Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy weeknight dinner that feels a touch indulgent but is secretly so easy, you can’t beat this Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce. Every bite is a dreamy swirl of tender orzo, juicy beef, and velvety tomato cream—like something you’d get at your favorite neighborhood bistro, but made in your own kitchen in just 30 minutes!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things wonderfully simple, but trust me—each ingredient plays its own special part in building flavor or bringing that signature creamy, craveable texture. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:

• Lean ground beef: Brings hearty flavor and richness without too much excess grease—look for 90% lean if possible.
• Onion: A simple chopped onion lays a sweet, aromatic foundation for everything else to build on.
• Garlic: Minced garlic adds that signature depth and irresistible aroma.
• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): A pinch gives gentle heat; add more or less depending on your spice preference.
• Italian seasoning: Offers an herby boost and ties all the flavors together (dried basil, oregano, and thyme work too!).
• Orzo pasta: This tiny, rice-shaped pasta soaks up the creamy sauce beautifully and cooks right in the pot.
• Tomato sauce: Brings mellow acidity and bright color, forming the backbone of the sauce.
• Beef broth: Enhances the meaty undertones and ensures the orzo cooks up flavorful and tender.
• Heavy/whipping cream: The key to a rich, silky sauce—don’t skip it for true creaminess.
• Worcestershire sauce: Adds a dash of savory, umami complexity that makes the tomato sauce sing.
• Freshly grated parmesan cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a nutty, salty finish—always use fresh if you can!
• Baby spinach: Wilts into the sauce for freshness, color, and a little nutritional boost.
• Salt & pepper: Don’t forget to season to taste at the end for a perfectly balanced dish.

Variations

One of my favorite things about Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is how easy it is to tweak for whatever you have on hand, or to suit your family’s needs. Here are a few delicious ways to make it your own:

• Use ground turkey or chicken: Swap for lean ground turkey or chicken for a lighter, equally delicious version.
• Make it vegetarian: Replace the beef with plant-based crumbles or try sautéed mushrooms for savory depth.
• Go gluten-free: Use gluten-free orzo or small gluten-free pasta for a celiac-friendly twist.
• Add more veggies: Stir in bell peppers, zucchini, or peas during the last 5 minutes of simmering for extra color and nutrients.
• Kick up the heat: Double the red pepper flakes or swirl in a dash of hot sauce if you like things spicy!

How to Make Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Add your ground beef to a large soup pot or Dutch oven and break it up slightly with a spoon. Let it cook undisturbed over medium-high heat for 5–6 minutes. This gives the beef a chance to get those flavorful browned edges, building the foundation for our delicious sauce.

Step 2: Add Aromatics and Sauté

Scoop in the chopped onion and stir, breaking up the beef further into small, even crumbles. Cook for about 5 minutes more, letting the onion soften and the beef finish browning. If there’s a lot of excess fat, carefully spoon off some—especially if your beef is a bit fattier than 90% lean.

Step 3: Toast the Seasonings and Orzo

Stir in the minced garlic, red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, and the dry orzo. Let everything cook together for about a minute, just until wonderfully fragrant and the orzo is glossy and coated in flavor.

Step 4: Simmer with Sauce and Cream

Pour in the tomato sauce, beef broth, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well, then bring the mixture to a gentle bubble (not a hard boil!) and cook uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring frequently so the orzo doesn’t stick. Adjust the heat to medium or medium-low as needed to keep it gently simmering while the pasta cooks.

Step 5: Finish with Spinach and Parmesan

Take the pot off the heat, stir in the grated parmesan and fresh spinach, then cover for 3–5 minutes. The spinach will wilt right into the sauce, and the orzo will finish soaking up all those rich flavors. Season generously with salt and pepper. Serve immediately while the sauce is creamy and luscious!

How to Serve Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce

Garnishes

Just before serving, I love to shower each bowl with extra parmesan and a flurry of freshly cracked black pepper. For more color, toss on a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley—it brightens everything up and adds a little restaurant-style flair right at home.

Side Dishes

Since Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is such a satisfying one-pot meal, you don’t need much on the side. A simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or some warm, crusty bread is perfect for scooping up every last bit of sauce. Steamed green beans or roasted broccoli also round out the meal without fuss.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, try serving this dish family-style in a big, shallow bowl, topped with extra cheese and fresh herbs. Or ladle it into individual ramekins, sprinkle with parmesan, and pop under the broiler for a bubbly, golden finish—these little touches turn a cozy dinner into something truly special!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays delicious for up to 3 days, and the flavors even deepen as it sits!

Freezing

You can freeze this recipe for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. The texture of orzo will soften a bit after freezing, but it’s still comforting and satisfying on busy nights.

Reheating

To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to bring back the sauce’s creamy consistency. Stir well and heat just until hot—avoid boiling to keep the orzo from getting mushy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something comforting, delicious, and deceptively easy, give this Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce a try. There’s a reason this dish keeps making its way into our weeknight rotation—it’s fuss-free, flavorful, and guaranteed to bring some smiles to the table. Enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite—you deserve it!

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