Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe | Rich & Comforting
I recently tried making this ground beef orzo with tomato cream sauce recipe, and I have to say, it’s become one of my favorite weeknight dinners. The creamy tomato sauce paired with tender orzo and flavorful ground beef was absolutely comforting. It’s one of those recipes that feels fancy but comes together quickly.
I love that it’s a one-pot meal, which makes cleanup a breeze. Let me walk you through how I made it and how you can easily enjoy it at home. You can also enjoy similar hearty soups like Chicken Corn Chowder Recipe alongside this meal.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this creamy, satisfying dish:
- 1 pound lean ground beef – I prefer at least 90% lean for less grease.
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped – sweet onions like Vidalia work best for depth of flavor.
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced – fresh garlic gives a punchy aroma and taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional) – adds a gentle heat without overwhelming.
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning – a mix of dried herbs enhances the sauce naturally.
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta – cooks quickly and absorbs sauce beautifully.
- 1 (14-ounce) can tomato sauce – forms a rich tomato base.
- 3/4 cup beef broth – adds a savory layer to the sauce.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream – gives the sauce a smooth, velvety texture.
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce – brings umami depth.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese – adds a nutty, salty flavor on top.
- 2 cups fresh spinach – balances richness with freshness.
Note: Serves 4 generously.
Variations
This recipe is flexible, and you can adapt it to suit your taste or dietary needs:
- Swap heavy cream for coconut cream for a dairy-free option.
- Use gluten-free orzo to make it gluten-free.
- Add bell peppers or mushrooms for extra veggies and flavor.
- Increase crushed red pepper flakes if you like a spicier kick.
Cooking Time
Here’s the quick breakdown for making this meal:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Equipment You Need
- Soup pot or Dutch oven – to cook the beef and orzo in one pot.
- Wooden spoon – perfect for stirring without scratching your pot.
- Garlic press – makes mincing garlic quick and easy.
- Grater or Microplane – for freshly grating Parmesan cheese.
How to Make Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by adding the ground beef to your pot and let it brown undisturbed for a few minutes. This creates a flavorful base for the sauce.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Stir in chopped onions and cook until softened. Then add garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning for a fragrant mix.
Step 3: Add Orzo and Liquids
Mix in the uncooked orzo, tomato sauce, beef broth, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Let the sauce simmer gently while the pasta cooks, stirring occasionally. You may also enjoy pairing this with a special entrée like Steak with Shrimp and Lobster Sauce Recipe for a full dinner experience.
Step 4: Finish with Cheese and Spinach
Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese and fresh spinach. Cover for a few minutes to let the spinach wilt and the sauce thicken slightly.
Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better
From my experience making this dish, a few tweaks make a big difference:
- I like using freshly grated Parmesan instead of pre-grated for better melting.
- Keep an eye on the liquid as orzo cooks; add a splash of broth if it seems too dry.
- Let the pot sit covered for a few minutes off heat to fully thicken the sauce.
- Taste before serving and adjust salt and pepper for perfect seasoning.
How to Serve Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce
I love presenting this meal right in the pot for a cozy family dinner, but you can also plate it beautifully:
- Serve with a side salad like mixed greens with balsamic dressing.
- Add garlic bread for a classic pairing.
- Garnish with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for visual appeal.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a rough estimate per serving:
- Calories: 450-500
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 22g
Make Ahead and Storage
Refrigerating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Add a splash of cream when reheating to revive the sauce.
Freezing
This dish isn’t ideal for freezing as the orzo can get mushy and watery.
Reheating
Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat or microwave in small increments to avoid overcooking.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is a winner for many reasons:
- Quick and easy – perfect for busy weeknights when time is short.
- One-pot meal – minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
- Comforting and creamy – rich tomato cream sauce everyone enjoys.
- Flexible – easy to adapt for dietary preferences or extra veggies.
- Family-friendly – a recipe both kids and adults will love.
This ground beef orzo with tomato cream sauce is a creamy, cozy, and simple dish that’s perfect any night of the week. It’s fast, flavorful, and comforting—just like I love my weeknight meals to be.