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

Absolutely! Ditalini, small shells, or even elbow macaroni cook up nicely. Just keep an eye on cook times, as they may vary.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?

No problem. Use half-and-half or whole milk in a pinch. The sauce will be a little lighter but still delicious.

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Simply swap the ground beef for lentils or use your favorite plant-based meat alternative, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

Can I add extra vegetables?

Yes, and it’s a fantastic way to bulk up the meal! Try tossing in mushrooms, chopped zucchini, or bell peppers with the onions for extra texture and flavor.

Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe

Name: Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 pound lean ground beef; 1/2 medium onion, chopped; 3-4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional); 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta; 1 (14 ounce) can tomato sauce; 3/4 cup beef broth; 1 cup heavy/whipping cream; 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese; 2 cups (packed) fresh baby spinach; Salt & pepper, to taste

Are you craving something hearty, rich, and incredibly easy to whip up? Meet the Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce—a dish that brings together the savory satisfaction of ground beef, silky orzo, and a creamy, tomato-laced sauce in one irresistible pan. This meal is your weeknight savior: simple ingredients, almost zero prep, and just one pot to clean up afterwards. The tomato cream sauce hugs every grain of orzo, while baby spinach and parmesan add fresh, cheesy notes for a dinner that strikes a perfect balance between comfort and excitement.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-Pot Wonder: Forget mountains of dishes—everything comes together in one pot. Less cleanup, more relaxation.
Speedy and Satisfying: This dish goes from prep to plate in half an hour, making it the ultimate go-to for busy evenings.
Family Approved: The creamy, cheesy sauce and tender beef mean even picky eaters will ask for seconds.
Customizable: Toss in what you have, dial the spice up or down, and make it truly yours—this recipe is as flexible as your fridge.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this cozy ground beef and orzo dish, with some notes and swaps for convenience:

Lean Ground Beef: The star protein, giving the sauce deep, meaty flavor. If using regular ground beef, drain excess fat.
Onion: Adds sweetness and a little bite; yellow or white onions work best.
Garlic: Essential for depth and aroma. Don’t skimp!
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Totally optional, but adds a gentle heat if you’re feeling it.
Italian Seasoning: Lends an herby fragrance and ties together savory flavors.
Orzo Pasta: Looks like rice, cooks like pasta, and drinks up all that luscious sauce.
Tomato Sauce: Forms the rich, tangy base of the sauce. Go for plain or seasoned—your call.
Beef Broth: Boosts the umami factor and keeps everything saucy as the orzo cooks.
Heavy Cream: Transforms tangy tomato into smooth perfection.
Worcestershire Sauce: Just a teaspoon brings so much savory complexity.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated melts into the sauce, making it extra creamy and slightly nutty.
Baby Spinach: Sneaks in greens and freshness. Don’t worry, it wilts down beautifully.
Salt & Pepper: To bring everything to life—taste as you go.

Tip: Don’t fuss if you’re missing a few things. There’s lots of room to play with the flavors here—see Variations below!

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Looking to make this dish your own? Here are fun ways to tweak it:

Meat Swap: Try ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage for a twist.
Add Veggies: Bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms sautéed with the onions make it heartier and sneak in extra nutrition.
Make it Lighter: Use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream; just know the sauce will be a bit less decadent.
Spicy Bump: Stir in extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce at the end.
Cheesy Top: Sprinkle extra parmesan or mozzarella on top and broil for a bubbly, golden finish.
Gluten-Free: Sub in a gluten-free orzo or small pasta for dietary needs.

How to Make Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce

Step 1: Cook the Beef

Start by adding your ground beef to a soup pot or Dutch oven. Break it up a bit and let it cook over medium-high heat for about 5-6 minutes. Resist the urge to fuss with it too much at first—letting it sit develops flavor.

Step 2: Add Onion & Break Up

Next, stir in the chopped onion. Use your spoon to keep breaking up the beef into small, tasty crumbles. Let that combo cook together for another 5 minutes. If there’s a lot of fat, spoon some off—unless you like things extra rich.

Step 3: Build Your Flavor Base

Stir in the minced garlic, red pepper flakes (if using), and Italian seasoning, followed by the orzo. Let everything cook for about a minute. This little step blooms the spices and toasts the orzo, adding extra flavor.

Step 4: Add Liquids & Simmer

Pour in the tomato sauce, beef broth, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well, bring to a gentle bubble, and cook uncovered for 10 minutes. Stir often, so the orzo doesn’t settle and stick to the bottom. Adjust the heat as needed—gentle bubbles are perfect.

Step 5: Finish & Thicken

When the orzo is just tender, take the pot off the heat. Stir in the parmesan and baby spinach, then cover for 3-5 minutes. The sauce will thicken as it rests, and the spinach will wilt perfectly.

Step 6: Season & Serve

Taste and add salt and pepper as needed. Serve right away for the coziest bowl of comfort!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Let It Rest: After adding cheese and spinach, covering the pot helps the sauce thicken just right—don’t skip this step.
Stir Often: Orzo loves to cling and stick to the bottom; regular stirring keeps everything smooth and creamy.
Control the Creaminess: Too thick? Add a splash of broth. Too thin? Let it rest uncovered for a minute or two.
Taste as You Go: Parmesan and broth can add saltiness, so season at the very end.
Invest in Good Parmesan: Freshly grated cheese melts better and delivers unbeatable flavor.

How to Serve

This dish truly shines as a one-bowl meal, but you can make it extra-special with a few touches:

Garnishes:

Scatter a bit more parmesan or some fresh basil on top. A squeeze of lemon can also brighten things up.

Pairings:

Serve alongside a crisp green salad or steamed green vegetables if you’re after extra greens. Warm, crusty bread is perfect for mopping up any extra sauce.

Leftovers for Lunch:

Spoon into a thermos or lunchbox—it reheats like a dream and tastes even better the next day.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftovers into an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing

Not ideal for freezing, as creamy sauces tend to separate when thawed, but if you must, freeze in a sealed container for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and whisk the sauce as it reheats.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a pot over low heat, stirring and adding a splash of broth or cream if needed. Or pop it in the microwave, stirring halfway through for best results.

FAQs

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

Absolutely! Ditalini, small shells, or even elbow macaroni cook up nicely. Just keep an eye on cook times, as they may vary.
What if I don’t have heavy cream?

No problem. Use half-and-half or whole milk in a pinch. The sauce will be a little lighter but still delicious.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Simply swap the ground beef for lentils or use your favorite plant-based meat alternative, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
Can I add extra vegetables?

Yes, and it’s a fantastic way to bulk up the meal! Try tossing in mushrooms, chopped zucchini, or bell peppers with the onions for extra texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

Give this Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce a go, and you’ll see just how easy and joyful weeknight cooking can be. The flavors are familiar yet just different enough to surprise everyone at the table. Don’t hesitate to experiment, make it your own, and enjoy the process. The only thing better than how quickly it comes together is how deliciously satisfying every spoonful is. Happy cooking!