Creamy Tomato Ground Beef Orzo (One-Pot)

Rich tomato flavor, tender orzo pasta, and savory ground beef come together in one creamy, comforting pot of goodness.

If there’s one type of recipe I’ll always say yes to, it’s a one-pot pasta dish—especially when it checks all the boxes: creamy, comforting, flavorful, and ready in under 40 minutes. This Creamy Tomato Ground Beef Orzo is the definition of weeknight gold.

Orzo is one of those underappreciated pasta shapes that cooks quickly and soaks up flavor like a dream. Combine that with rich ground beef, a tomato base, a splash of cream, and a handful of Parmesan, and you’ve got a dinner that’s both hearty and luscious.

It’s like a cross between a bolognese and a risotto, but way easier. And the best part? It all comes together in just one pot, which means fewer dishes and more time to relax after dinner.

Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or just craving something cozy and satisfying, this recipe delivers every time.

What to Serve With It

This dish is rich and filling all on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with:

• A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette

• Roasted or steamed broccoli or green beans

• A slice of toasted sourdough or garlic bread

Variations & Swaps

• Make it spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a spoonful of Calabrian chili paste.

• Use ground turkey or sausage instead of beef.

• Go veggie: Swap meat for sautéed mushrooms or lentils.

• Dairy-free? Use coconut cream and skip the Parmesan (or use a dairy-free cheese).

Storing & Reheating

• Store: In an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

• Reheat: Gently on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth or cream to loosen the texture if needed.

• Freeze: Yes! Freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat.

This Creamy Tomato Ground Beef Orzo is proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s flavorful, filling, and fast, with that magical one-pot simplicity that makes it perfect for any night of the week.

Tuck into a bowl, sprinkle a little cheese on top, and enjoy every creamy, cozy bite.

Yield: 4 Servings

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Creamy Tomato Ground Beef Orzo (One Pot)

Prep time: 10 MinCook time: 25 MinTotal time: 35 Min

Rich tomato flavor, tender orzo pasta, and savory ground beef come together in one creamy, comforting pot of goodness.

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Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
• 1 tsp salt, more to taste
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning or dried oregano
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes or crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup orzo pasta (dry)
• 2 ½ cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
• ¼ cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Optional: chopped fresh parsley or basil for garnish

Instructions

1. In a large skillet or pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Add the ground beef to the pan, breaking it up with a spoon. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5–6 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed.
3. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen the flavor. Then add the canned tomatoes and stir everything together.
4. Pour in the dry orzo and broth. Stir well to combine. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Tip: If the orzo starts to stick, stir more frequently and lower the heat slightly.
5. Once the orzo is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan. Cook for another 2–3 minutes, stirring until everything is creamy and well combined.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. If it's too thick, splash in a little more broth or cream. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

• Make it spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a spoonful of Calabrian chili paste.
• Use ground turkey or sausage instead of beef.
• Go veggie: Swap meat for sautéed mushrooms or lentils.
• Dairy-free? Use coconut cream and skip the Parmesan (or use a dairy-free cheese).

Nutrition Facts

Calories

592

Carbs

42 g

Cholesterol

97 mg

Fat

33 g

Fiber

4 g

Net carbs

38 g

Protein

33 g

Sat. Fat

13 g

Sodium

1646 mg

Sugar

8 g

Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.