Creamy Tomato Ground Beef Orzo – Easy One-Pot Dinner

I remember watching my nonna stir her big copper pot of orzo with a wooden spoon that had surely seen generations of sauces. She would hum softly while the fragrance of garlic and tomatoes filled the kitchen, and as a little girl, I was always the designated cheese-grater. Her version of what we now call creamy tomato ground beef orzo was a true labor of love — the kind of meal that made everyone linger a little longer at the table.

Today, this creamy tomato ground beef orzo remains one of my favorite go-to dinner recipes. It’s rich, satisfying, and filled with nostalgic comfort, all made in a single skillet. Whether you’re a busy parent looking for a reliable one-pot creamy tomato ground beef orzo dish, a student craving something warm and hearty, or just someone who needs dinner now, this recipe checks every box. It’s packed with flavor, family-approved, and best of all? It comes together in under 40 minutes.

Why Ground Beef and Orzo Make the Perfect Pair

Here’s the thing about orzo: it may look like rice, but it behaves like pasta — tender, toothsome, and amazing at soaking up creamy sauces. When it mingles with seasoned ground beef, the result is something magical: rich, savory, and deeply comforting. Add a swirl of tomato and cream, and you’ve got yourself the ultimate creamy tomato ground beef orzo — all in one pan.

This isn’t just any beef and orzo pasta — this is your next favorite creamy tomato ground beef orzo skillet dinner. It’s got that luscious tomato cream base, a hearty beefy bite, and pasta that soaks in every drop. Perfect for kids, picky eaters, and even your foodie friends. If you’re craving more flavorful options, check out these spicy chicken recipes for dinner and comforting crockpot chicken and dumplings.

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Ingredients Breakdown

Here’s what you’ll need to get started with your creamy tomato ground beef orzo recipe:

Basic Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Optional Additions:

• Red pepper flakes (for heat)
• 1 tsp balsamic vinegar or 1/2 tsp sugar (to balance acidity)
• Lemon juice (brighten the creaminess)
• Ricotta or cream cheese (for ultra richness)
• Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)

Substitutions:

• Swap beef for ground turkey or plant-based meat
• Use half-and-half or a dairy-free cream for a lighter version

Hungry yet? Discover more meal inspiration on our Pinterest profile.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Cook the Orzo

• Bring a pot of salted water to boil. Add orzo and cook until al dente (about 8–10 minutes).
• Drain and reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water — your future sauce will thank you.

Brown the Ground Beef

• In a large skillet, heat olive oil. Add onions, sauté until translucent.
• Stir in garlic, then ground beef. Cook until browned and crumbled.
• Drain any excess fat.

Build the Tomato Base

• Add tomato paste and crushed tomatoes to the beef.
• Stir in basil, oregano, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
• Simmer for 10–15 minutes to deepen the flavor.

Add the Creamy Goodness

• Reduce the heat to low and gently stir in the heavy cream, letting it blend into the rich tomato base. If your creamy tomato ground beef orzo sauce feels a bit too thick, loosen it up with a splash of the reserved pasta water — it adds silkiness without diluting the flavor.

Combine and Finish

• Toss in the cooked orzo and Parmesan cheese.
• Stir until the pasta is coated and creamy.

Garnish and Serve

• Garnish with fresh herbs and more cheese.
• Serve with garlic bread, a crisp salad, or roasted veggies.

Craving beefy comfort food? Pair this with our easy crockpot steak bites or even try the twisty goodness of our ground beef Philly cheesesteak sloppy joes.

Tips & Tricks for the Best Creamy Orzo

• Leftovers? Reheat your leftover creamy tomato ground beef orzo gently on the stove with a splash of milk or broth to revive its silky texture.
• Extra Veggies? Add sautéed zucchini, baby spinach, or bell peppers for a colorful, nutritious twist.
• Cream Swap? Lighten it up with half-and-half or go dairy-free using plant-based cream. Want it extra rich? A spoonful of ricotta does wonders.
• Craving Heat? Stir in red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce for a spicy kick that balances the creamy tomato sauce beautifully.

Variations & Customizations

Here’s how to make this dish your own:

• Dairy-Free: Sub in cashew cream or oat cream and skip the Parmesan.
• Vegetarian: Use lentils or a plant-based beef alternative.
• Low-Carb: Try a cauliflower rice or low-carb pasta swap.
• Spicy Kick: Add chili oil, harissa, or gochujang to the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

This creamy orzo shines with:

• A crisp Caesar or arugula salad
• Warm garlic bread or focaccia
• Roasted Brussels sprouts or green beans

Want more dinner winners? Try our spicy chicken recipes for dinner or that cozy bowl of comforting crockpot chicken and dumplings.

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