Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce

If you’re craving something hearty, creamy, and downright comforting—but don’t have the energy for a sink full of dishes—Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is about to become your new weeknight hero. This is one of those recipes that feels a little fancy but is secretly super approachable. The kind of meal that makes everyone think you worked harder than you actually did (and we’re keeping that little secret).

It’s rich without being heavy, cozy without being boring, and made entirely in one pot. Yes, one pot. Which means fewer dishes and more time to actually sit down and enjoy dinner—maybe even while it’s still hot.

As a busy home cook myself, this recipe is exactly the kind of dinner I lean on when life feels like one long to-do list. Simple ingredients, minimal prep, and big, comforting flavors that make the whole house smell amazing.

Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce

Let’s be honest—some nights call for real comfort food. This Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce checks all the right boxes:

• One-pot wonder: Everything cooks in the same pot, including the orzo.
• Creamy and cozy: Tomato sauce and cream come together for a silky, dreamy sauce.
• Family-friendly: Mild, savory flavors that picky eaters usually love.
• Quick enough for weeknights: On the table in about 30 minutes.
• Flexible: Easy to tweak with what you have on hand.

It’s the kind of recipe you’ll make once… and then keep coming back to whenever you don’t know what else to cook.

Ingredients You’ll Need (Nothing Fancy, Promise)

Here’s what goes into this cozy bowl of goodness:

• Lean ground beef – Hearty and flavorful without being greasy
• Onion & garlic – The flavor base that makes everything better
• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional) – Just a little kick, if you like
• Italian seasoning – Brings warmth and depth
• Uncooked orzo pasta – Small, rice-shaped pasta that cooks right in the sauce
• Tomato sauce – Smooth and rich, perfect for creamy sauces
• Beef broth – Adds savory depth
• Heavy cream – For that luscious, creamy texture
• Worcestershire sauce – A secret ingredient that boosts flavor
• Freshly grated parmesan cheese – Salty, nutty, and melts beautifully
• Fresh baby spinach – Adds color and a little freshness
• Salt & pepper – To taste

Simple pantry staples, but when they come together? Magic.

How to Make Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce (Step-by-Step)

This recipe is wonderfully straightforward. No complicated techniques, no hovering nervously over the stove.

1. Brown the beef

Add the ground beef to a soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Break it up a bit, but don’t stir too much at first. Let it cook undisturbed for about 5–6 minutes so it gets some nice browning.

2. Add the onion

Toss in the chopped onion and start breaking the beef into smaller pieces. Cook for another 5 minutes, until the onion softens and the beef is fully cooked. If there’s excess grease, spoon some out—but if you’re using lean beef, a little fat is flavor.

3. Build the flavor

Stir in the garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, and uncooked orzo. Let it cook for about a minute. This quick step wakes up the spices and lightly toasts the orzo.

4. Make it creamy

Pour in the tomato sauce, beef broth, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well. Once it starts bubbling, reduce the heat to medium or medium-low.

Let it gently simmer, uncovered, for about 10 minutes. Stir often so the orzo doesn’t stick to the bottom. You’re looking for a soft simmer, not a rolling boil.

5. Finish it off

Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the parmesan cheese and spinach, then cover the pot for 3–5 minutes. The spinach will wilt, the sauce will thicken, and everything will come together beautifully.

Season with salt and pepper to taste, grab a spoon, and serve right away.

Helpful Tips for Perfect Orzo Every Time

• Stir often: Orzo loves to sink and stick. A quick stir every minute or two does the trick.
• Too thick? Add a splash of beef broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
• Too thin? Let it sit covered for a few extra minutes—it thickens as it rests.
• Fresh parmesan matters: Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly. Freshly grated is worth it here.

If your sauce looks extra thick, don’t panic. That’s just comfort food doing its thing.

A Little Personal Note from My Kitchen

This Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is one of those recipes I turn to when I need dinner to feel easy and comforting. I first made it on a week where everything felt rushed—work, errands, life in general. I wanted something cozy without committing to hours in the kitchen.

The moment that tomato cream sauce started bubbling, I knew it was a keeper. Now it’s a regular in my rotation, especially on those nights when I just want everyone fed and happy without overthinking it.

FAQs About Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce

Cozy Dinners Made Easy

There’s something deeply comforting about a meal like Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce—it’s warm, filling, and feels like a hug in a bowl. It’s proof that dinner doesn’t have to be complicated to be satisfying.

Whether you’re cooking for your family, your partner, or just yourself after a long day, this recipe delivers comfort without the stress. One pot, simple ingredients, and a creamy tomato sauce that brings it all together—this is the kind of meal that makes weeknights feel a little more manageable and a lot more delicious.

If you try it, don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular on your dinner table. Cozy food has a way of doing that.

More Cozy Dinners You Might Love

If this creamy, comforting bowl hit the spot, here are a few other favorites that keep the same cozy, low-effort dinner vibe going. These are perfect for busy nights when you want something warm, filling, and dependable—without spending extra time figuring out what’s for dinner.

• French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole with Rich, Savory Flavor – Another orzo-based comfort dinner with deep, savory flavors and a cozy casserole-style finish.
• Garlic Butter Beef Bites and Potatoes – A hearty beef dinner that delivers big comfort with minimal prep, perfect for nights when you want something extra satisfying.
• Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo – All the nostalgic comfort of chicken pot pie, made simpler with tender orzo and a creamy sauce.
• The Best Crockpot Recipes for Busy Weeknights – A go-to collection for planning stress-free dinners that practically cook themselves.
• Ground Beef Orzo Made Simple and Creamy – A great inspiration if you enjoy quick, one-pan orzo meals with rich, comforting flavors.

This little lineup makes it easy to turn one cozy dinner into a whole week of comforting, no-fuss meals everyone will look forward to.

Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce

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• Author: Mounia
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is a cozy, one-pot dinner made with tender orzo, savory beef, and a rich, creamy tomato sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want comfort without the stress.

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Ingredients

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• 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 cream

• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

• 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

• 2 cups fresh baby spinach, packed

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Add the ground beef to a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Break it up slightly and let it cook undisturbed for 5–6 minutes.

2. Add the chopped onion, then stir and break the beef into small pieces. Cook for another 5 minutes until the onion softens. Drain excess grease if needed.

3. Stir in the garlic, red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, and uncooked orzo. Cook for 1 minute.

4. Add the tomato sauce, beef broth, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well.

5. Bring to a gentle bubble, then reduce heat to medium or medium-low. Cook uncovered for about 10 minutes, stirring often, until the orzo is tender.

6. Remove from heat. Stir in the parmesan cheese and spinach. Cover and let sit for 3–5 minutes until thickened.

7. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve immediately.

Notes

Stir frequently to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of broth or cream.

Freshly grated parmesan melts better than pre-shredded cheese.

Leftovers will thicken as they cool—add liquid when reheating.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American / Italian-Inspired

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl
• Calories: 560
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 820 mg
• Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 29 g
• Cholesterol: 125 mg