Ground Beef Orzo Tomato: 1-Pan Creamy Comfort

September 1, 2025

Ground beef orzo tomato has become my absolute go-to for those nights when I need something hearty, flavorful, and incredibly easy. I remember the first time I whipped up this dish; the aroma of savory ground beef, sweet tomatoes, and fragrant Italian seasoning filled my kitchen, promising a delicious meal. The creamy orzo soaking up all those rich flavors was pure comfort food magic. It’s a true one-pot wonder that minimizes cleanup, leaving more time for enjoying a fantastic dinner. Let’s dive into making this delightful ground beef orzo with tomatoes!

Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Orzo Tomato

Get ready to fall in love with this amazing dish. It’s the perfect weeknight meal that checks all the boxes:

Incredibly Flavorful: The combination of savory ground beef, sweet tomatoes, and creamy orzo is simply irresistible.
One-Pot Wonder: Seriously, minimal cleanup! Everything cooks in one skillet, making it an easy ground beef orzo tomato recipe to manage.
Quick to Make: From start to finish, this dinner comes together in under an hour, perfect for busy evenings.
Customizable: You can easily adjust the seasonings or add your favorite veggies to make it your own.
Kid-Approved: The creamy texture and familiar flavors are a hit with even the pickiest eaters.
Hearty and Satisfying: It’s a complete meal that will leave everyone feeling full and happy.
An Easy Ground Beef Orzo Tomato Recipe: Even if you’re new to cooking, this recipe is straightforward and foolproof.

Ingredients for Ground Beef Orzo Tomato

Gathering your ingredients for this delicious orzo pasta with ground beef and tomatoes is the first step to a fantastic meal. I always make sure I have everything ready before I start cooking to make the process super smooth. Here’s what you’ll need:

1 tablespoon olive oil – for sautéing and getting everything started
1 pound ground beef – I prefer 85/15 for good flavor and moisture
1 medium onion, chopped – about 1 cup, this adds a sweet base
2 cloves garlic, minced – essential for that savory depth
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – a blend of herbs that works perfectly
1/2 teaspoon salt – to enhance all the flavors
1/4 teaspoon black pepper – freshly ground adds the best zing
1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained – these tomatoes bring moisture and acidity
3 cups beef broth – the liquid base that cooks the orzo
1 cup uncooked orzo pasta – this small pasta shape cooks perfectly in the sauce
1/2 cup heavy cream – for that luscious, creamy finish
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese – adds a salty, umami boost
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish – for a pop of color and freshness

How to Make Ground Beef Orzo Tomato

This one-pan ground beef orzo tomato is incredibly straightforward, making it a weeknight lifesaver. I love how everything cooks together so seamlessly. Let’s get this delicious meal going!

Step 1: Grab a large skillet or Dutch oven. Pour in 1 tablespoon olive oil and heat it over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add 1 pound ground beef. Cook, breaking it up with your spoon, until it’s nicely browned and no pink remains, about 5-7 minutes. Don’t forget to drain off any excess grease – this keeps the dish from being too oily.
Step 2: Toss in 1 medium onion, chopped, and cook until it starts to soften and turn translucent, usually around 5 minutes. Then, stir in 2 cloves garlic, minced, and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning. Let them cook for just one more minute until you can really smell that amazing garlic and herb fragrance.
Step 3: Season the browned beef and onion mixture with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Give it a good stir to distribute the seasonings evenly.
Step 4: Now, pour in 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained, and 3 cups beef broth. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Step 5: Add 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta to the skillet. Stir it into the simmering liquid. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet tightly, and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes. You want the orzo to be tender and most of the liquid to be absorbed. I usually give it a stir halfway through to make sure nothing sticks. This is where the magic of a one-pan ground beef orzo tomato really shines.
Step 6: Uncover the skillet and stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce becomes wonderfully creamy and everything is heated through, about 2-3 minutes. The aroma at this stage is incredible!
Step 7: Serve this fantastic ground beef and tomato orzo dish immediately. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley if you like. Enjoy your easy ground beef orzo tomato dinner!

Ground Beef Orzo Tomato: 1-Pan Creamy Comfort - Ground Beef Orzo Tomato - additional detail

Pro Tips for the Best Ground Beef Orzo Tomato

I’ve made this ground beef orzo tomato skillet more times than I can count, and these little tricks really elevate it. Follow these tips, and you’ll have a perfectly creamy and flavorful meal every single time.

Don’t skip draining the beef: Removing excess grease prevents the final dish from becoming too oily and ensures the flavors of the tomatoes and orzo shine through.
Toast your orzo briefly: Before adding the liquid, a quick 30-second toast in the skillet with the beef and aromatics can add a subtle nutty depth.
Adjust liquid as needed: If your orzo seems a bit too firm and the liquid is gone, don’t hesitate to add a splash more beef broth or even water to finish cooking it perfectly.

