Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe
If you’re seeking a comforting, flavorful meal that’s both easy and indulgent, this Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe is an absolute winner. Combining tender ground beef, delicate orzo pasta, and a rich tomato cream sauce, this dish is a soul-satisfying blend of textures and tastes that come together in just about 30 minutes. The bright tomato base and luscious cream create a sauce that hugs each bit of orzo and beef perfectly, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or a simple crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays an important role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, richness, and heartiness. From the savory ground beef to the fresh baby spinach, each element contributes to the dish’s comforting charm and vibrant appeal.
- 1 pound lean ground beef: Provides the main savory and meaty flavor, plus protein for a filling meal.
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped: Adds subtle sweetness and depth to the sauce when sautéed.
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with a warm, aromatic richness.
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Introduces a gentle heat to balance the creamy sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Brings in classic herb notes like oregano and basil that marry beautifully with tomato.
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta: Offers a delicate, rice-like texture that absorbs the sauce gorgeously.
- 1 (14 ounce) can tomato sauce: The tangy tomato base that forms the heart of the sauce.
- 3/4 cup beef broth: Adds extra savory depth and keeps the orzo moist while cooking.
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream: Creates the luxuriously creamy texture that balances acidity.
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Enhances umami flavor, elevating the overall savoriness.
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese: Melts in for a salty, nutty finish that enriches the sauce.
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach: Adds a fresh, leafy green element and a pop of color.
- Salt & pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing all flavors into harmony.
How to Make Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating a soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat and adding the ground beef. Let it cook, undisturbed, for 5 to 6 minutes. This allows the beef to brown beautifully, creating rich, caramelized flavors that form the foundation of the dish. Browning without stirring too early locks in that deep, satisfying taste.
Step 2: Sauté Onion
Add the chopped onion to the pot with the browned beef. Stir and break the meat into smaller crumbles while the onions soften, cooking for about 5 minutes. This step adds sweetness and complexity to the dish, balancing the savory beef perfectly. If there’s excess fat, you can spoon some out to keep it lighter, but a little fat adds extra flavor.
Step 3: Add Aromatics and Orzo
Now stir in the minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes if using, Italian seasoning, and uncooked orzo pasta. Cook this mixture for about one minute to let the spices bloom and become fragrant. This step ensures your orzo will soak up all those delicious flavors as it cooks.
Step 4: Add Liquids
Pour in the tomato sauce, beef broth, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce, then give everything a good stir. Bring the mixture to a gentle bubble and let it cook uncovered for around 10 minutes. Stir frequently to keep the orzo from sticking and reduce the heat as necessary. This slow simmer lets the orzo cook through while thickening the sauce into a silky, creamy wonder.
Step 5: Finish with Cheese & Spinach
Remove the pot from heat, then fold in the grated parmesan cheese and fresh baby spinach. Cover with a lid and let it sit for 3 to 5 minutes. During this time, the spinach wilts down tenderly, and the cheese melts, beautifully enriching the sauce’s texture and taste.
Step 6: Season and Serve
Give your dish a final stir, then taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve right away while everything is hot and fresh for the best creaminess and flavor explosion.
How to Serve Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped basil or parsley add a bright, fresh finish that contrasts nicely with the rich tomato cream sauce. A sprinkle of extra parmesan cheese on top never hurts either and amps up the cheesy goodness.
Side Dishes
Serve this dish alongside a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the creaminess. Garlic bread or warm, crusty rolls are perfect to scoop up any leftover sauce, making the meal extra satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve portions in individual savory ramekins or bake with a sprinkle of extra cheese on top until golden and bubbly. Adding a poached or fried egg on top can also elevate this recipe into a brunch-worthy dish!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After cooling to room temperature, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen in the fridge, making it even tastier when reheated.
Freezing
This Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe freezes well. Let it cool completely, then pack it in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. To maintain the creamy texture, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
Rewarm on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to evenly heat and restore creaminess. Add a splash of beef broth or cream if the sauce seems too thick upon reheating.
FAQs
Can I use different pasta instead of orzo?
Absolutely! While orzo is ideal for soaking up the sauce and cooking quickly, small pasta shapes like ditalini or acini di pepe would work well too. Just adjust cooking time accordingly.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. The tomato cream sauce will still be delicious and satisfying.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
You can make the entire recipe up to the final cheese and spinach addition, then store it in the fridge. Finish with cheese and spinach right before serving for the best freshness.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
For a lighter option, use half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a little cornstarch to thicken, but the sauce won’t be quite as rich and creamy. Coconut cream can also work if you prefer dairy-free.
How spicy is the dish with red pepper flakes?
The crushed red pepper flakes add a gentle warmth, not overwhelming heat. Feel free to omit or adjust quantity to suit your heat preference.
Final Thoughts
This Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe is a cozy, flavorful meal that comes together quickly without sacrificing any indulgence. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or entertaining friends, it’s a surefire hit with everyone who loves rich, creamy, and perfectly balanced comfort food. Give it a try soon—you might just find your new favorite dinner!
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Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is a hearty and comforting one-pot meal combining tender ground beef, tender orzo pasta, and a rich tomato cream sauce. Enhanced with garlic, Italian seasoning, fresh spinach, and parmesan cheese, it delivers a perfect balance of flavors and textures in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Meat and Aromatics
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
Spices and Seasonings
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt & 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
Finishing Ingredients
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 2 cups (packed) fresh baby spinach
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to a soup pot or Dutch oven and break it up slightly with your spoon. Allow it to cook without stirring over medium-high heat for 5-6 minutes to develop browning and deep flavor.
- Sauté Onion: Add the chopped onion to the pot, 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 non-lean beef, carefully spoon some out; otherwise, leave it in.
- Add Aromatics 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: 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. Adjust heat to maintain a gentle simmer so the pasta cooks thoroughly without boiling off all the liquid.
- Finish with Cheese & Spinach: Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the grated parmesan cheese and fresh baby spinach. Cover with a lid 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 immediately while hot for optimal freshness and flavor.
Notes
- Using lean ground beef minimizes excess fat but if using fattier beef, skim off extra grease before proceeding.
- Crushed red pepper flakes add a hint of heat but are optional based on your spice preference.
- Letting the dish sit off heat with the lid on allows the flavors to meld and spinach to gently wilt without overcooking.
- Ensure constant stirring during simmering to prevent orzo from sticking and burning at the pot’s bottom.
- For a lower calorie version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk but the sauce will be less rich.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
