Creamy, savory, and packed with flavor, this Delicious Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is the kind of comfort food that brings everyone back to the table. Made in one skillet and ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a cozy weeknight dinner that tastes like it came from your favorite Italian restaurant.

The orzo soaks up all the meaty, rich tomato cream sauce, while the fresh spinach melts perfectly into the mix for added color and nutrition. Each bite offers a perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and hearty, making it a favorite for both kids and adults. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal-prepping for the week, this dish checks all the boxes.

What Kind of Orzo Should I Use?

You can use any plain orzo pasta for this recipe, but if you happen to find whole wheat orzo, it’s a great way to boost the fiber without sacrificing flavor. Avoid overcooking it—orzo cooks quickly and continues to soften as it sits in the sauce. For the best texture, cook it al dente and let it finish absorbing the sauce in the pan.

Ingredients for the Delicious Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce

Ground Beef: The star protein here. Lean ground beef works best to keep the dish rich but not overly greasy.

Orzo Pasta: A rice-shaped pasta that cooks quickly and gives the dish its signature creamy bite.

Tomato Paste & Diced Tomatoes: These build the tomato base for the sauce and add depth and tang.

Heavy Cream: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes and gives that luscious, creamy texture.

Garlic & Onion: Essential aromatics that bring depth and richness to the sauce.

Spinach: Adds color, freshness, and a pop of nutrients. It wilts down beautifully into the warm pasta.

Beef Broth: Infuses the orzo with flavor as it cooks directly in the same pan.

Parmesan Cheese (optional): For those who love a salty, cheesy finish, a sprinkle of Parm does wonders.

Seasonings: Salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of red pepper flakes to bring the flavors alive.

How To Make the Delicious Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s fully browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess grease.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Add diced onions and minced garlic to the skillet with the cooked beef. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and the onions are soft and translucent.

Step 3: Build the Tomato Base

Stir in tomato paste and cook for a minute to caramelize slightly, then pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices. Mix well to combine all the flavors.

Step 4: Add the Orzo and Broth

Pour in the orzo pasta and beef broth. Stir well, making sure the orzo is fully submerged. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

Step 5: Stir in the Cream and Spinach

Once the orzo is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and fresh spinach. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach is wilted and the sauce is creamy and well combined.

Step 6: Season and Serve

Season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of red pepper flakes to taste. Optional: stir in freshly grated Parmesan for extra flavor. Serve hot and garnish with extra cheese or fresh herbs if desired.

How to Serve and Store This Delicious Ground Beef Orzo

This skillet meal is best served immediately while warm and creamy. Scoop generous portions into bowls and top with extra Parmesan cheese or chopped parsley for a fresh finish. It pairs well with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a complete dinner.

To store leftovers, let the orzo cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream to loosen up the sauce. You can also freeze portions for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner option and still delicious. You may need to add a splash of oil when browning since it’s lower in fat.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?

You can substitute half-and-half or even full-fat coconut milk for a slightly different flavor. Just avoid using low-fat milk, as it won’t give the same creaminess.

Is this recipe spicy?

Not really. The red pepper flakes add a mild kick, but you can leave them out or increase the amount depending on your preference.

Can I add more vegetables?

Yes! Bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini make great additions. Sauté them with the onions and garlic before adding the tomato ingredients.

Does this dish work for meal prep?

It sure does. It reheats beautifully and keeps its flavor and texture well, making it perfect for batch cooking or weekday lunches.

Can I make it dairy-free?

To make this dairy-free, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative.

Want More Pasta Skillet Ideas?

If this creamy orzo skillet is your kind of comfort food, here are more one-pan pasta dishes you’ll love from Life with Nina:

Garlic Parmesan Beef Spaghetti Pasta for another satisfying beefy pasta night.
Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine if you want a zesty chicken twist.
Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Velveeta Beef Sauce for ultra-cheesy satisfaction.
Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Ricotta Alfredo Pasta for a rich, dreamy plate.
One Skillet Cheesy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak Pasta when you’re in the mood for heat and hearty.

These recipes are perfect for easy nights when you need full flavor without the fuss.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time: Life with Nina on Pinterest.

If you gave this orzo skillet a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Did you use ground beef or switch it up with turkey? Maybe added mushrooms or extra cheese? Drop your tips or questions in the comments—I always enjoy seeing your kitchen wins!

Delicious Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce

Author: Nina Johnson

Print Recipe

Description

This creamy ground beef orzo with tomato cream sauce is the ultimate one-skillet dinner. Rich, hearty, and comforting, it’s packed with savory beef, tender orzo, wilted spinach, and a silky tomato-based cream sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a family-friendly recipe you’ll come back to again and again.

Instructions

1. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess grease.

2. Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.

3. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Add the diced tomatoes with their juices and stir to combine.

4. Pour in the orzo and beef broth. Mix well, cover, and bring to a simmer. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

5. Once the orzo is tender and most of the liquid absorbed, stir in heavy cream and spinach. Cook until spinach wilts, about 2–3 minutes.

6. Season with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Stir in Parmesan if using. Serve hot.

Notes

For the best texture, cook orzo al dente—it continues to absorb liquid after cooking.

Use coconut cream and dairy-free cheese alternatives to make this recipe dairy-free.

Add mushrooms or bell peppers for an extra veggie boost.