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Ground beef orzo with tomato cream sauce in white bowl topped with freshly grated Parmesan, fresh basil, and red pepper flakes made in one pan in 30 minutes with one pound lean ground beef, orzo pasta, crushed tomatoes, and heavy cream

Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce

A creamy, hearty one-pan dinner with ground beef, orzo pasta, and a rich tomato cream sauce. Ready in 30 minutes with minimal cleanup.
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Prep Time 8 minutes
Cook Time 22 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 565
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef 80/20 recommended
  • 1 cup dry orzo pasta
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 can crushed tomatoes 14 oz
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes optional
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • salt and black pepper to taste
  • grated parmesan and fresh basil for serving

Equipment

  • Large deep skillet
  • Wooden spoon or spatula

Method
 

  1. Cook diced onion in olive oil over medium-high heat for 3 to 4 minutes until softened.
  2. Brown the ground beef, breaking it apart, for 5 to 6 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  3. Stir in garlic, tomato paste, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Cook 1 to 2 minutes.
  4. Pour in crushed tomatoes and beef broth. Stir to combine and scrape up any browned bits.
  5. Add dry orzo directly to the sauce. Bring to a boil then reduce to a medium-low simmer.
  6. Cook uncovered for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring every 2 minutes, until orzo is tender and sauce is thick.
  7. Remove from heat and stir in heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper. Serve with parmesan and basil.

Notes

  • Stir orzo every 2 minutes to prevent sticking.
  • Add cream off the heat to keep the sauce smooth.
  • Add a splash of broth if the sauce thickens too much before the orzo finishes cooking.
  • Best eaten fresh - orzo continues to absorb sauce as it sits.