If you’re looking for a cozy, flavorful, and fuss-free dinner, this Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is exactly what you need. It’s creamy, hearty, and has just the right balance of savory beef and tender pasta. The rich tomato cream sauce hugs each piece of orzo perfectly, while a pop of fresh spinach adds a welcome bite of freshness.

This dish comes together in one pan and under 30 minutes, making it a go-to for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays. It’s the kind of comfort food that doesn’t take a ton of work but delivers maximum flavor. You can easily customize it by swapping in ground turkey or adding your favorite herbs. Either way, it’s a crowd-pleaser that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To create a silky smooth Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce, a few kitchen tools will help you achieve the best texture and flavor:

Large Deep Skillet or Sauté Pan: The wide surface area is perfect for browning the beef evenly and later simmering the orzo without overcrowding.
Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: Ideal for breaking up the ground beef and stirring the orzo gently without scratching your pan.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precision matters when working with liquids and seasonings in a creamy sauce.

Ladle or Heat-Resistant Spoon: Useful for serving and checking consistency during cooking.

Each of these tools contributes to an easy, mess-free process that lets the orzo cook right in the sauce—soaking up every bit of flavor while staying tender, not mushy.

Ingredients for the Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce

Each ingredient in this recipe has a purpose, bringing flavor and richness to the dish:

Ground Beef: The heart of this recipe, it brings a deep, savory flavor and protein that pairs wonderfully with the creamy sauce.
Orzo Pasta: Small, rice-shaped pasta that cooks quickly and soaks up the tomato cream sauce perfectly.
Tomato Paste: Adds concentrated tomato flavor that forms the base of the sauce.

Heavy Cream: Balances the acidity of the tomato and gives the sauce its luscious, creamy texture.
Garlic & Onion: These aromatics build the flavor foundation, giving depth to the beef and sauce.
Spinach: A fresh pop of color and nutrients, stirred in at the end so it stays vibrant.

Beef Broth: Adds savory liquid to cook the orzo and enhance the meaty flavor.
Olive Oil: Used to sauté the aromatics and help the beef brown evenly.
Salt, Pepper & Italian Seasoning: Essential for seasoning the dish and bringing all the flavors together.

Parmesan Cheese (Optional): For a salty, nutty finish if you want an extra creamy touch.

How To Make the Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and minced garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with your spoon. Cook until it’s fully browned and no longer pink.

Step 3: Build the Sauce Base

Stir in the tomato paste and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Let the tomato paste cook for 1-2 minutes to develop flavor.

Step 4: Cook the Orzo

Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir in the orzo and let it cook uncovered for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally so it doesn’t stick.

Step 5: Cream It Up

Once the orzo is nearly tender, reduce the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Let it simmer gently until the sauce thickens slightly and the orzo is fully cooked.

Step 6: Add the Spinach

Fold in the fresh spinach and let it wilt for a minute or two. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 7: Serve

Optional: Sprinkle with grated Parmesan just before serving. Spoon into bowls and serve hot!

Best Ways to Serve and Store Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce

This dish shines best when served hot straight from the skillet. The creamy sauce hugs each bite of orzo, and the melted cheese (if used) adds an extra touch of comfort. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or an extra dash of black pepper for a finishing touch.

To serve, pair it with a light salad or some crusty garlic bread for a full meal. It’s rich enough to stand alone but plays nicely with greens or something crunchy on the side.

To store leftovers, transfer the orzo to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of broth or cream to revive the saucy texture. This recipe also freezes well—perfect for prepping ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this dish lighter?

You can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or even Greek yogurt for a tangier, lighter version. Ground turkey or chicken also works well in place of beef.

What if I don’t have orzo?

No worries! You can substitute with small pasta shapes like ditalini, elbow macaroni, or even couscous. Just adjust cooking time accordingly.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes! Swap the ground beef for plant-based ground meat or sautéed mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not by default, but you can easily make it gluten-free by using gluten-free orzo or short pasta.

How do I prevent the orzo from sticking to the pan?

Keep the mixture moving every couple of minutes as it simmers. Also, make sure there’s enough broth during the cooking phase. A good nonstick or enameled pan also helps.

Can I double this recipe for a crowd?

Absolutely! Just make sure your pan is large enough or use a Dutch oven to accommodate everything. You may need to add a few extra minutes for the orzo to cook through.

Want More One-Pan Dinner Ideas?

If you enjoyed this Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce, you’ll love these other comforting, one-skillet meals from Life With Olivia:

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And let me know in the comments how it turned out! Did you add mushrooms or extra cheese? Maybe a dash of spice?

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Delicious Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce

Author: Olivia McKenney
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

Creamy, savory, and full of comforting flavors, this one-skillet Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is an easy weeknight dinner that delivers restaurant-quality results in under 30 minutes. Every bite is packed with seasoned beef, tender orzo, and a velvety tomato cream sauce finished with fresh spinach.