If you’re looking for an easy, hearty, and delicious one-pot meal, this Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is a must-try! Made with tender ground beef, creamy tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked orzo pasta, this dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights. The rich flavors from the parmesan cheese, Worcestershire sauce, and Italian seasoning elevate this simple dish into a comforting family favorite. What makes this meal even better is that it’s all made in one pot meaning fewer dishes to clean and more time to enjoy! The combination of cream, beef broth, and tomato sauce creates a luscious, velvety sauce that clings perfectly to the orzo. Spinach adds a touch of freshness and color, making every bite balanced and satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal-prepping for the week, this creamy orzo dish is sure to be a winner!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 1 (14 oz) can tomato sauce
- 3/4 cup beef broth
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 2 cups packed fresh baby spinach
- Salt & pepper to taste
Directions:
- In a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef for 5-6 minutes without stirring.
- Add the chopped onion and break the beef into small pieces, cooking for another 5 minutes. If needed, drain excess fat.
- Stir in the minced garlic, red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, and orzo. Cook for about 1 minute.
- Pour in the tomato sauce, beef broth, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Bring to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring often to prevent the orzo from sticking. Adjust heat as needed to maintain a gentle bubble.
- Remove from heat, stir in the parmesan cheese and spinach, then cover and let sit for 3-5 minutes to thicken.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve immediately.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 485 kcal | Servings: 4-6
Creamy Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Sauce – A Comforting One-Pot Meal
When it comes to quick, satisfying, and family-friendly meals, few dishes hit the mark quite like Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce. This recipe delivers a perfect balance of protein, carbs, and creamy goodness in just 30 minutes, making it an excellent option for busy weeknights. With simple ingredients like lean ground beef, orzo pasta, tomato sauce, and heavy cream, this dish is both comforting and packed with flavor.
Orzo, though technically a pasta, has a rice-like texture, giving this dish a consistency that resembles a quick and easy risotto. The addition of parmesan cheese, Worcestershire sauce, and Italian seasoning enhances the umami flavors, while fresh spinach adds a pop of color and nutrients. Everything is cooked in one pot, reducing clean-up time and allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
In this article, we’ll dive into why this dish is so loved, its versatility, nutritional benefits, and tips for making it even better. Whether you’re a home cook looking for a stress-free meal or someone searching for new one-pot dinner ideas, this creamy orzo with ground beef is a must-try!
Why This Ground Beef Orzo is a Winner
1. A One-Pot Meal for Easy Cooking & Cleanup
One of the best things about this dish is that everything is cooked in a single pot. That means fewer dishes to wash and a much easier clean-up compared to meals that require multiple pots and pans. The orzo cooks directly in the sauce, absorbing all the rich flavors and achieving the perfect texture.
2. Creamy, Savory, and Full of Flavor
The combination of beef, tomato sauce, cream, and parmesan cheese creates a sauce that is both luxuriously creamy and deeply flavorful. The Italian seasoning and Worcestershire sauce add depth to the dish, while the red pepper flakes (if used) give it a mild, subtle heat without overpowering the overall taste.
3. A Kid-Friendly & Family-Approved Dish
If you have picky eaters at home, this recipe is a great way to please both kids and adults. The creamy texture and cheesy goodness make it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Plus, orzo is fun to eat, and the mild flavors can be easily adjusted to suit your family’s preferences.
4. Quick & Efficient – Ready in 30 Minutes!
This recipe is designed for speed. Unlike traditional risottos that require constant stirring, this creamy orzo dish comes together in about 30 minutes with minimal effort. That makes it a go-to choice when you need something hearty and homemade but don’t have a lot of time to spare.
5. Affordable & Pantry-Friendly Ingredients
Most of the ingredients for this dish are budget-friendly and easy to find. Ground beef, orzo pasta, tomato sauce, and cream are all kitchen staples, meaning you may already have everything you need. It’s also an excellent way to use up leftover spinach or parmesan cheese before they go bad.
Tips for Making the Best Ground Beef Orzo
- Use Lean Ground Beef – A 90% lean beef works best for this recipe. It provides enough flavor and richness without making the dish overly greasy. If using a fattier beef, drain excess fat before adding the other ingredients.
- Let the Orzo Cook in the Sauce – Unlike traditional pasta, orzo benefits from cooking directly in the liquid rather than being boiled separately. This allows it to absorb the flavors of the broth and tomato sauce, resulting in a more cohesive and delicious dish.
- Don’t Skip the Worcestershire Sauce – This ingredient might seem small, but it adds a crucial umami depth to the dish. If you don’t have it on hand, a splash of soy sauce or balsamic vinegar can be used as a substitute.
- Adjust the Creaminess to Your Liking – If you prefer an even richer texture, add a little extra heavy cream or parmesan cheese. For a lighter version, you can swap in half-and-half or a splash of milk, though the sauce may not be as thick.
- Make it Spicy (or Keep it Mild) – The red pepper flakes in this recipe add just a touch of heat, but they are completely optional. If you enjoy spicier dishes, consider adding cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, or diced jalapeños for an extra kick.
- Freshly Grate Your Parmesan Cheese – Pre-grated parmesan often contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly. Using freshly grated parmesan will give your sauce a silkier texture and a stronger, more authentic cheese flavor.
- Let the Dish Rest Before Serving – After removing the pot from heat, allow the dish to sit covered for a few minutes. This gives the orzo time to absorb any remaining liquid, resulting in a thicker, creamier consistency.
How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
This dish makes great leftovers, but keep in mind that orzo continues to absorb liquid as it sits, which can make it thicker when reheated.
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Add a splash of cream or broth to loosen up the sauce when reheating. Warm it gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
- Freezing: This dish is not ideal for freezing due to the cream content. The texture can become grainy when thawed, and the orzo may become overly soft.
Serving Suggestions & Variations
This Ground Beef Orzo is satisfying on its own, but if you’d like to make it a complete meal, consider pairing it with:
- A simple side salad – A fresh green salad with balsamic dressing balances out the richness.
- Garlic bread or dinner rolls – Perfect for soaking up the creamy tomato sauce.
- Roasted vegetables – Try roasted zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus for added nutrition.
Variations to Try:
- Swap the Protein: You can use ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage instead of ground beef.
- Make it Vegetarian: Substitute the beef with mushrooms or plant-based crumbles, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
- Add More Veggies: Chopped mushrooms, bell peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes make great additions.
Conclusion:
This Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is a meal that delivers comfort, convenience, and incredible flavor all in one pot. With its creamy texture, rich beefy taste, and subtle Italian herbs, it’s a dish that will quickly become a favorite in your dinner rotation.
Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or just looking for a simple yet satisfying meal, this one-pot orzo is sure to impress. Give it a try tonight, and enjoy the ease of a hearty, homemade dinner with minimal clean-up!