One Pot Ground Beef Orzo with Creamy Tomato Sauce

Introduction

What if you could have a full, hearty dinner on the table in just 30 minutes—without dirtying a sink full of dishes? That’s exactly what you get with this One Pot Ground Beef Orzo with Creamy Tomato Sauce. 🍅✨

This recipe blends tender orzo pasta, seasoned ground beef, and a rich tomato cream sauce all in a single pot. It’s cozy, filling, and perfect for busy weeknights when you want comfort food without the fuss.

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Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (lean, 85/15 works best)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• Salt & black pepper, to taste
• 1 ½ cups dry orzo pasta
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 3 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
• ½ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped, for garnish

✨ Optional add-ins: baby spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra nutrition.

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Timing

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 – Brown the Beef

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Step 2 – Build the Flavor Base

Add chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until soft and fragrant, about 3 minutes. Stir in Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

Step 3 – Add the Orzo & Tomatoes

Stir in the orzo, tomato paste, and crushed tomatoes. Let the orzo toast slightly for a deeper flavor (1–2 minutes).

Step 4 – Simmer in Broth

Pour in the beef broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is al dente (10–12 minutes).

Step 5 – Make It Creamy

Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan. Let it thicken for 2–3 minutes until silky and creamy.

Step 6 – Garnish & Serve

Top with fresh parsley or basil and serve hot. Add extra Parmesan if desired.

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Nutrition (per serving, 6 servings)

• Calories: ~420 kcal
• Protein: 25 g
• Carbs: 38 g
• Fat: 18 g
• Fiber: 3 g

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Tips & Variations

• Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeño.
• Make it lighter: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
• Extra creamy: Stir in a spoonful of cream cheese at the end.
• Vegetarian version: Swap beef for lentils or meatless crumbles.

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Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a simple green salad and garlic bread.
• Serve with roasted vegetables on the side.
• Enjoy it as a standalone one-pot meal — it’s filling enough!

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not stirring enough → orzo can stick to the bottom if left unattended.
• Adding cream too early → it can curdle; always add after the orzo is cooked.
• Skipping the Parmesan → it thickens the sauce and adds rich umami.

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Storage

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Add a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
• Freezer: Not recommended (cream-based sauces separate).

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Conclusion

This One Pot Ground Beef Orzo with Creamy Tomato Sauce is hearty, creamy, and oh-so comforting — and the fact that it’s made in just one pot makes it even better. Perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or whenever you’re craving a cozy pasta dish. 🍝

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FAQs

Q1: Can I use rice instead of orzo?
Yes, but the cooking time and liquid ratio will change.

Q2: Can I make this dairy-free?
Swap cream for coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.

Q3: Does it work with gluten-free pasta?
Yes, but keep an eye on cooking time since gluten-free pasta absorbs liquid differently.

Q4: Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely — just use a bigger pot.

Q5: Can I make it ahead?
Yes, but the orzo will absorb more liquid as it sits. Add extra broth when reheating.