce and Fresh Basil
Equipment
- 1 Large Skillet
- 1 Wooden Spoon or Spatula
- 1 Cutting Board and Knife
- 1 Measuring Cups and Spoons
- 1 Cheese grater
Ingredients
For the Base
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
For the Sauce
- 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
For the Orzo
- 1 ½ cups orzo pasta
- 2 ½ cups beef broth
For Garnish
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 lb ground beef and 1 finely diced onion. Cook for 6-8 minutes, breaking up the beef, until browned and softened. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Stir in 1 tbsp tomato paste, salt, black pepper, and ½ tsp red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 1-2 minutes to enhance flavor.
- Pour in 1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes and 2 ½ cups beef broth. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
- Add 1 ½ cups orzo to the skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low, and cover. Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in 1 cup heavy cream and let simmer for 2-3 minutes until creamy. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Sprinkle ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese over the dish and garnish with fresh basil. Serve warm.
Notes
Top Tips for Perfect Ground Beef Orzo
- Use Beef Broth: Opt for a high-quality broth to add depth and enhance the savory flavors of the dish.
- Cook the Orzo Gently: Stir occasionally while cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even absorption.
- Add Warm Cream: Avoid curdling by slightly warming the cream before adding it to the sauce.
- Serve Fresh: This dish is best enjoyed immediately while the sauce is creamy and the orzo is tender.
