Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe

I absolutely love making this Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe because it’s one of those cozy, comforting meals that comes together quickly yet tastes like you spent hours on it. The creamy tomato sauce hugs the tender orzo so nicely, and the savory ground beef adds just the right amount of heartiness. Whenever I want a fuss-free dinner that feels a little special, this dish is my go-to.

You’ll find that this recipe works beautifully for weeknight dinners, especially when you need something filling without a lot of cleanup. Plus, it’s versatile—perfect for feeding a family or meal prepping for the week ahead. I think you’ll appreciate how the tomato and cream blend so smoothly, creating a sauce that’s rich but not overwhelming. Trust me, this Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe is definitely worth trying out in your kitchen.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe come together to create a rich, balanced meal. Each component plays an important role—whether it’s building flavor or adding texture—so using fresh and quality ingredients will make a noticeable difference.

• Lean ground beef: Choosing lean helps keep the sauce from getting too greasy, but a bit of fat adds flavor so don’t go too lean.
• Onion: Adds sweet depth; a yellow or white onion works great here.
• Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic gives a fragrant kick rather than using powders.
• Crushed red pepper flakes: Optional, but great for a subtle heat that wakes up the sauce.
• Italian seasoning: A simple mix to elevate the tomato base with herbs like oregano and basil.
• Orzo pasta: Small and rice-shaped, it cooks quickly and absorbs the sauce wonderfully.
• Tomato sauce: Your standard canned tomato sauce works here; it provides the sauce’s tangy foundation.
• Beef broth: Adds savory depth and keeps the orzo cooking in flavorful liquid.
• Heavy cream: This is the secret to the silky, luscious tomato cream sauce.
• Worcestershire sauce: Just a dash enhances the umami notes in the beef and tomato.
• Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is best for that sharp, nutty flavor.
• Fresh baby spinach: Adds greens and color while wilting beautifully into the sauce.
• Salt & pepper: To taste, essential for balancing all flavors.

Variations

I love making this Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe my own by swapping in different veggies or adjusting the spice level. Feel free to get creative—you can customize it to suit your mood or what’s in your fridge.

• Vegetable boost: I sometimes add chopped mushrooms or bell peppers for extra texture and nutrition, and my family loves the added flavor.
• Spicy kick: If you’re into heat, doubling the crushed red pepper flakes or adding a splash of hot sauce turns up the spice beautifully.
• Dairy-free: Swap the heavy cream for coconut milk or cashew cream if you want to keep it creamy but dairy-free.
• Different proteins: Ground turkey or chicken work well too, though I find beef gives the richest flavor.

How to Make Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Brown the ground beef without stirring too much

Start by adding your ground beef to a heavy-bottomed soup pot or Dutch oven. Break it up a little with your spoon, but resist the urge to stir constantly. Let it cook over medium-high heat for 5-6 minutes—this helps the beef get nicely browned, adding a rich depth of flavor. You’ll see the edges starting to crisp, which is exactly what you want here.

Step 2: Add onions and cook until softened

Next, toss in the chopped onion and stir everything together, breaking the beef into smaller pieces. Let this cook another 5 minutes, until the onion is translucent and soft. If you notice excess fat, especially if your beef isn’t very lean, spoon some out—too much grease will weigh down the sauce.

Step 3: Sauté garlic, spices, and orzo

Now stir in the garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning, letting the garlic cook until fragrant—about a minute. Then add the uncooked orzo pasta, giving everything a good stir so each piece starts to toast slightly. This step adds nuttiness and prevents the orzo from clumping later.

Step 4: Pour in tomato sauce, broth, cream, and Worcestershire sauce

Pour in the tomato sauce, beef broth, cream, and Worcestershire sauce, stirring to combine. Turn the heat up just until you see small bubbles forming, then lower to medium or medium-low so it gently simmers. Let the mixture cook uncovered for about 10 minutes, stirring often to keep the orzo from sticking to the bottom. You’re aiming for a tender pasta with a silky sauce, not a dried-out pot.

Step 5: Finish with parmesan, spinach, and seasoning

Remove the pot from heat and stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese and the fresh baby spinach. Cover the pot and let it rest for about 3-5 minutes so the spinach wilts and the sauce thickens to your liking. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper, then serve up immediately for the best texture and flavor.

How to Serve Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping this dish with a little extra freshly grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of chopped fresh basil or parsley to brighten things up. Sometimes I add a drizzle of good quality olive oil for a silky finish. These little touches really elevate the overall experience and make it look as good as it tastes.

Side Dishes

This Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is also perfect for soaking up that delicious creamy sauce. My family usually fights over the last piece of bread leftover!

Creative Ways to Present

If I’m serving this for a special occasion, I like to plate it in shallow bowls and add a dollop of ricotta cheese on top, sprinkled with freshly cracked black pepper. It looks fancy but is super easy to pull off. I’ve also served it in mini casserole dishes for individual portions when guests come over—adds a cute, personalized touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after sitting overnight, so I sometimes save it just for lunch the next day! Just give it a good stir when reheating, as the sauce might thicken some.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well, which is fantastic for batch cooking. I freeze portions in freezer-friendly containers and thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating. The texture of orzo holds up nicely, and the creamy sauce tastes as comforting as fresh.

Reheating

To reheat, I warm leftovers gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of broth or milk if the sauce seems too thick. Microwaving works too, but stir halfway through to ensure even heating and maintain that creamy consistency.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a big warm hug on a plate. I love how easy it is to put together, and every time I make it, the family goes crazy for the flavors. If you’re looking for a comforting, homey meal that doesn’t take forever but tastes like you put in serious effort, you’re going to enjoy this one just as much as I do. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to savor every creamy, cheesy bite!

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