If you’re craving a cozy, flavorful meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you have to try this Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe. This dish combines tender ground beef and delicate orzo pasta in a luscious tomato cream sauce that’s rich, comforting, and packed with savory goodness. The gentle spice from red pepper flakes and the fresh pop of baby spinach make every bite exciting, while the creamy tomato base ties it all together beautifully. It’s an easy-to-make dinner that never fails to impress and feels just right for any night of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet essential to creating a delicious, well-rounded dish. Each one adds unique flavor, texture, or color—from the creamy parmesan that makes the sauce silky, to the fresh baby spinach that adds a burst of vibrance and nutrients. Let’s gather what you’ll need to bring this Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe to life.
- 1 pound lean ground beef: The hearty protein base that creates the dish’s savory backbone.
- 1/2 medium onion (chopped): Adds a subtle sweetness and depth when sautéed with the beef.
- 3-4 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the sauce with that irresistible aromatic punch.
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): A gentle heat to add warmth and complexity.
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Brings Mediterranean herbs to brighten the overall flavor.
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta: Tiny, rice-like pasta that soaks up the sauce wonderfully.
- 1 (14 ounce) can tomato sauce: The vibrant base for the luscious cream sauce.
- 3/4 cup beef broth: Enhances the meaty flavor and keeps the pasta perfectly moist.
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream: Adds rich, velvety texture to the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: A savory twist that deepens the sauce’s umami.
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese: Melts smoothly, adding saltiness and a nutty punch.
- 2 cups (packed) fresh baby spinach: Freshness and color packed with nutrients.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Essential seasoning to bring everything together.
How to Make Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Begin by adding your lean ground beef to a wide soup pot or Dutch oven. Break it up lightly with a spoon, and let it sit undisturbed over medium-high heat for about 5 to 6 minutes. This method helps the beef develop a beautiful browned crust, which adds incredible flavor depth to the final dish.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Finish Cooking Beef
Add the chopped onions directly into the pot. Stir to break up the beef into smaller pieces and cook everything together for another 5 minutes or so. You want the onions to soften and the beef to be fully browned. If you notice excess fat pooling, gently spoon some out unless you prefer the richness it provides.
Step 3: Flavor with Garlic, Spices, and Orzo
Next, mix in the minced garlic, red pepper flakes (if using), and Italian seasoning. Stir in the uncooked orzo pasta and cook for about a minute. This step allows the pasta to toast slightly, which helps it develop a more nutty flavor and keeps it from clumping later.
Step 4: Add Liquids and Simmer Gently
Pour in the tomato sauce, beef broth, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything well and bring the mixture to a gentle bubble. Lower the heat to medium or low to keep it simmering softly. Let it cook uncovered for about 10 minutes, stirring often to prevent the orzo from sticking. The pasta will absorb the flavorful sauce while softening beautifully.
Step 5: Finish with Parmesan and Spinach
Remove the pot from heat and stir in the freshly grated parmesan cheese and fresh baby spinach. Cover the pot and let it rest for 3 to 5 minutes. During this time, the parmesan melts into a creamy finish while the spinach wilts gently, adding vibrant color and freshness. Taste and season with salt and pepper as desired, then serve immediately for the best experience.
How to Serve Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes can elevate this dish from comforting to spectacular. Try a sprinkle of extra parmesan, a few fresh basil leaves, or a dusting of cracked black pepper. A drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a pinch of fresh parsley can brighten the plate and bring out subtle herbal notes in this Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe.
Side Dishes
This dish is rich, so it pairs wonderfully with lighter sides that add crunch or freshness. Consider serving with a crisp green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette, garlic bread for dipping into the sauce, or roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini. Each side complements the creamy tomato sauce beautifully without overwhelming the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
To impress guests or simply make mealtime fun, serve the dish in individual bowls with the sauce spooned over the top. Layer it in a shallow baking dish and bake just until bubbly for a cozy casserole feel. You can also garnish with toasted pine nuts or a dollop of ricotta cheese for a slight twist. Presentation makes this Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe feel special and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because the orzo absorbs sauce as it sits, the dish might thicken—add a splash of broth or cream when reheating to loosen it back up and keep it creamy.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well for up to 2 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. To avoid texture loss in the spinach, consider adding fresh spinach when reheating instead of freezing it with the dish.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often. Add a little broth or cream to refresh the sauce’s creamy texture. Avoid microwaving at high power, which can dry the pasta and make the sauce separate.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Replace the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or sautéed mushrooms for a similar texture. Using vegetable broth instead of beef broth keeps the flavors veggie-friendly without losing the delicious creaminess.
Is orzo the only pasta I can use?
While orzo is perfect for this recipe because of its size and ability to soak up sauce, you could substitute small pasta shapes like acini di pepe or small shells. Cook times may vary slightly, so keep an eye on the texture as it simmers.
Can I use low-fat cream or milk instead of heavy cream?
You can substitute with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version, but the sauce won’t be as thick or rich. To compensate, you might consider adding a small flour or cornstarch slurry to help thicken the sauce nicely.
What can I do if the sauce is too thick after cooking?
If it thickens more than you like, simply add a splash of beef broth, cream, or even water while reheating to loosen it. Stirring well will incorporate the liquid evenly for that smooth, saucy consistency you want.
How spicy is this dish with the red pepper flakes?
The crushed red pepper flakes add a subtle kick of warmth rather than intense heat. If you prefer no spice at all, just omit them—they’re optional and can be adjusted to your taste without changing the overall flavor balance.
Final Thoughts
This Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe is a shining example of simple ingredients coming together to create something truly special. It’s comfort food at its finest—rich, satisfying, and bursting with flavor. Next time you want an easy, crowd-pleasing dinner that feels both cozy and a little fancy, give this recipe a whirl. I promise it will become your new weeknight favorite!
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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: American-Italian
Description
A hearty and creamy one-pot meal featuring lean ground beef and tender orzo pasta simmered in a rich tomato cream sauce, enhanced with garlic, Italian seasoning, and fresh spinach for a comforting dinner.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups (packed) fresh baby spinach
Spices and Seasonings
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Pasta and Liquids
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 1 (14 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 3/4 cup beef broth
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
Cheese
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to a soup pot or Dutch oven and break it up slightly with a spoon. Let it cook over medium-high heat without stirring for 5-6 minutes to develop a nice sear.
- Add Onions and Continue Cooking: Stir in the chopped onion and break the beef into smaller pieces as it cooks. Let it continue cooking for another 5 minutes. If excess fat accumulates (especially if not using lean beef), spoon some out leaving a small amount for flavor.
- Sauté Aromatics and Orzo: Stir in the minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, and uncooked orzo pasta. Cook everything together for about a minute to toast the orzo slightly and release aromas.
- Add Sauces and Simmer: Pour in the tomato sauce, beef broth, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Once the mixture starts to bubble, reduce the heat to medium or medium-low to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the orzo from sticking, until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Finish with Cheese and Spinach: Remove the pot from heat and immediately stir in the freshly grated parmesan cheese and fresh spinach. Cover the pot and let it sit for 3-5 minutes to allow the spinach to wilt and the sauce to thicken to your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve hot.
Notes
- If excess fat is released from the beef, spoon out some to avoid a greasy dish but leaving a little enhances flavor.
- Stirring frequently during simmering prevents the orzo from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- You can adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to control spiciness. Omit if you prefer no heat.
- For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half but note the resulting sauce will be less rich.
- Freshly grated parmesan is recommended for best flavor and melting quality.
