Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe

I absolutely love this Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe because it’s one of those comforting, come-together meals that feels like a warm hug on a busy weeknight. The creamy tomato sauce perfectly coats tender orzo pasta, mingling with flavorful ground beef and fresh spinach — it’s simple but feels extra special. When I first tried this dish, I was surprised by how quickly it comes together and how it’s packed with homey flavors that everyone loves.

You’ll find that this recipe works particularly well when you want a meal that’s filling yet fresh, without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of tomato and cream creates a velvety sauce that takes regular ground beef and pasta to the next level. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe will quickly become a favorite go-to.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe come together beautifully — fresh aromatics, lean beef, and creamy tomato sauce enriched with Parmesan and spinach. Don’t worry about finding anything too exotic; most of these are pantry staples with just a little fresh spinach to brighten it up.

• Ground beef: I recommend lean ground beef to keep the sauce from getting greasy.
• Onion: Yellow or white onions work well here for that sweet, savory base.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds a wonderful warmth and depth.
• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Just a pinch for a gentle kick if you’re into a little heat.
• Italian seasoning: A blend of dried herbs that easily amps up the Mediterranean vibes.
• Orzo pasta: This small rice-shaped pasta cooks quickly and soaks up the sauce perfectly.
• Tomato sauce: Use a good quality canned tomato sauce for the best tomato flavor without the hassle of fresh tomatoes.
• Beef broth: Adds savory depth — chicken broth would work too in a pinch.
• Heavy or whipping cream: This is what makes the sauce silky rich and luscious.
• Worcestershire sauce: A splash brings umami and complexity.
• Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is a game changer here — it melts into the sauce beautifully.
• Fresh baby spinach: Toss it in at the end for a burst of color, nutrition, and freshness.
• Salt & pepper: To balance and season everything just right.

Variations

I love tweaking this Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe to suit different moods or what’s in my fridge. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the veggies, protein, or spice levels to make it your own!

• Protein swap: I sometimes switch ground beef for ground turkey or even sausage for a different flavor profile.
• Vegetable boosts: Adding mushrooms or bell peppers with the onion is a nice way to sneak in extra veggies.
• Dairy alternatives: If you want it lighter, you can substitute half-and-half or a creamy plant-based milk, though the sauce won’t be quite as rich.
• Make it spicy: I discovered adding a dash of smoked paprika or cayenne amps the depth and warmth without overpowering the dish.

How to Make Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef and Onion

Add the ground beef to a large soup pot or Dutch oven and break it up lightly with your spoon. Let it cook without stirring for 5-6 minutes over medium-high heat so you get some nice browning—that’s where the flavor really starts to build. Then add the chopped onion and stir everything together, continuing to cook for another 5 minutes until the beef is thoroughly browned and the onions are softened. If you see a lot of fat pooling at the bottom, spoon some out for a leaner dish, but if you’re using lean beef, you can leave what’s there to keep the sauce flavorful.

Step 2: Add Garlic, Spices, and Orzo

Stir in the minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes if you’re using them, and Italian seasoning, letting them toast for about a minute to really release those fragrant oils. Then add the uncooked orzo and stir well to coat the pasta in the flavorful beef mixture. This step prevents the orzo from sticking and infuses it with all those lovely spices.

Step 3: Pour in Liquids and Simmer

Mix in the tomato sauce, beef broth, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Turn the heat up just until it starts to bubble gently, then lower it to medium or medium-low so it simmers. Keep the pot uncovered and stir every few minutes to stop the orzo from sticking. Cook for about 10 minutes until the pasta is tender but not mushy, and the sauce thickens slightly. You want a gentle bubble, not a rolling boil—that way the liquid reduces at the right rate for tender orzo.

Step 4: Finish with Parmesan and Spinach

Remove the pot from heat and stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and packed baby spinach leaves. Then cover the pot for 3-5 minutes to let the spinach wilt and the sauce thicken to your preference. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper. This final step adds creaminess and a fresh green element that brightens the whole dish perfectly.

How to Serve Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

I like to top this dish with an extra sprinkle of grated Parmesan and a handful of freshly chopped basil or parsley—it adds a lovely fresh pop and vibrant color. A little drizzle of good olive oil right before serving also amps up the richness.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables, like garlic-roasted broccoli or asparagus. For a special touch, crusty garlic bread or warm pita on the side is perfect for soaking up every bit of that creamy tomato sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I sometimes serve the Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe in individual mini cast iron skillets or pretty shallow bowls, garnished with fresh herbs and a wedge of lemon on the side. It looks inviting and feels like a restaurant-quality dish with minimal fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps nicely for up to 3 days and still tastes great reheated. Just give it a quick stir before storing to keep the sauce evenly mixed.

Freezing

This recipe freezes surprisingly well, though I recommend freezing it before adding the spinach and Parmesan, then stirring those in fresh when you reheat. Freeze in a tightly sealed container and use within 2 months for the best flavor.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of broth or cream to refresh the sauce. You can also microwave it covered, stirring halfway through to prevent drying out. Adding fresh spinach or a little extra cheese when reheating brings it back to life.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites because it hits all the right notes—comforting, creamy, flavorful, and easy to make. I hope you’ll try it soon and find yourself coming back to it whenever you want a satisfying, fuss-free meal that feels homemade and special. It’s the kind of recipe I love to share with friends and family around the table, knowing it’ll bring smiles and full bellies.

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