Hearty Ground Beef Orzo in Silky Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this ground beef orzo with tomato cream sauce delivers pure comfort.

Creamy, rich flavors blend seamlessly in this one-pan wonder that will have everyone asking for seconds.

The hearty combination of tender ground beef and silky orzo creates a meal that feels both elegant and homey.

Robust tomato sauce mingles with smooth cream, creating a velvety texture that coats each pasta grain perfectly.

Herbs and spices dance through the dish, adding depth and warmth to every single bite.

Simple ingredients transform into something extraordinary with just a few minutes of cooking.

You’ll want to savor every delicious spoonful of this satisfying meal that comes together faster than ordering takeout.

Why Ground Beef Orzo Is a Weeknight Win

• Combine lean ground beef, protein-rich orzo, and nutrient-packed spinach to create a balanced meal that delivers essential vitamins and minerals in every delicious bite.
• Adapt the recipe by swapping spinach for kale, adding different herbs, or adjusting spice levels to match your family's taste preferences without compromising the dish's creamy, comforting essence.
• Using just one pot means fewer dishes to wash, letting you spend more time enjoying your meal and less time scrubbing pots and pans after dinner.

Ingredients for Beef Orzo in Tomato Sauce

• Ground Beef: Lean meat that creates a flavorful foundation for the dish and provides hearty protein.

• Onion, Garlic: Classic flavor builders that add depth and complexity to the ground beef base.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes, Italian Seasoning: Spices that enhance the overall taste profile with warmth and herbal notes.

• Orzo: Small rice-shaped pasta that absorbs the creamy tomato sauce beautifully.
• Tomato Sauce: Provides a rich, tangy base for the dish.
• Beef Broth: Adds additional savory depth to the sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious, creamy texture in the sauce.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Contributes a subtle umami and tangy flavor.

• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
• Baby Spinach: Fresh green element that adds nutrition and color.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for final flavor adjustment.

How to Make Creamy Beef Orzo

Step 1: Sizzle the Beef

Heat a large pot over medium-high temperature.

Drop ground beef into the pot and break it apart with a wooden spoon.

Allow the meat to develop a rich golden-brown exterior, cooking for 5-6 minutes without constant stirring.

Step 2: Build Flavor Foundations

Introduce chopped onions to the browned beef.

If excess fat appears, drain it carefully.

• Garlic cloves
• Crushed red pepper flakes
• Italian seasoning

Stir everything together and cook for about 1 minute until an aromatic blend emerges.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Base

Fold orzo into the meat mixture, ensuring complete coating.

• Tomato sauce
• Beef broth
• Heavy cream
• Worcestershire sauce

Mix thoroughly to combine all components.

Step 4: Simmer and Develop

Bring the mixture to a gentle bubble.

Reduce heat to medium-low and let it simmer.

Stir occasionally to prevent orzo from sticking, cooking for approximately 10 minutes until orzo becomes tender.

Step 5: Finish With Freshness

Remove pot from heat.

• Freshly grated parmesan cheese
• Baby spinach

Cover and let sit for 3-5 minutes, allowing spinach to wilt and sauce to thicken.

Season with salt and pepper to personal taste.

Step 6: Plate and Savor

Give the dish a final gentle stir.

Serve immediately while the creamy tomato sauce remains luscious and warm.

Enjoy the rich, comforting flavors of this one-pot wonder.

Tips for Saucy Tomato Orzo

• Avoid overcrowding the pan to achieve a perfect golden-brown crust, which develops rich, deep flavors in your ground beef.
• Stir frequently and monitor heat levels to prevent the cream sauce from breaking or becoming too thin, maintaining a smooth, velvety texture.
• Remove the pot from heat when adding spinach to prevent overcooking, allowing leaves to gently wilt while preserving their vibrant green color and nutrients.
• Grate fresh parmesan cheese directly into the dish for maximum flavor and smoother melting compared to pre-packaged alternatives.
• Keep extra beef broth nearby to adjust sauce thickness if the orzo absorbs liquid too quickly during cooking, ensuring ideal pasta texture.

Best Way to Store and Reheat Beef Orzo

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. The dish will maintain its flavor and texture best when chilled quickly.
• Transfer cooled orzo to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal, and freeze for up to 2 months. Label the container with the date to track freshness.
• Place portion in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons of water or broth to prevent drying. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed.
• Pour leftovers into a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of broth or cream to restore moisture. Stir gently and consistently until heated evenly, about 5-7 minutes. This method helps maintain the creamy consistency.

