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Ground beef orzo with tomato cream sauce in a ceramic bowl
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Ground Beef Orzo With Tomato Cream Sauce

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef 80/20
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 1 small yellow onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese plus more for serving
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  • Brown the beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it into small crumbles, until browned (about 5-6 minutes). Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside. Drain most of the fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan.
  • Sauté the aromatics: Add the diced onion to the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Add liquids and orzo: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add the orzo pasta and stir to combine.
  • Simmer: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
  • Finish the sauce: Stir in the heavy cream and grated parmesan cheese. Add the cooked ground beef back to the pan. Stir everything together and cook for another 1-2 minutes until heated through and creamy.
  • Serve: Remove from heat and let sit for 2-3 minutes (the sauce will thicken as it rests). Garnish with fresh parsley and extra parmesan. Serve immediately.

Notes

You can use ground turkey or ground chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.
For extra veggies, stir in a handful of fresh spinach at the end — it wilts right in.
The orzo will continue to absorb liquid as it cools, so add a splash of broth when reheating leftovers.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.