Description

This Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is a hearty and comforting one-pan meal that combines tender ground beef, tender orzo pasta, and a rich tomato cream sauce with Italian seasoning. Finished with creamy melted cheese and optional fresh greens for added flavor and nutrition, this easy-to-make skillet dish is perfect for a family dinner or weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Meat and Dairy

1 lb ground beef
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded mozzarella or parmesan cheese

Pasta

1 cup orzo pasta

Vegetables and Herbs

1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup fresh spinach or a handful of basil (optional)

Pantry Staples and Seasonings

1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
2 cups beef broth
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
Cook Ground Beef: Add ground beef to the skillet. Cook while breaking it apart with a spoon until fully browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed for a leaner dish.
Add Tomato Base: Stir in tomato paste and crushed tomatoes. Season the mixture with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 2 minutes to develop flavor.
Cook Orzo: Add orzo pasta and beef broth to the skillet. Stir well to combine. Bring to a simmer, then cover and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Finish with Cream and Greens: Reduce heat to low, then stir in heavy cream. If using, fold in fresh spinach or basil and cook just until the greens wilt, enhancing the sauce’s freshness and color.
Melt Cheese and Serve: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella or parmesan cheese evenly on top. Cover the skillet for 1–2 minutes to melt the cheese fully. Serve hot, optionally garnished with extra cheese or fresh herbs.

Notes

You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
For a vegetarian option, omit the ground beef and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
Adjust seasoning to your taste preference, especially salt and Italian seasoning.
Adding fresh spinach or basil is optional but adds a nice color and freshness to the dish.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, allow it to simmer a bit longer uncovered to reduce.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.