Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce – Quick, Creamy & Wonderful Dinner

Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is one of those dinners that feels like a warm hug at the end of a long, hectic day. It’s creamy, cozy, and comes together in just 30 minutes—yes, that’s less time than it takes to order takeout and argue over who’s doing the dishes.

With tender orzo pasta simmered in a luscious tomato cream sauce and hearty ground beef, it’s pure comfort food magic. If you’re craving a simple one-pot meal that hits all the right notes—flavorful, filling, and family-approved—this Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce will absolutely be your new weeknight favorite.

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What is Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce?

This Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is basically the dream child of Italian comfort and American practicality. Think of it as a saucy, skillet-style pasta dinner without all the fuss of boiling separate pots. The orzo—tiny rice-shaped pasta—soaks up the creamy tomato sauce as it cooks right in the pan with the beef, turning it into a thick, velvety mix that’s rich, savory, and full of flavor.

You’ll get a subtle kick from red pepper flakes, a touch of tang from tomato sauce, and the indulgent smoothness of heavy cream. Add in a handful of spinach for some greens and a sprinkle of Parmesan, and boom—you’ve got a meal that feels fancy but is secretly super easy.

Reasons to Try Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce

There are so many reasons to love this Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce. First off, it’s a true one-pot wonder—which means less cleanup, fewer dishes, and more time to actually enjoy your evening. It’s also budget-friendly, using simple pantry ingredients you probably already have. The flavor? A comforting mix of creamy, cheesy, and just a little tangy.

Even the pickiest eaters will go back for seconds. This dish works beautifully for busy weeknights, potlucks, or those nights when you just want something satisfying without a lot of effort. And if you love creamy pasta dinners, you might also enjoy my Cajun Chicken Orzo for a spicier twist or my Low-Carb Taco Casserole when you’re keeping things lighter.

Ingredients Needed to Make Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• ½ medium onion, chopped
• 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
• 1 (14-ounce) can tomato sauce
• ¾ cup beef broth
• 1 cup heavy or whipping cream
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups fresh baby spinach (packed)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions to Make Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce

Alright, let’s walk through this Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce step by step — it’s simple, satisfying, and perfect even if you’re running on coffee and willpower. This recipe is all about layering flavor and letting the orzo soak up every drop of that creamy, tomato-rich sauce. Grab your favorite pot, roll up your sleeves, and let’s get cooking.

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Start by heating a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add your lean ground beef, breaking it up slightly with a spoon. Now, here’s a little secret — don’t stir too often. Let it sit for about 5 to 6 minutes first, so it gets that irresistible, caramelized brown crust.

This deep browning builds the foundation of your Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce, adding richness and depth. If your beef is fattier, you can spoon out a little excess grease, but keep some in there for flavor. If you’re curious about choosing the best type of beef for cooking, check out my tips on meat selection in Big Mac Casserole — it uses similar ingredients for that same juicy finish.

Step 2: Add the Onion and Aromatics

Once your beef is browned, toss in the chopped onion. Stir and cook for another 5 minutes until the onion turns soft and golden. This step brings a gentle sweetness that balances the tang of the tomato sauce later. Then, add the minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes (if you like a little heat), and Italian seasoning. Stir well and breathe in that glorious aroma — your kitchen should now smell like a cozy Italian trattoria. If you enjoy garlic-forward recipes, you’ll love my Garlic Potato Soup, which pairs beautifully with this dish on cooler nights.

Step 3: Toast the Orzo for Extra Flavor

Here’s where the magic really starts. Sprinkle in the uncooked orzo pasta and stir it right into the beef mixture. Let it toast for about 1 minute while stirring frequently. This quick toast gives the orzo a slightly nutty note and helps it hold its texture while simmering later. Think of it like “waking up” the pasta — giving it a chance to absorb all those meaty, garlicky juices. For another one-pot pasta that uses this same trick, try my Cajun Chicken Orzo next time you want something with a kick.

Step 4: Create the Tomato Cream Sauce

Now, pour in the tomato sauce, beef broth, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed, scraping up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom of the pot (those are gold!). Bring the mixture to a gentle bubble — not a full boil — then lower the heat to medium or medium-low. You’ll want the sauce to simmer softly for about 10 minutes, uncovered. Stir every couple of minutes to make sure the orzo doesn’t stick to the bottom. During this step, the pasta will slowly soak up the creamy tomato broth and thicken beautifully. The smell will have everyone wandering into the kitchen asking, “Is dinner ready yet?”

Step 5: Stir in the Spinach and Cheese

When the orzo is tender and the sauce has thickened into a luscious, velvety coating, remove the pot from heat. Add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and the packed baby spinach. Stir everything gently until the spinach wilts and melts right into the sauce. Cover the pot for 3 to 5 minutes to let it all come together — the sauce will continue thickening as it rests. Then, give it one last taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. That’s it — your Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce step by step masterpiece is ready to serve.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Spoon the creamy orzo into bowls and sprinkle a little extra Parmesan on top if you’re feeling fancy. Pair it with garlic bread or a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal. This dish is especially comforting with a simple salad or even a side of Easy Cheesy Vegetable Chowder on chilly evenings.

What to Serve with Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce

This dish is hearty enough to stand alone, but it pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or roasted veggies. A crusty garlic bread or homemade focaccia makes the perfect sidekick to soak up every last drop of that velvety sauce. For something lighter, try a crisp cucumber and tomato salad or even my Easy Cheesy Vegetable Chowder as a starter. And if you’re planning a cozy dinner night, a glass of red wine and a slice of my Big Mac Casserole for seconds wouldn’t hurt either.

Key Tips for Making Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce

1. Use lean beef so your sauce doesn’t turn greasy, but don’t drain all the fat—some adds flavor.
2. Stir often while the orzo cooks; it tends to stick to the bottom if left alone.
3. Keep the sauce gently bubbling, not boiling—it helps the pasta cook evenly and stay creamy.
4. If your sauce feels too thick, add a splash of broth or cream. Too thin? Let it sit covered for a few minutes to thicken.
5. Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and gives the sauce that signature silky finish.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store your Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or broth to bring back that dreamy texture—it thickens as it cools. You can warm it on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. Freezing isn’t recommended for this one because of the cream base, but trust me, it rarely lasts long enough to freeze anyway.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef? Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works well if you want a lighter version.
Can I make this without cream? You can swap the cream for half-and-half or even a bit of milk mixed with cream cheese for a similar texture.
Can I use another pasta? Sure thing—small shapes like ditalini or small shells also work, but keep an eye on the liquid levels as they may cook differently.
Is this kid-friendly? Definitely. Just skip the red pepper flakes for little ones.

Final Thoughts

This Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is everything a weeknight dinner should be—easy, fast, and full of flavor. It’s one of those comforting, satisfying dishes that somehow tastes even better the next day. When life gets busy (and when doesn’t it?), this one-pot recipe has your back. If you enjoyed this recipe, you’ll also love my Beef and Macaroni Soup for another comforting dinner idea.

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