What’s the secret to perfect Ground Beef Orzo Tomato?

The real magic for a perfect creamy ground beef orzo tomato comes from the combination of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese stirred in at the end. This creates a luscious sauce that coats every bite of orzo.

Can I make Ground Beef Orzo Tomato ahead of time?

Yes! This dish is fantastic for meal prep. You can prepare the entire ground beef and orzo tomato dish, let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For more meal prep ideas, check out these recipes.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Ground Beef Orzo Tomato?

The biggest pitfall is overcooking the orzo, which can make it mushy. Keep an eye on it during the simmering stage. Also, ensure you break up the ground beef well to avoid large clumps. For more cooking tips, you can explore resources on how to cook orzo.

Best Ways to Serve Ground Beef Orzo Tomato

This hearty ground beef and tomato orzo dish is a complete meal on its own, but I love pairing it with a few simple sides to round out the meal. It’s so versatile!

Simple Green Salad: A crisp side salad with a light vinaigrette is a wonderful contrast to the rich, creamy orzo. Think mixed greens, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes.
Garlic Bread: What’s better than soaking up any extra sauce with some warm, garlicky bread? It’s pure comfort.
Steamed or Roasted Vegetables: For an extra boost of nutrients, serve alongside some steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, or green beans.

Ground Beef Orzo Tomato: 1-Pan Creamy Comfort - Ground Beef Orzo Tomato - additional detail

Nutrition Facts for Ground Beef Orzo Tomato

Understanding the nutritional breakdown of this dish can help you fit it into your eating plan. This ground beef orzo tomato recipe is packed with flavor and satisfying ingredients.

Calories: 450
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Protein: 25g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 7g
Sodium: 700mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used in your ground beef orzo tomato skillet.

How to Store and Reheat Ground Beef Orzo Tomato

This ground beef orzo tomato dish is a dream for meal prep! Once it has cooled completely, which usually takes about an hour on the counter, I like to portion it into airtight containers. This makes grabbing a quick meal super easy throughout the week. Properly stored, your delicious ground beef orzo tomato meal prep will stay fresh in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days.

If you want to keep it even longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then add a layer of aluminum foil or place them in a freezer-safe bag. It can stay frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy your leftover ground beef orzo tomato, the best way to reheat it is gently. In the microwave, heat on medium power, stirring halfway through, until heated through. On the stovetop, use a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or water to prevent it from drying out, stirring until warm and creamy. For more tips on reheating, you can consult guides on reheating leftovers.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ground Beef Orzo Tomato

Can I add vegetables to this Ground Beef Orzo Tomato?

Absolutely! This recipe is super forgiving. I love adding a cup of frozen peas or corn during the last 5 minutes of cooking the orzo. Sautéed bell peppers or mushrooms added with the onions are also fantastic additions to your ground beef orzo tomato skillet. For other great ground beef recipes, check out this Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles.

What’s the best way for how to make Ground Beef Orzo Tomato creamy?

The key to that perfect creamy texture in your ground beef orzo tomato dish is the combination of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese added at the end. Stir them in gently and let them meld with the orzo for a few minutes over low heat. Don’t boil it vigorously after adding the cream, or it might separate.

Can I use a different type of pasta instead of orzo?

While orzo is perfect for this dish because it cooks so quickly and absorbs the sauce beautifully, you could try other small pasta shapes like ditalini or even small shells. Just be mindful of the cooking time, as it might vary slightly. You’ll still get a delicious tomato beef orzo pasta dish!

Is this recipe good for picky eaters?

Yes, this ground beef orzo tomato recipe is generally a hit with kids! The creamy texture, savory beef, and mild tomato flavor are usually very appealing. You can adjust the seasonings to your family’s preference, making it a reliable option for a family-friendly dinner.

Variations of Ground Beef Orzo Tomato You Can Try

While this ground beef orzo tomato recipe is fantastic as is, it’s also wonderfully versatile! I love experimenting with different flavors and methods to keep things exciting. Here are a few variations you might enjoy:

Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes when you sauté the garlic and onion for a bit of heat. This makes for a zesty ground beef orzo tomato skillet.
Veggie Powerhouse: Stir in a cup of frozen peas or corn during the last 5 minutes of orzo cooking. Sautéed mushrooms or diced bell peppers added with the onions also work beautifully.
Creamy Tomato Basil: Stir in a handful of fresh basil leaves along with the heavy cream and Parmesan at the end. The fresh herb adds a wonderful brightness.
Lighter Version: Swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or even evaporated milk to reduce fat content, though it might be slightly less rich.