If you’ve been hunting for a comforting, flavorful dish that’s both hearty and a little bit fancy, the Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe is your new best friend. This delightful combination brings tender ground beef and delicate orzo pasta together in a lush, creamy tomato sauce that’s bursting with herbs and a little kick of spice. Each bite offers a perfect harmony of textures and flavors that feels like a warm, homemade hug on a plate. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual dinner with friends, this dish delivers satisfaction in every spoonful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple pantry staples and fresh essentials that work together to create a dish full of vibrant taste, creamy texture, and fresh color. From the juicy ground beef to the bright spinach and the rich, creamy tomato sauce, every item plays its part beautifully.
- 1 lb ground beef: Provides savory richness and hearty protein for the dish.
- 1 cup orzo pasta: Tiny pasta that cooks quickly and perfectly absorbs the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste: Intensifies tomato flavor and adds depth to the sauce.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes: Brings freshness and tangy sweetness with juicy tomato chunks.
- 1 cup beef broth: Adds a robust base to simmer the orzo and meld flavors.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the luxurious, creamy texture that coats every bite.
- 1 cup fresh spinach (loosely packed): Adds a pop of vibrant green and a nutritious boost.
- 1 small yellow onion, diced: Builds savory aroma and sweetness when sautéed.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Lends aromatic warmth and depth to the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Blends herbs like basil and oregano for classic Italian flavor.
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes: Adds a gentle spicy kick to balance the creaminess.
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste): Enhances all the flavors without overwhelming.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Offers subtle heat and earthiness.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional): Finishes the dish with salty, nutty richness.
How to Make Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat and adding the ground beef. Break it apart with your spatula or wooden spoon as it cooks, ensuring even browning. Once it’s no longer pink, drain any excess grease so the dish doesn’t get oily. This rich, browned beef forms the flavorful foundation of your sauce.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Add diced yellow onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Sauté them for 2 to 3 minutes until the onions become translucent and fragrant. This step unlocks the sweetness and aroma of the onions and garlic, layering your sauce with comforting warmth.
Step 3: Add Tomato Paste and Diced Tomatoes
Stir in the tomato paste and cook it for about a minute to deepen its flavor. Then, add the diced tomatoes with their juices and mix everything together. This combination builds the rich tomato base that’s key to your creamy sauce.
Step 4: Cook the Orzo with Broth
Pour in the orzo and beef broth, stirring to combine well. Cover the skillet and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook uncovered for roughly 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. This step ensures the orzo soaks up all those delicious flavors.
Step 5: Stir in Cream and Spinach
Once your orzo is perfectly cooked, stir in the heavy cream and fresh spinach. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the sauce becomes velvety smooth. This addition transforms the dish into a luscious, creamy masterpiece with a burst of color and nutrients.
Step 6: Season and Finish
Season the dish with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for just the right balance of flavor and heat. If you love cheese, stir in the grated Parmesan now for an extra layer of savory goodness. Give everything a final stir, then serve it hot and enjoy every comforting bite!
How to Serve Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten up your dish with freshly chopped parsley or basil for a hit of herbal freshness. A light sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese also works wonders to boost the rich, cheesy notes. For a little zing, a dash of lemon zest can awaken the flavors and add unexpected brightness.
Side Dishes
This creamy orzo dish pairs beautifully with crisp green salads featuring arugula or mixed greens tossed in a tangy vinaigrette. Garlic bread or crusty baguette slices are perfect to mop up that irresistible tomato cream sauce, making every morsel count. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli also complement the hearty beef and creamy pasta quite nicely.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy family dinner, serve this comfort food straight from the skillet, letting everyone help themselves. If you want to impress guests, portion it into pretty bowls and garnish each with fresh herbs and a drizzle of olive oil. For a fun twist, spoon the dish into hollowed-out bell peppers or tomatoes that have been lightly roasted—it adds a stunning presentation that’s both edible and decorative.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got extra Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe? No problem. Transfer your leftovers into an airtight container and keep them refrigerated for up to 3 days. The flavors actually mellow wonderfully overnight, making the next-day meal tastes even better.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish if you want to save some for busy days ahead. Let it cool completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container or bag. It will keep beautifully frozen for up to 2 months. Just remember to label it so you don’t forget the treasure waiting inside your freezer!
Reheating
To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight for best results. Warm it gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to redistribute the sauce and prevent sticking. If it seems too thick, add a splash of broth or cream to bring back that creamy texture you loved in the first place.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While orzo is perfect for its size and texture, small pasta shapes like ditalini, small shells, or even couscous can work well. Just be sure to adjust cooking times since each pasta cooks differently.
Is ground beef the only meat option for this recipe?
Nope! Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for a lighter version. If you want a richer flavor, ground pork or a combination of beef and pork also makes a delicious alternative.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Skip the ground beef and boost the veggies—add mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant for hearty texture. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth, and you have a fantastic vegetarian-friendly meal that still feels indulgent.
How spicy is this dish with the red pepper flakes?
The pinch of red pepper flakes provides just a gentle warmth that enhances the flavors without overpowering. If you prefer no heat, you can skip them or reduce the amount. For those who love spice, feel free to add a bit more!
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time for meal prep?
Yes! This Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe is excellent for meal prep. Cook and cool it thoroughly, then portion into containers. It reheats beautifully, making weekday lunches or dinners a breeze.
Final Thoughts
This Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe is one of those dishes that brings comfort, flavor, and ease to your table all at once. It’s approachable enough for weeknights but special enough to share any time you want to impress. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try it soon—you might just find it becomes one of your go-to family favorites too!
Print
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 Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
A comforting and flavorful ground beef and orzo pasta dish simmered in a rich tomato cream sauce, enhanced with fresh spinach and Italian seasonings for a hearty meal.
Ingredients
Meat and Dairy
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Pasta
- 1 cup orzo pasta
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup fresh spinach (loosely packed)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
Liquids
- 1 cup beef broth
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks until evenly browned. Drain excess grease to avoid a greasy dish.
- Sauté onion and garlic: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until the onion softens and the mixture is fragrant.
- Add tomato paste and diced tomatoes: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen the flavor. Then add the diced tomatoes with their juices and mix thoroughly.
- Cook orzo with broth: Pour in the orzo pasta and beef broth. Stir well, cover the skillet, and bring to a simmer. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Incorporate cream and spinach: Stir in the heavy cream and fresh spinach. Continue cooking for 2–3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Season and finish: Season the dish with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes to taste. If desired, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese for added richness. Serve the dish hot.
Notes
- You can substitute beef broth with vegetable broth if you want a lighter flavor.
- Optional Parmesan cheese adds a creamy, savory finish but can be omitted for a lighter version.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control the spiciness of the dish.
- Fresh spinach can be substituted with kale or Swiss chard if desired.
- For a gluten-free alternative, use gluten-free orzo or a similar gluten-free pasta.
