If you’re looking for a comforting and flavorful weeknight dinner that feels special yet comes together quickly, this Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe is an absolute winner. It’s a perfect harmony of tender ground beef, delicate orzo pasta, and a luxuriously creamy tomato sauce that snuggles everything in warmth and richness. The splash of Worcestershire sauce deepens the savory notes while fresh baby spinach adds a vibrant pop of green and a gentle freshness. This dish is easy to make, hearty, and so satisfying—everything you want from a cozy dinner that your family or guests will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple but essential, each playing a key role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color in your Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe. From the lean ground beef lending savory depth, to the creamy tomato sauce that ties it all together, every item enhances this dish’s character.
- 1 pound lean ground beef: The star protein that provides a rich, meaty base for the sauce.
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped: Adds subtle sweetness and aromatic depth when sautéed.
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a punch of fragrant warmth that melds beautifully with the tomato.
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Gives a gentle spicy kick—feel free to adjust to your heat preference.
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend that adds a lovely herbaceous character to the sauce.
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta: Tiny, elegant pasta that cooks quickly and soaks up all the creamy tomato goodness.
- 1 (14 ounce) can tomato sauce: Forms the vibrant, tangy, and velvety base of the sauce.
- 3/4 cup beef broth: Adds savory richness and helps the orzo cook perfectly within the sauce.
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream: Elevates the sauce with luscious creaminess and smooth texture.
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Deepens the umami for an irresistible flavor boost.
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese: Introduces salty, nutty notes and melts beautifully into the sauce.
- 2 cups (packed) fresh baby spinach: Adds freshness, a mild sweetness, and a gorgeous green color.
- Salt & pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that perfect the overall taste.
How to Make Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating your pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and spread it out, then let it cook without stirring for about 5 to 6 minutes. This allows the beef to develop a beautiful brown crust, which enriches the flavor dramatically. After this, break it up slightly with your spoon but keep most of that tasty browning intact.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion
Next, toss in the chopped onion with the beef. Stir well to combine and break up any large clumps. Cook another 5 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent, blending sweetness into the meat. If your beef releases excess fat, feel free to spoon some out for a leaner final dish – otherwise, the fat will keep the mixture juicy and flavorful.
Step 3: Add Aromatics and Orzo
Time to wake up the flavor! Stir in the minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, and the Italian seasoning along with the uncooked orzo pasta. Cook everything together for just a minute, stirring constantly so the spices bloom and infuse the beef and pasta with their wonderful aroma.
Step 4: Pour in Liquids
Now pour in the tomato sauce, beef broth, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Give it a good stir so all ingredients marry together. Once it starts to bubble, reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered for about 10 minutes, stirring regularly to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom. The orzo will cook through and soak up the rich, creamy tomato sauce during this time.
Step 5: Finish with Cheese and Spinach
Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the freshly grated parmesan cheese and baby spinach. Cover the pot and let it sit for 3 to 5 minutes to let the sauce thicken beautifully and the spinach wilt just enough to add freshness without overpowering the dish.
Step 6: Season and Serve
Give the dish a final stir, then taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve piping hot for the best experience—each spoonful will be a creamy, comforting hug of flavor that makes this Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe such a standout dinner option.
How to Serve Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
To add the finishing sparkle, sprinkle some extra grated parmesan or a few fresh basil leaves right before serving. A drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a pinch of red pepper flakes on top can also amp up the flavor and presentation. These simple touches make the dish look as amazing as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This dish is quite hearty on its own, but pairing it with something light and crunchy balances the meal perfectly. Think of a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts. Garlic bread or warm, crusty rolls are also fantastic for soaking up any leftover tomato cream sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Photo-worthy and fun, try serving this Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe in individual shallow bowls, topped with a few whole basil leaves and a sprinkle of parmesan. For a family-style option, a large rustic serving dish allows everyone to dive in and share. You can even bake it briefly under the broiler with some extra cheese for a golden, bubbly crust.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe keep wonderfully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store in an airtight container to preserve freshness and creaminess. The orzo may thicken as it chills, so a quick stir or a splash of broth when reheating helps revive the texture.
Freezing
This meal freezes well if you want to prepare in advance. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best results before reheating gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers slowly over medium-low heat on the stovetop, stirring often. Adding a little bit of beef broth, cream, or even water will help loosen the sauce and keep the orzo tender. Microwaving works too—just heat in short bursts and stir between to ensure an even warm, creamy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta instead of orzo?
Absolutely! While orzo is perfect for absorbing this tomato cream sauce quickly, small pastas like acini di pepe or ditalini can work well too. Just be mindful of cooking times, as larger pasta may require boiling separately before adding to the sauce.
Is it necessary to use heavy cream in this recipe?
Heavy cream is key for that rich, silky texture in the sauce, but if you want a lighter version, you can substitute with half-and-half or a combination of milk and cream cheese. Just expect a slightly less creamy finish but still delicious overall.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
You can! Swap out the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms for an earthy alternative. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth, and keep all other ingredients the same for a satisfying meat-free version of this Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe.
How spicy is the dish with the crushed red pepper flakes?
The crushed red pepper flakes add just a gentle heat without overpowering the flavors. They’re optional, so if you prefer it mild, simply omit them. The sauce will still taste wonderfully balanced and rich.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead and reheat for dinner?
Definitely. This Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe is ideal for making ahead. Just store it properly once cooled, and reheat slowly to maintain its creamy texture. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a comforting homemade meal ready in minutes.
Final Thoughts
If you want a dish that combines ease, comfort, and incredible flavor, you simply must try this Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe. It’s one of those meals that feels both cozy and a little luxurious, perfect for feeding a hungry family or impressing friends without fuss. Once you make it, it will quickly become a beloved recipe in your regular rotation—warm, creamy, hearty, and utterly delicious.
Print
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: American
Description
A comforting and creamy one-pot meal featuring lean ground beef and tender orzo pasta cooked in a rich tomato cream sauce, enhanced with aromatic spices, fresh spinach, and parmesan cheese. Ready in just 30 minutes, this hearty dish is perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 1 (14 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 3/4 cup beef broth
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 2 cups (packed) fresh baby spinach
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to a soup pot or Dutch oven and break it up slightly with your spoon. Let it cook, without stirring, over medium-high heat for 5-6 minutes to develop browning and flavor.
- Sauté Onion: Add the chopped onion to the pot, then stir and further break apart the beef into smaller pieces. Cook for another 5 minutes, until the onion softens. If there’s excess fat (from using non-lean beef), carefully spoon some out, but if not, leave it in.
- Add Aromatics and Orzo: Stir in the minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, and uncooked orzo pasta. Cook for about one minute, stirring to combine and let the spices bloom.
- Add Liquids: Pour in the tomato sauce, beef broth, heavy/whipping cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well. Once the mixture begins to bubble, continue cooking uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring often to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom. Reduce heat as needed so it simmers gently rather than boiling, ensuring the pasta cooks through before the liquid evaporates.
- Finish with Cheese & Spinach: Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the grated parmesan cheese and fresh baby spinach. Place the lid on and let sit for 3-5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the spinach to wilt.
- Season and Serve: Stir again, taste, and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve the dish immediately while hot for best freshness and flavor.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and calories.
- If you like a bit more heat, add extra crushed red pepper flakes.
- Be sure to stir often during simmering to avoid orzo sticking to the pot.
- Fresh spinach can be substituted with baby kale or other leafy greens if preferred.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
