There is something irresistibly comforting about a bowl of Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe. This dish combines tender ground beef, buttery orzo pasta, and a luscious tomato cream sauce that wraps every bite in rich, cozy flavors. Whether you’re craving a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive meal to share with friends, this recipe balances hearty protein, velvety sauce, and just the right brightness from fresh spinach perfectly. It’s a one-pot wonder that’s as satisfying as it is easy to whip up, promising to become one of your all-time favorite pasta dishes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe relies on simple, readily available ingredients that come together harmoniously. Each one plays a crucial role: from the savory, browned ground beef to the creamy tomato sauce which brings everything to life, plus fresh spinach for a pop of color and nutrition.
- 1 pound lean ground beef: The protein hero that adds heartiness and a savory base flavor.
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth when softened.
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced: Gives the dish aromatic warmth and complexity.
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a gentle heat kick to balance creaminess.
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Brings classic Mediterranean herbs to brighten the flavor.
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta: Small and tender, perfect for soaking up the sauce.
- 1 (14 ounce) can tomato sauce: Creates the rich tomato base of the sauce.
- 3/4 cup beef broth: Enhances the meatiness and keeps the sauce flavorful.
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream: Adds luxurious creaminess and smooth texture.
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Infuses a subtle, tangy umami depth.
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce, lending salty, nutty richness.
- 2 cups (packed) fresh baby spinach: Adds freshness, vibrant color, and a mild, earthy bite.
- Salt & pepper, to taste: Essential seasoning to bring all flavors into balance.
How to Make Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by adding the ground beef into a large soup pot or Dutch oven and break it up gently with a spoon. Let it cook undisturbed over medium-high heat for about 5 to 6 minutes. This allows the beef to develop a beautiful brown crust, unlocking deep, savory flavors that form the foundation of this dish. Resist the urge to stir too soon and let the meat caramelize for maximum taste.
Step 2: Sauté Onions with the Beef
Once the beef has browned nicely, toss in the chopped onion. Stir together, breaking the beef into smaller bits and letting the onion soften and become translucent, which takes about 5 minutes. If you see excess grease from the meat, you can spoon some out for a leaner result. The softened onions will add a subtle sweetness and a tender texture that complements the meat.
Step 3: Add Garlic, Spices, and Orzo
Stir in the minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning to the pot. Then add the dry orzo pasta. Cook everything together for about one minute to let the garlic and spices bloom, releasing their fragrances and infusing the pasta with flavor right from the start. This step is key to layering the seasoning throughout the dish.
Step 4: Pour in Tomato Sauce and Liquids
Next, pour in the tomato sauce, beef broth, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Give it a good stir to combine all the elements evenly. As the mixture heats, it will start bubbling gently. Let it simmer uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring often to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom. This ensures the pasta cooks perfectly by absorbing the rich sauce without drying out or boiling too hard.
Step 5: Finish with Cheese and Spinach
Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the freshly grated parmesan cheese along with the fresh baby spinach. Cover the pot with a lid and let it sit for 3 to 5 minutes. This resting time allows the sauce to thicken beautifully and the spinach to wilt just enough, lending a lovely tender texture and vibrant green color to the dish.
Step 6: Season and Serve
Give everything a final stir, taste, and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. Serve the Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe piping hot to truly appreciate the creamy sauce enveloping the perfectly cooked orzo and flavorful beef. This dish is pure comfort in a bowl, ready to warm you from the inside out.
How to Serve Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra parmesan cheese or a few torn fresh basil leaves on top instantly elevate the presentation and add an extra pop of flavor. You can also try a swirl of creamy ricotta or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil for a luscious finish that makes each bite feel extra special.
Side Dishes
This recipe stands well on its own but pairs beautifully with crisp, fresh sides. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or roasted seasonal vegetables works perfectly to balance the creamy richness. For a heartier option, crusty garlic bread is ideal to soak up every last bit of the delicious tomato cream sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this recipe in individual shallow bowls for a rustic, homey touch or spoon it onto warm plates, garnished with herbs for a clean, restaurant-style look. For a family-style gathering, present it straight from the pot with colorful serving spoons to invite everyone to dive in and enjoy together.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days, making it a quick option for next-day lunches or dinners. Before sealing, let the dish cool completely to maintain texture and flavor.
Freezing
This dish freezes well if you want to save some for a future meal. Portion out into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and then reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave to preserve the creamy texture and fresh taste.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the dish over low to medium heat on the stove, stirring occasionally. You may want to add a splash of broth or cream to refresh the sauce and prevent it from drying out. Heating slowly helps maintain the delicate balance of creamy sauce and tender pasta without overcooking.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta instead of orzo?
Absolutely! While orzo is wonderful for this recipe because of its small size and texture, you can swap in small pasta shapes like acini di pepe, couscous, or even small shells. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the pasta cooks through perfectly.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Replace the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils for a vegetarian spin. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth and consider adding extra mushrooms or roasted vegetables to deepen the flavor profile.
How spicy is the Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe?
The recipe includes optional crushed red pepper flakes for a mild heat. If you prefer a spicier kick, feel free to add more flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper. For a milder version, just leave them out entirely and enjoy the creamy tomato flavors.
Can I prepare this dish in advance for a dinner party?
Definitely! You can prepare the sauce and cook the orzo a day ahead, then reheat gently before serving. Just stir in the fresh spinach and parmesan at the last minute to keep them vibrant and fresh for your guests.
What makes this sauce creamy without being too heavy?
It’s all in the balance of tomato sauce and heavy cream combined with the gently simmered broth and tangy Worcestershire sauce. This mix provides a velvety texture that’s rich without feeling overly heavy, making every bite comforting yet light enough to enjoy fully.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe a try soon. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug at the end of a busy day, yet impresses with its depth of flavor and ease of preparation. Whether you’re cooking for your family or a crowd, this recipe is sure to become a trusted favorite on your dinner rotation. Happy cooking and even happier eating!
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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
Description
This Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is a comforting and hearty one-pot meal combining tender ground beef, flavorful tomato cream sauce, and tender orzo pasta. Fresh spinach and Parmesan cheese add layers of flavor and nutrition, making it an ideal weeknight dinner that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.
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 ground 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 the 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 spices 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 and simmer: 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 and 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
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- If you want a spicier kick, increase the crushed red pepper flakes.
- For a dairy-free version, replace heavy cream with coconut cream and omit parmesan or use a vegan alternative.
- Make sure to stir the orzo frequently during simmering to prevent it from sticking to the bottom.
- Adding fresh spinach at the end keeps it tender and vibrant without overcooking.
