This ground beef orzo with tomato cream sauce is a warm and comforting dish that’s easy to whip up. It combines tender orzo pasta with flavorful beef and a creamy tomato sauce.
I love how quick this meal comes together—perfect for busy weeknights! Plus, it’s always a hit with family and friends. You might even find yourself going back for seconds! 🍽️
Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the heart of the dish. For a leaner option, try ground turkey or chicken. You could also use plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian twist!
Orzo Pasta: Orzo is tiny pasta that looks like rice, perfect for soaking up the sauce. If you don’t have orzo, any small pasta like ditalini or even rice works well in this recipe.
Heavy Cream: It gives the sauce a rich, creamy texture. If you want a lighter version, swap it for half-and-half or whole milk. For dairy-free, coconut milk is a suitable alternative which provides a different flavor.
Spinach: Fresh spinach wilts nicely into the dish. You can substitute it with kale or arugula if needed. Just make sure to chop them well to make them easy to incorporate.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a lovely salty note. If you’re out, Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast (for a vegan option) can work too. I always sprinkle a bit more on top for extra flavor!
How Do I Get the Most Flavorful Sautéed Ingredients?
Getting the onion and garlic right is key! Start by heating the olive oil in your skillet over medium heat, then add the onions. Sauté until they turn translucent (about 3-4 minutes), and you’ll smell that delicious aroma. This step builds the foundation of flavor!
- Add garlic after the onions; it cooks faster and can burn easily.
- Make sure to stir occasionally to avoid sticking and burning.
- Try adding a pinch of salt during this step to help draw out the moisture from the onions.
How to Make Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup spinach leaves, roughly chopped
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (to taste)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Optional: Fresh basil for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe should take about 25 minutes in total. You’ll need around 10 minutes to prepare the ingredients and another 15 minutes to cook everything. It’s a quick and cozy meal that’s perfect for any day of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Aromatics:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once warm, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté these until the onion turns translucent, which should take about 3-4 minutes. The kitchen will smell great during this step!
2. Brown the Beef:
Next, add the ground beef directly to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to break it up as it cooks. Keep stirring until the beef is browned and fully cooked. Once done, drain any excess fat from the skillet to keep your dish lighter.
3. Add the Tomatoes and Seasoning:
Now it’s time to bring in the flavor! Stir in the diced tomatoes (make sure to include all the juices) along with the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let this mixture simmer on low for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to come together nicely.
4. Cook the Orzo:
While the beef mixture is simmering, grab a separate pot and fill it with water. Add a pinch of salt and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, throw in the orzo pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. After cooking, drain the orzo and set it aside.
5. Create the Creamy Sauce:
After simmering the beef and tomato mixture, pour in the heavy cream. Let it cook for another 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Stir occasionally to keep everything mixed well.
6. Combine the Ingredients:
Once the sauce has thickened, gently fold in the cooked orzo and chopped spinach. Stir the mixture thoroughly so that the spinach wilts and everything is evenly distributed. It’s coming together beautifully!
7. Finish with Cheese:
Take the skillet off the heat and sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir it in until melted and well combined. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if needed; you want it to be just right.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Your Ground Beef Orzo is now ready! Serve it warm on plates and top each serving with extra grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil if you like. Dig in and enjoy the comforting flavors!
Can I Substitute Ground Beef with Another Protein?
Absolutely! You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based ground meat substitute for a lighter or vegetarian option. Just cook the alternative protein thoroughly, as you would with beef, and follow the rest of the instructions as written.
What If I Don’t Have Heavy Cream?
No worries! You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a combination of milk and butter (for every 1 cup of heavy cream, use 3/4 cup milk and 1/4 cup melted butter). This will give you a creamy consistency without the full fat of heavy cream.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure it heats evenly. You can add a splash of water or broth if the sauce thickens too much.
Can I Add More Vegetables to This Dish?
Yes, feel free to add more veggies! Bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms would be great choices. Just sauté them along with the onion and garlic to soften them before adding the ground beef.
