Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe

If you’re craving dinner that’s creamy, comforting, and totally soul-warming, Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is your new weeknight hero. Tender orzo, juicy ground beef, and a luscious tomato cream sauce come together in one pot for a meal that’s as easy as it is irresistible!

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love about making Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is how each ingredient plays a role—no fluff, just pure flavor! The ingredients are simple, but together they create a dish that’s hearty, rich, and a little bit decadent, all without much fuss.

• Lean ground beef: The star of this dish! Lean beef keeps things hearty but not greasy, offering a rich, savory base.
• Onion: Adds sweetness and depth—don’t skip sautéing it for extra flavor.
• Garlic: For aromatic punch; freshly minced brings the best flavor.
• Crushed red pepper flakes: Optional, but a little heat brings gentle warmth to the sauce.
• Italian seasoning: Brings the herbaceous notes that make this feel like comfort food with flair.
• Orzo pasta: This rice-shaped pasta soaks up all the creamy sauce for dreamy texture in every forkful.
• Tomato sauce: The backbone of your sauce, giving rich color and tang.
• Beef broth: Enhances depth and makes the orzo deliciously savory.
• Heavy or whipping cream: The secret to that irresistible silky-smooth, creamy texture.
• Worcestershire sauce: Adds a trace of umami that makes the sauce extra flavorful.
• Freshly grated parmesan cheese: Makes the dish nutty, salty, and oh-so-creamy—freshly grated melts best!
• Fresh baby spinach: Wilts down and sneaks in a pop of green plus a healthy twist.
• Salt & pepper: To taste, bringing everything into balance.

Variations

This Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is endlessly customizable! Feel free to put your own spin on it based on what you have on hand, dietary needs, or your family’s favorite flavors—the basic canvas is deliciously flexible.

• Swap the Protein: Try ground turkey, sausage, or even a plant-based ground “beef” alternative for a different flavor or to keep it vegetarian.
• Add More Veggies: Stir in bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini along with the onion for extra nutrition and color.
• Make it Spicier: Double the red pepper flakes or add a diced jalapeño for an extra kick if you love some heat.
• Lighter Cream Sauce: Use half-and-half or evaporated milk in place of heavy cream for a lighter but still creamy finish.
• Cheese Lovers’ Dream: Mix in shredded mozzarella, fontina, or provolone along with parmesan for even more cheesy goodness.

How to Make Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by adding your ground beef to a soup pot or Dutch oven. Let it cook undisturbed over medium-high heat for 5 to 6 minutes—this step helps you get those flavorful browned bits that make the base so tasty.

Step 2: Add Onion and Break up Beef

Stir in the chopped onion and continue breaking the beef up into small pieces. Cook for another 5 minutes or until the onion turns soft and the meat is beautifully browned. If there’s extra fat, spoon out what you need—but a little can actually add flavor!

Step 3: Infuse with Flavor

Next comes the flavor-builders: mix in garlic, red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, and the uncooked orzo. Let everything sizzle together for about a minute, which helps the orzo toast lightly and the spices bloom.

Step 4: Simmer the Sauce and Orzo

Pour in the tomato sauce, beef broth, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle bubble (not a rolling boil!), then cook uncovered for about 10 minutes, stirring often so the orzo doesn’t stick to the bottom. Lower the heat as needed—keep it creamy and cozy.

Step 5: Finish with Cheese & Spinach

Take the pot off the heat and stir in parmesan cheese and fresh baby spinach. Cover and let it sit for 3 to 5 minutes, just until the sauce thickens up and the spinach wilts. Give it a final taste and add salt and pepper as needed, then serve up your Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce piping hot!

How to Serve Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce

Garnishes

A generous sprinkle of extra parmesan cheese on top is always a favorite, but don’t stop there—a little chopped fresh parsley or basil adds a fresh pop of green. For a tiny kick, a pinch of extra red pepper flakes does the trick!

Side Dishes

Pair your Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce with crusty garlic bread to swipe up every drop of sauce. A simple green salad with balsamic dressing or roasted asparagus makes for a complete and satisfying meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Spoon individual portions into shallow bowls for a rustic feel, or, for a party, serve in small ramekins as a sophisticated starter. You can even pile the batch onto a large platter family-style, letting everyone dig in at the table—don’t forget a lemon wedge for a bright squeeze right before eating!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let your Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce cool to room temperature, then seal in an airtight container. It keeps fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days and makes a fabulous next-day lunch!

Freezing

This recipe freezes surprisingly well! Pop cooled portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating so the sauce stays creamy and the orzo’s texture remains just right.

Reheating

When reheating, add a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce—then warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. The orzo will thank you with a perfectly silky texture all over again!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to tuck into a bowl of this Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce! It’s one of those dishes that looks fancy but feels just like a cozy hug on the dreariest day. Whether you’re feeding a family or just wanting creamy comfort on demand, this recipe is guaranteed to bring smiles to your table. Enjoy every bite—and don’t forget to make enough for seconds!

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