Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe

This Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is the ultimate comfort dish—creamy, hearty, and on the table in 30 minutes! Imagine tender orzo, juicy ground beef, fresh spinach, and a dreamy tomato cream sauce, all swirled together into one irresistible meal that’ll have your family scraping their bowls clean.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things refreshingly simple: each ingredient brings something special to the table! You’ll love how a clever blend of pantry staples, a splash of cream, and fresh greens combine for flavor, color, and comfort in every bite.

• Lean ground beef: The flavorful base—choose lean for less grease but loads of savoriness.
• Onion (½ medium, chopped): Adds a sweet foundation and aromatic goodness to the sauce.
• Garlic (3–4 cloves, minced): A must for that irresistible Italian-inspired depth.
• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Brings a subtle warmth—use more or less to taste.
• Italian seasoning: A shortcut to big, savory flavor that ties everything together.
• Uncooked orzo pasta (1 cup): Orzo’s delightful texture soaks up every drop of sauce—think rice-shape pasta with a creamy twist!
• Tomato sauce (14 oz can): Forms the tangy, hearty backbone for the luxurious cream sauce.
• Beef broth (¾ cup): Boosts the beefy flavor and helps the orzo cook up perfectly.
• Heavy/whipping cream (1 cup): The magic that transforms tomato sauce into a silky, dreamy pink sauce.
• Worcestershire sauce (1 tsp): Adds rich, savory complexity and depth.
• Freshly grated parmesan cheese (½ cup): Don’t skimp! Adds salty, nutty richness that melts throughout.
• Fresh baby spinach (2 cups, packed): A vitamin-packed pop of color—wilts down into the sauce for a subtle, earthy finish.
• Salt & pepper: Season perfectly to taste.

Variations

One of my favorite things about Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is how delightfully flexible it is. You can swap, add, or tweak ingredients to fit your cravings, what’s left in your fridge, or any special diets—dinner always comes out delicious.

• Make it lighter: Swap in half-and-half or evaporated milk for the heavy cream—you’ll get a creamy texture with fewer calories.
• Go green: Use kale, arugula, or even finely chopped zucchini instead of spinach for a unique twist or a way to use up leftovers.
• Switch the meat: Try ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based ground for a tasty change of pace.
• Extra flavor boosters: Stir in a handful of sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, or a splash of balsamic glaze for more depth.

How to Make Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by adding the ground beef to a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Break it up just a little and let it sear undisturbed for 5–6 minutes—this helps the meat get those coveted flavorful brown bits on the bottom of the pot.

Step 2: Add Onion and Break Up the Meat

Add the chopped onion to the pot and use your spoon to break the beef into small crumbles, mixing the onion in as you go. Cook this mixture for another 5 minutes or so, letting the flavors mingle. If your beef isn’t very lean, scoop out any excess fat, but a little bit left behind will add flavor to the sauce.

Step 3: Add Garlic, Seasonings, and Orzo

Once the onions are soft, stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), and the dry orzo. Toast everything for about a minute—the garlic and spices will smell heavenly while the orzo gets a tasty jump start!

Step 4: Simmer with Sauce and Cream

Pour in the tomato sauce, beef broth, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Give it all a good stir and wait for it to start bubbling gently—then reduce the heat so it simmers, not boils. Cook uncovered for about 10 minutes, stirring often so the orzo doesn’t stick, until the pasta is tender and the sauce is rich and creamy.

Step 5: Finish with Cheese and Spinach

Take the pot off the heat and stir in the parmesan cheese and fresh spinach. Cover and let it sit for 3–5 minutes—the spinach will gently wilt, and the sauce will thicken up beautifully. Taste and season with salt and pepper before serving your Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce straight from the pot!

How to Serve Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce

Garnishes

Top each bowl of Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce with a shower of extra parmesan, cracked black pepper, and a sprinkle of chopped fresh basil or parsley if you have it. A drizzle of good olive oil over the top adds extra shine and a hint of luxury.

Side Dishes

This creamy, hearty main is wonderful with crisp garlic bread for scooping up every last bit of sauce, or pair it with a simple green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette—the freshness balances out the rich flavors perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, serve the orzo in shallow pasta bowls with a ribbon of cream swirled on top and a parmesan tuile. Or, for family nights, pile it in the center of a large serving platter and let everyone help themselves straight from the pot—so homey and fun!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce in an airtight container in the fridge, where it’ll keep happily for up to three days. The flavors mellow and deepen overnight, so it’s always a treat for lunch tomorrow!

Freezing

This dish freezes well! Portion the cooled orzo into freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 2 months—just know that the sauce may thicken and the texture of the orzo may soften slightly, but the flavor will still be fantastic.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the orzo gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, splashing in a bit of broth or cream to loosen up the sauce and bring back that silky texture. Stir often and heat only until just hot for best results.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a cozy, shareable meal that delivers weeknight ease and restaurant-worthy satisfaction, Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is your new go-to. Gather your family or invite a friend and dive into a bowlful of creamy, savory happiness—there’s truly something for everyone to love!

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