Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe

If you’re craving a creamy, hearty weeknight dinner that comes together in just one pot, my Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is about to become your new obsession. Tender orzo pasta swims in a velvety tomato cream sauce, studded with savory ground beef and spinach for a meal that feels both comforting and a little bit fancy—yet is remarkably simple to make!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

I love how the ingredients for Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce are straightforward, but each one plays a key role in building the ultimate cozy pasta bowl. Let’s go over what you’ll need and why these picks are perfect!

• Lean ground beef: The star protein here—choose 90% lean or higher for rich flavor without excessive grease.
• Onion: Adds natural sweetness and so much savory aroma as it softens with the beef.
• Garlic: Essential for a flavor punch; don’t skimp on those fresh cloves!
• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): A little heat goes a long way; skip it if you’re serving heat-averse eaters.
• Italian seasoning: An herbal backbone that ties the tomato sauce and beef together beautifully.
• Orzo pasta: A rice-shaped pasta that gets ultra-creamy as it cooks right in the sauce—no draining required.
• Tomato sauce: Heart of the creamy sauce; use a good-quality, plain tomato sauce or passata.
• Beef broth: Deepens the savory aspects and keeps things luscious while orzo cooks.
• Heavy or whipping cream: Responsible for the velvety, restaurant-worthy finish.
• Worcestershire sauce: The little secret for umami goodness—it makes everything taste a bit more special.
• Freshly grated parmesan: Salty, nutty, and the perfect finishing touch for richness and depth.
• Fresh baby spinach: Wilts right at the end, adding a gorgeous green pop and extra nutrition.
• Salt & pepper: To bring every flavor forward—seasoning is always your friend here!

Variations

One of my favorite things about Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is how easy it is to tweak. Whether you need to use what’s in your pantry or want to make it gluten-free or extra-veggie-packed, this recipe has you covered!

• Swap the protein: Try ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles for an easy variation.
• Add more veggies: Stir in zucchini, mushrooms, bell peppers, or even frozen peas with the orzo for extra color and nutrients.
• Lighter version: Use half-and-half instead of cream, and swap in low-sodium broth for a lighter touch that’s still satisfying.
• Make it spicy: Dial up the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne if you want your sauce to pack more of a punch.

How to Make Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by heating your soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Let it sear undisturbed for 5 to 6 minutes, so it gets those delicious golden-brown bits. This step is what unlocks that deep, savory flavor—don’t rush it!

Step 2: Add Onion & Break Up the Beef

Stir in the chopped onion, breaking up the beef into small crumbles as you go. Let it cook for about 5 more minutes until the onion softens and the meat is mostly cooked through. If there’s a lot of fat, spoon off the excess—but leave just a bit for extra flavor.

Step 3: Build the Base with Garlic, Spices & Orzo

Next, toss in the minced garlic, optional red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning. Stir constantly so the garlic doesn’t burn, then add the orzo and let it toast for about a minute to build a subtle nutty flavor right in the pot.

Step 4: Simmer in Creamy Tomato Sauce

Pour in the tomato sauce, beef broth, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce. As soon as it starts to bubble, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cook, uncovered, for about 10 minutes—stirring quite often—so the orzo cooks evenly and doesn’t stick. Let everything mingle until the orzo is tender and the sauce is a little thicker but still spoonable.

Step 5: Finish with Spinach & Parmesan

Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the parmesan and fresh baby spinach. Cover the pot and let it sit for 3 to 5 minutes. The spinach will wilt, the parmesan will melt right in, and the sauce will finish thickening to luscious perfection—now you’re ready to serve!

How to Serve Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce

Garnishes

A finishing shower of extra parmesan, a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley, and even a touch of cracked black pepper will turn each bowl of Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce into a showstopper. I sometimes add a little drizzle of olive oil for gloss and richness.

Side Dishes

This creamy pasta is a full meal, but I love serving it with a crisp green salad tossed with balsamic vinaigrette or a platter of simple roasted veggies. Don’t forget a hunk of crusty bread to swipe up every last streak of sauce!

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party twist, try serving Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce in shallow bowls with parmesan curls and a few baby spinach leaves on top. For family nights, let everyone spoon theirs straight from the pot or stuff the creamy orzo into roasted peppers for a fun, hands-on presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce keeps beautifully in the fridge. Store it in a tightly sealed container for up to 4 days—the flavors even get cozier after a night or two!

Freezing

You can freeze this dish, but know that creamy sauces sometimes change in texture after thawing. To freeze, let the pasta cool completely, then spoon it into freezer-safe bags or containers. It’ll keep for up to 2 months—just thaw gently in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of beef broth, cream, or even water to loosen the sauce as it warms. Stir often so everything gets creamy again—then dive in!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready for a meal that feels luxurious but fits right into any busy schedule, give Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce a place in your regular rotation. It’s cozy, bursting with flavor, and so easy to fall in love with—can’t wait for you to try it and tell me how it turns out!

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