Name: Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
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 fresh baby spinach, packed; Salt & pepper, to taste

Jump to Recipe

If you’re looking for a weeknight dinner that’s hearty, luxurious, and totally satisfying, Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is about to become your new go-to. This luscious, one-pot wonder blends tender orzo, savory ground beef, velvety tomato cream, and a pop of fresh spinach — all in under 40 minutes, with just enough cheesy richness to make every bite feel special. The harmonious mix of flavors, cozy textures, and minimal cleanup will leave you wondering how such an easy recipe can taste so dreamy.

Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This comforting Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce keeps things simple, but trust me, each ingredient truly earns its spot. From the savory foundation of beef and onion to the silky cheese and cream, this lineup builds layers of flavor, color, and that signature creamy finish.

Lean Ground Beef: Forms the hearty, flavorful backbone; use lean for less grease, but any blend will work.
Onion: Adds aromatic sweetness that forms a beautiful base for the sauce and beef.
Garlic: Fresh cloves give a punch of savory depth that livens up every bite.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Bring a whisper of heat; totally optional but highly recommended for extra zing.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that gives that classic, cozy Italian undertone.
Orzo Pasta: These little rice-shaped pastas are perfect for soaking up sauce and add a lovely chewy texture.
Tomato Sauce: Forms the base of the creamy tomato sauce, adding tang and vibrant color.
Beef Broth: Deepens the flavor, keeping things hearty and rich while helping the orzo cook.
Heavy/Whipping Cream: Brings luxurious creaminess that transforms the sauce into pure comfort food.
Worcestershire Sauce: Just a splash kicks up the umami notes and rounds everything out.
Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese: Melts right in for salty richness and a little nutty flavor.
Fresh Baby Spinach: Adds color, a boost of nutrients, and a gentle earthy flavor that brightens the whole dish.
Salt & Pepper: Season as needed to bring all the flavors to life.

How to Make Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by adding your ground beef to a large soup pot or Dutch oven—no need to oil the pan first. Let it sizzle undisturbed over medium-high heat for five to six minutes. This helps create those delicious, savory brown bits that form the foundation of your Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce. Resist the urge to stir at this point; those caramelized pieces pack serious flavor!

Step 2: Add Onion and Break Up the Beef

Next, toss in your chopped onion and break the beef up into small, bite-sized pieces. Stir and sauté for about five minutes more, until the onion softens and the beef is nicely crumbled. If you notice excess fat (especially if you didn’t use lean beef), feel free to drain most of it off. Otherwise, a little fat left in the pot is just fine—it keeps everything moist and flavorful.

Step 3: Add Garlic, Seasonings, and Orzo

Time to layer in flavor! Sprinkle the minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning into the pot, followed by the uncooked orzo. Stir constantly for about a minute; you want the garlic to become fragrant, the herbs to bloom, and the orzo to toast ever so slightly. This step is quick but crucial for developing the complex yet accessible taste that makes Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce irresistible.

Step 4: Simmer with Liquids

Pour in your tomato sauce, beef broth, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce, stirring well to incorporate everything. Once things start to bubble, turn the heat down to medium or even medium-low—you want a gentle simmer, not a rolling boil. Let the mixture cook uncovered for about ten minutes, stirring often so the orzo doesn’t stick. The sauce will gradually thicken and the orzo will plump up, taking on all that creamy, savory flavor.

Step 5: Finish with Spinach and Cheese

Take the pot off the heat and stir in the grated parmesan and fresh spinach. Cover the pot and let it rest for three to five minutes, allowing the spinach to wilt and the sauce to thicken even more. Give it a taste and add salt and pepper as needed. Now your Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is ready to serve piping hot!

How to Serve Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce

Garnishes

This dish loves a finishing flourish! Sprinkle extra parmesan cheese on top, give it a scattering of chopped fresh basil or parsley, and maybe even a crack of black pepper for a little contrast. These finishing touches add color and a hit of freshness that perfectly complements the creamy, rich sauce.

Side Dishes

Pair Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce with a simple green salad tossed in lemony vinaigrette, or serve it alongside warm crusty bread—perfect for mopping up every drop of sauce. Steamed broccoli or roasted vegetables also round out the meal beautifully if you’re craving even more greens.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, try serving this dish in individual ramekins or shallow pasta bowls, topped generously with shaved parmesan and a swirl of cream. You could even stuff the mixture into roasted bell peppers for a fun, unexpected twist on a classic.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftovers cool to room temperature, then scoop the Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce into an airtight container. It keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to three days—meaning easy lunches and lazy-night dinners are totally within reach.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze this dish! Although orzo can become slightly softer after reheating, the flavors hold up well. Store cooled portions in freezer-safe containers for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture.

Reheating

For the best results, warm leftovers on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave with a splash of extra beef broth or cream to restore that dreamy, saucy consistency. Stir frequently, and just heat it through—avoid boiling so the cream doesn’t separate.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While orzo really soaks up the tomato cream sauce and gives a lovely consistency, you can swap in other small pasta shapes like ditalini, small shells, or even broken spaghetti. Adjust the simmering time as needed for different pastas.

What’s the best way to make this dish vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version of Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce, simply substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or cooked lentils, and use vegetable broth in place of beef broth. The flavors and texture will still be rich and satisfying!

How do I make it spicier—or milder?

For a spicier kick, increase the red pepper flakes or even add a pinch of cayenne. For a milder version, skip the red pepper entirely and stick with just the Italian seasoning for a classic, kid-friendly result.

Can I substitute half-and-half or milk for the heavy cream?

You can substitute half-and-half for a slightly lighter sauce, though it won’t be quite as rich. Milk also works, but you may want to simmer the sauce a bit longer to reach the same creamy consistency.

How do I keep the orzo from sticking to the bottom of the pot?

The secret is frequent stirring, especially while the orzo is cooking in the sauce. Make sure your heat isn’t too high, and use a heavy-bottomed pot if you have one for the creamiest, most even results.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce a place on your dinner table—it’s a comforting twist on pasta night that always delivers. Whether you’re feeding family or just treating yourself, this dish is pure cozy, saucy satisfaction. Dive in and let me know how it turns out!

Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 29 reviews

Author: Ava
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

A comforting and hearty dish featuring ground beef, orzo pasta, and a rich tomato cream sauce. This Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is a flavorful one-pot meal that is perfect for a cozy night in.

Instructions

Prepare Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to a soup pot/Dutch oven and cook over medium-high heat for 5-6 minutes.
Add Onion: Stir in the onion and continue cooking for another 5 minutes.
Season and Add Orzo: Stir in garlic, red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, and orzo. Cook for 1 minute.
Combine Sauces: Add tomato sauce, beef broth, cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook uncovered for 10 minutes.
Finish Dish: Remove from heat, stir in parmesan and spinach. Cover for 3-5 minutes until thickened. Season with salt and pepper before serving.