Dishes That Match Ground Beef Orzo

• Elevate Taste with Perfect Pairings
• Complement Creamy Sauce with Crisp Salad: Toss a light mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the beef and cream sauce. Fresh arugula with shaved parmesan adds a peppery contrast that brightens the entire dish.
• Match with Bold Red Wine: Pour a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese to enhance the tomato and beef flavors. The wine's acidity and tannins will beautifully balance the creamy texture of the orzo.
• Serve with Garlic Bread Sides: Prepare crusty garlic bread or toasted ciabatta slices to soak up the delicious tomato cream sauce. Brush with olive oil and sprinkle with fresh herbs for an extra layer of flavor that complements the main dish.
• Add Fresh Herb Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley on top just before serving to introduce a bright, fresh element that cuts through the dish's richness and adds a vibrant visual appeal.

Ground Beef Orzo Variations to Explore

• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils for a protein-packed meatless version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute orzo with cauliflower rice or gluten-free quinoa to make the dish celiac-friendly.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Use zucchini noodles or riced cauliflower instead of orzo to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining the creamy sauce's rich flavor.
• Dairy-Free Modification: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan cheese to create a dairy-free, allergen-friendly recipe that still delivers incredible taste.

FAQs

• What is orzo?

Orzo is a small, rice-shaped pasta made from semolina flour. It looks like large grains of rice but is actually a type of pasta commonly used in Mediterranean and Italian cuisines.

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

While orzo works best for this recipe, you can substitute with small pasta shapes like small shells or ditalini. Just adjust cooking time according to the pasta package instructions.

• Is this dish gluten-free?

No, this recipe is not gluten-free because orzo contains wheat. To make it gluten-free, you would need to use a gluten-free pasta alternative like rice-based orzo or another small gluten-free pasta.

• How spicy is this dish with red pepper flakes?

The 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes adds a mild heat that provides a gentle warmth without being overly spicy. You can reduce or omit the pepper flakes if you prefer a milder flavor.

Ground Beef Orzo With Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe

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4.5 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory ground beef orzo with tomato cream sauce offers a delightful Mediterranean-inspired comfort dish that blends rich flavors and creamy textures. Hearty and satisfying, you’ll enjoy this simple yet elegant meal perfect for quick weeknight dinners.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 1 (14-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 3/4 cup beef broth
• 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt & pepper to taste

Vegetables and Pasta:

• 1/2 medium onion, chopped
• 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups fresh baby spinach (packed)
• 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta

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Instructions

1. Heat a large pot over medium-high temperature and crumble ground beef, allowing it to develop a rich golden-brown exterior for 5-6 minutes without excessive stirring.
2. Incorporate chopped onions into the browned meat, breaking down the beef further while sautéing until onions become translucent. If excessive fat renders, drain carefully. Add minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning, cooking until aromatic.
3. Introduce uncooked orzo into the meat mixture, thoroughly coating each grain. Pour in tomato sauce, beef broth, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce, mixing completely to combine ingredients.
4. Reduce heat to medium-low, allowing the mixture to simmer gently. Stir periodically to prevent orzo from sticking, maintaining a consistent liquid level for approximately 10 minutes until pasta reaches desired tenderness.
5. Remove from heat and fold in freshly grated parmesan cheese and baby spinach. Cover and let rest 3-5 minutes, enabling spinach to wilt and sauce to thicken naturally. Season with salt and pepper according to preference.
6. Serve immediately, ensuring the creamy tomato sauce envelops the orzo and spinach for a vibrant, comforting meal.

Notes

• Achieve a perfect brown crust on the beef by avoiding excessive stirring during initial cooking, which helps develop rich, caramelized flavors.
• Opt for lean ground beef to control fat content while maintaining delicious taste, draining excess grease if necessary for a lighter dish.
• Customize the heat level by adjusting red pepper flakes, making the recipe adaptable for spice-sensitive palates or those craving extra kick.
• Transform this into a vegetarian meal by substituting ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils, ensuring similar texture and protein content.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 687
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 45 g
• Saturated Fat: 24 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 44 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg