This Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is a perfect one-pot meal for busy weeknights. It’s packed with rich flavors, creamy texture, and is incredibly satisfying. The blend of juicy ground beef, tender orzo pasta, and a tomato-based cream sauce makes it a comforting dish that the whole family will love. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or a seasoned cook, this recipe is quick, easy, and sure to become a staple.

Ingredients for Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce

To make this delicious dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:

1 pound lean ground beef: The heart of the dish, providing flavor and protein.
1/2 medium onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth to the sauce.
3-4 cloves garlic, minced: For that aromatic punch.
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a touch of heat if you like spice.
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A mix of herbs that complements the tomato and cream.
1 cup uncooked orzo pasta: The star of the dish, this tiny pasta absorbs the flavors.
1 (14-ounce) can tomato sauce: The base of the rich, tangy sauce.
3/4 cup beef broth: Adds extra flavor and helps cook the orzo.
1 cup heavy/whipping cream: Gives the sauce its creamy consistency.
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds a slight tangy depth to the overall flavor.
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce for added creaminess.
2 cups fresh baby spinach, packed: For a touch of color and a boost of nutrients.
Salt and pepper to taste: To season the dish to your liking.

Ground Beef Orzo With Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe

Kitchen Equipment Needed

Here’s the essential kitchen equipment to make your Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce:

Large soup pot or Dutch oven
Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
Chef’s knife for chopping onions and garlic
Grater for fresh Parmesan cheese
Measuring cups and spoons
Ladle for serving

How to Prepare Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce

Now, let’s walk through the process step-by-step to make sure you get perfect results every time.

Brown the ground beef: Begin by adding the lean ground beef to a large soup pot or Dutch oven. Break it up with a spoon and let it cook over medium-high heat for 5-6 minutes without stirring too much at first. This allows the beef to brown and develop flavor.
Cook the onions: Add the chopped onion to the pot, stir, and break the beef into smaller pieces. Cook for another 5 minutes until the onion softens and becomes fragrant. If your beef is releasing too much fat, spoon out the excess, but leave a little for flavor.
Add garlic and spices: Stir in the minced garlic, red pepper flakes (if using), and Italian seasoning. Let the spices bloom for about a minute, which will enhance the depth of flavor.
Incorporate the orzo: Pour in the uncooked orzo pasta, stirring it with the beef and onion mixture to lightly toast it. This helps the pasta absorb the flavors as it cooks.
Make the sauce: Stir in the tomato sauce, beef broth, cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Once the mixture starts to bubble, reduce the heat to medium or medium-low. Let it gently simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring often so the orzo doesn’t stick to the bottom. Be sure not to boil the sauce too vigorously, as this may cause the liquid to evaporate before the pasta is fully cooked.
Add cheese and spinach: Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and baby spinach. Cover the pot and let it sit for 3-5 minutes, allowing the spinach to wilt and the sauce to thicken.
Season and serve: Taste the dish and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately, and enjoy the comforting flavors of this creamy, hearty dish!

Cooking Tips for Success

Don’t overcook the orzo: Since orzo is a small pasta, it cooks quickly. Be sure to stir it often and keep an eye on it so it doesn’t turn mushy.
Balance the cream and tomato: If the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash of beef broth or water to thin it out to your desired consistency.
Adjust spice levels: If you prefer a mild flavor, omit the red pepper flakes. For a spicier kick, you can increase the amount or add hot sauce before serving.

Variations and Substitutes

Swap the protein: If you don’t have ground beef on hand, ground turkey or chicken work well as lighter alternatives.
Vegetarian option: Omit the beef and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You can also add more vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini to make it hearty.
Add more veggies: Consider tossing in other vegetables like diced bell peppers or zucchini to increase the nutritional content.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not stirring enough: The orzo can easily stick to the bottom of the pot, so make sure you stir frequently, especially when the sauce is simmering.
Overcooking the orzo: It’s important to stop cooking when the orzo is just tender. If overcooked, the pasta can become too soft and lose its texture.
Too much fat: If you’re not using lean beef, be sure to drain the excess fat. Too much fat can make the dish greasy and heavy.

Serving Suggestions for Ground Beef Orzo

This dish is hearty enough to serve on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a light green salad or steamed vegetables. You can also garnish it with fresh parsley or extra Parmesan for a nice touch of freshness and flavor.

For a complete meal, serve it with crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce. The creamy tomato sauce and beef flavors pair well with light side dishes to balance the richness.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the orzo in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce as it tends to thicken when chilled.

FAQs About Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare this dish in advance and reheat it when needed. However, the sauce may thicken in the fridge, so you may need to add extra liquid to bring it back to its creamy consistency.

Can I freeze Ground Beef Orzo?
Because of the cream in the sauce, this dish doesn’t freeze as well as other pasta dishes. The cream can separate when thawed, so it’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for a few days.

Can I use a different type of pasta?
While orzo works best due to its size and quick cooking time, you can substitute with another small pasta shape like ditalini or small shells. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Conclusion

This Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is a delightful, creamy dish that’s perfect for those nights when you need a comforting, easy-to-make meal. The combination of tender pasta, savory ground beef, and the luscious tomato cream sauce is bound to become a favorite in your household.

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