If you’ve been searching for a cozy, hearty, and utterly delicious meal to add to your weeknight rotation, look no further than this Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe. It’s one of those perfect dishes that brings together the comforting richness of a creamy tomato sauce with the satisfying bite of tender orzo and savory ground beef. Every spoonful is like a warm hug, and the best part? It all comes together in just about 30 minutes, making it a fantastic go-to when you want something both fuss-free and incredibly tasty.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe lies in its simple, everyday ingredients. Each one plays a vital role—adding layers of flavor, creamy texture, or vibrant color to the dish, ensuring every bite is a perfect balance of comfort and freshness.
- 1 pound lean ground beef: Provides the hearty, meaty base packed with protein and flavor.
- ½ medium onion, chopped: Adds a subtle sweetness and aromatic depth.
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced: Gives the dish a fragrant punch that ties all the flavors together.
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Brings a mild kick, customizable for your heat preference.
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning: Offers herbal notes reminiscent of a classic Italian kitchen.
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta: Small, rice-shaped pasta that cooks quickly and soaks up the sauce beautifully.
- 1 (14 ounce) can tomato sauce: Creates the rich base of the sauce with deep tomato flavor.
- ¾ cup beef broth: Enhances the meatiness while keeping the sauce flavorful and not too thick.
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream: Adds luscious creaminess that makes this sauce irresistible.
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Gives a subtle umami boost that deepens the overall taste.
- ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese: Sharp and nutty cheese that melts into the sauce for richness.
- 2 cups (packed) fresh baby spinach: Offers a fresh, slightly earthy contrast and pleasing green color.
- Salt & pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors.
How to Make Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef
Start by adding the ground beef to a large soup pot or Dutch oven. Break it up lightly with your spoon but don’t stir it right away—letting it sit for 5 to 6 minutes on medium-high heat allows it to brown beautifully and develop a rich, meaty crust that packs so much flavor.
Step 2: Add Onion and Finish Cooking Beef
Once the beef has begun browning, stir in the chopped onion and continue to break the meat into small pieces. Cook for about 5 more minutes until the onion softens and the beef is fully browned. If you notice too much fat pooling (especially if not using lean beef), you can spoon some out, but leaving a little adds extra flavor to the sauce.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic, Spices, and Orzo
Next, stir in the minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning. Toss in the orzo pasta and cook for about a minute to toast it slightly—this step adds a nutty flavor and ensures it won’t become mushy later.
Step 4: Add Liquids and Simmer
Pour in the tomato sauce, beef broth, cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle bubble and then lower the heat to medium or even medium-low. Let it cook uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring often to prevent sticking. The orzo will absorb the creamy tomato sauce, thickening everything up into a luscious, comforting dish.
Step 5: Stir in Parmesan and Spinach
After cooking, remove the pot from heat. Stir in the freshly grated parmesan cheese and fresh baby spinach. Cover the pot and let it rest for 3 to 5 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt fully and the spinach to wilt just enough, brightening the dish both visually and taste-wise. Finish by seasoning with salt and pepper to your liking, then serve immediately.
How to Serve Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or parsley on top adds a pop of color and an herbal brightness to balance the creamy sauce. For an added touch, a few extra shavings of parmesan will make it feel extra special, like you’re dining at your favorite Italian trattoria.
Side Dishes
This dish is so rich and satisfying it can certainly stand alone, but if you want to round out your meal, crisp roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette will provide a delightful contrast. Crusty garlic bread or warm dinner rolls soak up every last bit of that incredible sauce, making them perfect companions.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe in shallow bowls to show off the creamy texture and colorful spinach. For a fun twist, bake it in a casserole dish topped with extra parmesan and breadcrumbs until bubbly and golden for a comforting, baked pasta vibe that everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate. The flavors will actually deepen overnight, making your next serving just as delicious. Leftovers are best enjoyed within 3 to 4 days to keep the orzo’s texture just right.
Freezing
While this recipe freezes well, the texture of orzo may change slightly upon thawing due to the cream sauce. If you plan ahead, freeze in portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. Stir frequently to avoid sticking and ensure the orzo warms evenly without drying out. Microwave reheating works too, just stir halfway through and add a bit of liquid if needed.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be a lighter alternative. Just keep in mind they have a milder flavor, so you might want to adjust seasonings slightly to keep the dish punchy and flavorful.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or hearty mushrooms for a vegetarian twist. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth and it will still be creamy and delicious.
Can I use another type of pasta instead of orzo?
While orzo is ideal due to its size and cooking time, small pasta shapes like ditalini or acini di pepe can work well. Be sure to adjust cooking times accordingly so the pasta cooks perfectly in the sauce.
What’s the best way to reduce the spiciness from the red pepper flakes?
If you prefer a milder dish, simply omit the crushed red pepper flakes or start with a smaller amount. You can always sprinkle a bit on your own plate if you want to add heat after cooking.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a cashew-based cream, and use a dairy-free parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast. This way, you still get that luscious, creamy texture without the dairy.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe—it’s comfort food elevated with rich flavors and creamy goodness that feels like a warm welcome every time you eat it. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try soon, because it’s the kind of meal that not only fills your stomach but also lights up your soul with every delicious bite.
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Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is a hearty and comforting one-pot meal featuring tender ground beef, tender orzo pasta, and a rich tomato cream sauce flavored with garlic, Italian seasoning, and parmesan cheese. Fresh baby spinach adds a nutritious touch, while a hint of Worcestershire sauce elevates the overall flavor. Perfect for a busy weeknight, this dish comes together quickly on the stovetop in about 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- ½ medium onion, chopped
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 1 (14 ounce) can tomato sauce
- ¾ cup beef broth
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 2 cups (packed) fresh baby spinach
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to a soup pot or Dutch oven and break it up slightly with a spoon. Cook it over medium-high heat without stirring for 5-6 minutes to allow it to brown.
- Add the Onion: Stir in the chopped onion and continue cooking, breaking the beef into smaller pieces, for another 5 minutes. If there is excess fat, especially if not using lean beef, spoon some out; otherwise, keep it in the pot.
- Add Aromatics and Orzo: Stir in the minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), Italian seasoning, and uncooked orzo pasta. Cook for about one minute to release aromas and coat the orzo.
- Add Liquids and Simmer: Pour in the tomato sauce, beef broth, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Once the mixture starts to bubble, reduce heat to medium or medium-low to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered, stirring frequently for about 10 minutes to prevent sticking and until the orzo is tender and the sauce slightly thickens.
- Finish with Cheese and Spinach: Remove the pot from heat. Stir in freshly grated parmesan cheese and fresh baby spinach. Cover the pot and let it rest for 3-5 minutes to allow the spinach to wilt and the sauce to thicken to your liking. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat, or drain fat after cooking if desired.
- To add a little spice, include the red pepper flakes; omit for a milder dish.
- For a lower-fat version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, noting it will affect creaminess.
- Stir frequently while simmering to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Fresh baby spinach wilts quickly; adding it at the end preserves its vibrant color and nutritional value.
- This dish is best served immediately as the orzo can absorb liquid and thicken further upon standing.
