If you’re craving a cozy, comforting dinner that tastes like it took hours but really comes together in a flash, the Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe is here to become your new weeknight champion. This dish pairs tender orzo pasta with a rich, velvety tomato cream sauce, enhanced by savory ground beef and fresh spinach, creating a perfect harmony of flavors and textures that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s effortless to prepare but absolutely delightful to savor, making it one of those recipes you’ll want to bookmark and share with everyone you know.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the right ingredients is the secret to nailing this dish. Each item plays a crucial role in building layers of taste, from the savory depth of the ground beef to the creamy finish from the parmesan and cream, not to mention the vibrant color and nutrition from fresh spinach.
- 1 pound lean ground beef: Choose lean to keep the dish hearty but not oily.
- ½ medium onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and a bit of crunch after sautéing.
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced: Delivers aromatic warmth that wakes up the sauce.
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For a gentle kick if you like a hint of heat.
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning: Brings classic herbaceous notes to the sauce.
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta: Small and absorbent, perfect for soaking up the creamy tomato sauce.
- 1 (14 ounce) can tomato sauce: Provides the rich tomato base with smooth consistency.
- ¾ cup beef broth: Deepens the umami flavor and keeps the sauce luscious.
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream: Makes the sauce decadently creamy and silky.
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds complexity with its tangy, savory punch.
- ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese: For a nutty, salty finish and smoothness.
- 2 cups packed fresh baby spinach: Adds freshness, color, and a mild earthy flavor.
- Salt & pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance every bite.
How to Make Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Place the ground beef in a large soup pot or Dutch oven, breaking it up gently with a spoon. Let it sit and cook over medium-high heat for about 5 to 6 minutes without stirring. This allows a beautiful crust to develop, which adds wonderful flavor to the dish and keeps the beef juicy inside.
Step 2: Add Onion and Continue Cooking
Add the chopped onion to the pot and gently stir to combine, breaking the beef into smaller pieces as you go. Let it cook together for another 5 minutes so the onions soften and become sweet. If your beef is not very lean and is producing excess fat, feel free to spoon some out; otherwise, the fat will contribute richness to the sauce.
Step 3: Incorporate Garlic, Spices, and Orzo
Stir in the minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), Italian seasoning, and the uncooked orzo pasta. Let everything cook for about a minute to toast the orzo slightly and to release the fragrant garlic flavor into the mixture, setting a flavorful base for the sauce.
Step 4: Add Tomato Sauce, Broth, Cream, and Worcestershire
Pour in the tomato sauce, beef broth, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce, stirring well to combine all the elements. Bring the mixture to a gentle bubble, then lower the heat to medium or medium-low. Cook uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring fairly often to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom. The goal is a gentle bubble rather than a raging boil—this helps the orzo absorb all those lovely flavors while the sauce thickens perfectly.
Step 5: Finish with Parmesan and Spinach
Remove the pot from heat and immediately stir in the freshly grated parmesan cheese and the packed baby spinach. Cover the pot for 3 to 5 minutes, allowing the spinach to wilt and the sauce to thicken to your preferred consistency. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed, then serve right away for the freshest, creamiest experience.
How to Serve Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle extra parmesan on top for a savory finish and a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh basil or parsley can brighten the dish visually and add a burst of fresh flavor. A drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice works wonders as well.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess. Roasted or steamed vegetables like asparagus, green beans, or broccoli also complement the flavors and add a lovely crunch and nutritional boost.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe in shallow bowls topped with a soft poached egg to enrich the dish further. Alternatively, you can spoon it into small ramekins for individual portions and bake lightly under the broiler for a bubbly parmesan crust that wows at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. This dish keeps well for up to 3 days while maintaining its rich flavors and creamy texture. Just give it a good stir before reheating.
Freezing
The Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe freezes nicely. Portion into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. It will keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low-medium heat, stirring often to ensure even warming and to prevent sticking. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of beef broth or cream to loosen it up and recapture that silky, luscious consistency.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta instead of orzo?
Absolutely! While orzo is perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce, small pasta shapes like acini di pepe or small shells would also work well. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the ground beef for sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based ground meat alternative, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to keep everything rich and flavorful without meat.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Definitely. Replace the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a creamy plant-based alternative, and use a dairy-free parmesan substitute or nutritional yeast for that cheesy punch.
How spicy is this dish with the red pepper flakes?
The crushed red pepper flakes add a mild heat that gently tingles the palate without overwhelming the flavors. You can omit them altogether if you prefer a milder dish.
How thick should the tomato cream sauce be when finished?
The sauce should be rich and creamy, coating the orzo nicely without being too runny. It should have thickened slightly after resting with parmesan and spinach, giving you that perfect balance between saucy and hearty.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe enough for anyone looking to whip up something truly satisfying without fuss. It’s packed with flavor, comforting textures, and the kind of savory richness that keeps you going back for seconds. Give it a try this week, and prepare to wow your taste buds while making your dinner routine utterly enjoyable.
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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 Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is a hearty and comforting one-pot meal featuring tender orzo pasta simmered in a rich tomato cream sauce with lean ground beef, garlic, and fresh spinach. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it combines savory flavors with creamy texture, finished with Parmesan cheese for a deliciously satisfying dish.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- ½ medium onion, chopped
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups (packed) fresh baby spinach
Spices and Seasonings
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Pasta and Sauces
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 1 (14 ounce) can tomato sauce
- ¾ cup beef broth
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
- ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook 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 browning.
- Add Onion and Continue Cooking: Stir in the chopped onion and break the beef into smaller pieces. Cook for another 5 minutes until the onion softens. If there’s excess fat, especially if not using lean beef, spoon some out; otherwise, keep it in the pot.
- Add Aromatics and Orzo: Stir in garlic, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), Italian seasoning, and uncooked orzo pasta. Cook for about 1 minute to toast the orzo slightly and release flavors.
- Simmer with Sauce and Broth: Pour in the tomato sauce, beef broth, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a gentle bubble over medium heat. Reduce heat to medium or medium-low and cook uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the orzo from sticking. Do not let it boil vigorously to avoid rapid liquid reduction before the pasta cooks through.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the pot from heat, stir in grated Parmesan cheese and fresh spinach until the spinach wilts. Cover the pot and let it sit for 3-5 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve immediately.
Notes
- Using lean ground beef helps reduce excess fat, but if using regular ground beef, drain or spoon out excess fat after cooking.
- Crushed red pepper flakes are optional; omit or adjust for milder flavor.
- Stir frequently during simmering to prevent the orzo from sticking to the pot bottom.
- Covering the dish after adding spinach helps melt the cheese and soften the greens.
- This recipe can be adapted with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
