Dreamy Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe

Crafting a delectable ground beef orzo with tomato cream sauce can transform an ordinary weeknight dinner into a memorable culinary adventure.

Mediterranean flavors dance across your plate with this simple yet sophisticated dish.

Pasta lovers will appreciate the creamy, rich texture that blends perfectly with seasoned meat.

Orzo’s delicate shape captures the robust tomato sauce, creating a harmonious bite every time.

Hearty and comforting, this recipe promises to satisfy hungry appetites with minimal kitchen effort.

Fresh herbs and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese elevate the entire experience to restaurant-quality magic.

Why Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Is a Comfort Meal

• Savor Quick Comfort: A hearty one-pan meal that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.
• Customize Your Dish: Easily swap ingredients like ground turkey or add extra veggies for a personalized twist on this classic recipe.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Kids and adults will love the creamy texture and rich taste, making it perfect for weeknight dinners that satisfy everyone at the table.
• Simple Skillet Magic: Requires just one pan, reducing cleanup time and making cooking a breeze for busy home chefs who want delicious results without complicated techniques.

Ingredients for Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful meat that provides the main protein for this dish.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds depth and rich umami flavor to the ground beef.

• Orzo: A small, rice-shaped pasta that creates a creamy and comforting texture.
• Tomato Sauce: Provides a classic, tangy base for the dish.
• Beef Broth: Enhances the overall meaty flavor and helps cook the orzo.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious and smooth cream sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce.

• Onion, Garlic: Provide a foundational savory flavor to the dish.
• Italian Seasoning, Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Add warmth and herbal notes with a touch of heat.
• Baby Spinach: Introduces a fresh, green element and additional nutrients.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing the overall taste.

How to Cook Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce

Step 1: Sizzle and Soften

Heat a large skillet over medium flame.

Toss in ground beef and onions, breaking the meat into small crumbles.

Dance the ingredients around until the beef turns golden brown and onions become translucent.

Sprinkle minced garlic and let it release its aromatic magic for about 30 seconds.

Step 2: Spice It Up

• Crushed red pepper flakes
• Italian seasoning

Stir these flavor boosters into the meaty mixture, allowing them to wake up and spread their zesty personality.

Step 3: Build the Base

• Uncooked orzo
• Tomato sauce
• Beef broth
• Worcestershire sauce

Let everything simmer and mingle for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

The orzo should be almost tender but not completely cooked.

Step 4: Creamy Transformation

Pour in heavy cream and sprinkle Parmesan cheese.

Stir gently and let the sauce bubble and thicken for 3-5 minutes.

Watch as it transforms into a luxurious, velvety coating.

Step 5: Green Power Finish

Toss in fresh baby spinach and let it wilt into the creamy mixture.

Season with salt and pepper to your liking.

The spinach will add a pop of color and nutrition.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Scoop the orzo into bowls.

Optional: Dust with extra Parmesan cheese for a final touch of decadence.

Serve immediately while hot and bubbling.

Pro Tips for Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce

• Toast orzo in the skillet before adding liquids to enhance its nutty, rich taste and prevent mushiness.
• Adjust beef broth amount for thicker or thinner sauce; add gradually to achieve desired texture.
• Replace ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for lighter or vegetarian versions.
• Sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley just before serving to add brightness and fresh aroma.
• Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and nutritional yeast for a creamy, lactose-free alternative.

Variations on Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce

• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a meat-free version that maintains the dish's hearty texture.
• Mediterranean Makeover: Substitute orzo with quinoa and add kalamata olives, feta cheese, and fresh herbs for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Use cauliflower rice instead of orzo and swap heavy cream for coconut cream to create a keto-friendly adaptation that's equally creamy and satisfying.
• Gluten-Free Option: Choose gluten-free orzo or replace it with zucchini noodles, ensuring all other ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.

Serving Ideas for Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce

• Cheesy Garlic Bread Sidekick: Slice a crispy baguette, spread with garlic butter, sprinkle Parmesan, and toast until golden for a perfect companion to this hearty dish.
• Fresh Herb Garnish: Chop fresh basil or parsley and sprinkle over the top to add a bright, zesty flavor that cuts through the creamy sauce and enhances the overall taste.
• Crisp Side Salad: Toss together a simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the orzo and provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy pasta.
• Wine Pairing Delight: Complement the dish with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese, which will enhance the tomato and beef flavors beautifully.

How to Store Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness.
• Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly and prevent dry spots.
• Gently reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or cream to restore moisture and prevent sticking.
• Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months, leaving some space for expansion, and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of pasta instead of orzo?

Yes, you can substitute orzo with other small pasta shapes like stelline, small shells, or even rice-shaped pasta like arborio.

• Is this dish spicy?

The recipe includes a small amount of crushed red pepper flakes, which adds a mild heat. You can reduce or omit the pepper flakes if you prefer a milder flavor.

• Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

While the current recipe uses ground beef, you could replace it with plant-based ground meat, crumbled tofu, or mushrooms to create a vegetarian version.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

Use lean ground beef, reduce the amount of heavy cream, or substitute with half-and-half or milk to lower the fat content.

Ground Beef Orzo With Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe

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4.8 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty ground beef orzo dances with rich tomato cream sauce, creating a Mediterranean-inspired comfort meal that whispers culinary magic. Delightful flavors meld together, promising a satisfying dish you’ll savor with every delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) lean ground beef

Pasta and Vegetables:

• 1 cup (200 grams) uncooked orzo pasta
• 1/2 medium onion, chopped
• 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups (60 grams) fresh baby spinach

Seasonings and Sauce:

• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 (14 ounces/397 grams) can tomato sauce
• 3/4 cup (180 milliliters) beef broth
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy/whipping cream
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 cup (50 grams) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt & pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Sauté ground beef and onions in a large skillet over medium-high heat until meat browns and onions become translucent, approximately 6-7 minutes.
2. Incorporate minced garlic and cook until aromatic, releasing its rich flavor profile.
3. Sprinkle red pepper flakes and Italian seasoning, stirring to distribute evenly throughout the meat mixture.
4. Pour uncooked orzo, tomato sauce, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce into the skillet, allowing ingredients to meld together.
5. Reduce heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo reaches near-tender consistency.
6. Gently fold in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, creating a luxurious and creamy sauce that gradually thickens.
7. Add baby spinach leaves, stirring until they wilt and integrate seamlessly into the dish.
8. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
9. Transfer to serving plates, garnishing with additional Parmesan cheese for enhanced flavor and presentation.

Notes

• Enhance the protein content by using lean ground beef or turkey for a healthier twist.
• Swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk to create a lighter, dietary-friendly version.
• Boost vegetable intake by adding extra vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers during the cooking process.
• Control spice levels by adjusting red pepper flakes or using mild alternatives for sensitive palates.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 490 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 33 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg