Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce and Fresh Basil
Some dinners manage to feel indulgent and effortless at the same time, and this Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is exactly that kind of recipe. Everything cooks in a single skillet — savory ground beef, tender orzo, and a rich tomato cream sauce finished with fresh basil and parmesan. It has the comforting feel of a pasta dish from your favorite Italian spot, but comes together in just 35 minutes using one pan and ingredients you likely already have on hand.
This recipe makes 4 servings, making it a solid choice for a weeknight family dinner or a cozy meal for two with leftovers to spare.
Ingredients You’ll Need
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
How to Make Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce
Step 1: Brown the beef and onion.
Start by cooking the ground beef and diced onion together in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking the beef apart as it browns and the onion softens. Once the garlic goes in, let it cook just briefly until fragrant — this is where a lot of the dish’s aroma comes from.
Step 2: Build the flavor base.
Stir the tomato paste, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes into the beef mixture. Letting this cook for a minute or two before adding liquid helps deepen the flavor of the tomato paste.
Step 3: Add the tomatoes and broth.
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and beef broth, stirring everything together and bringing it up to a gentle simmer.
Step 4: Cook the orzo directly in the sauce.
Add the orzo right into the skillet, lower the heat, and cover. Letting it cook this way allows the pasta to soak up all that savory tomato-beef flavor as it softens, rather than cooking separately and being added later.
Step 5: Stir in the cream.
Once the orzo is tender and the liquid has mostly absorbed, stir in the heavy cream and let everything simmer briefly until the sauce turns rich and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning at this point.
Step 6: Finish and serve.
Top the dish with grated parmesan and a scattering of fresh basil, then serve immediately while it’s warm and at its creamiest.
Recipe Details
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 25 minutes
- Total time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Course: Dinner, Lunch
- Cuisine: American
Equipment Needed
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Cutting board and knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cheese grater
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. Since orzo continues to soak up sauce over time, reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream to loosen it back up before serving.
Final Thoughts
Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce and Fresh Basil turns a handful of simple ingredients into a dish that feels far more special than the effort it actually takes. Creamy, savory, and ready in one pan, it’s the kind of recipe that earns a permanent spot in your weeknight dinner lineup.
