Description
This Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is a hearty and flavorful one-pot meal combining perfectly browned lean ground beef, tender orzo pasta, and a rich tomato cream sauce infused with garlic, Italian seasoning, and parmesan cheese. Fresh spinach adds a nutritious touch to balance the creamy tomato base. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups (packed) fresh baby spinach
Spices and Seasonings
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Pasta and Liquids
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 1 (14 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 3/4 cup beef broth
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
Cheese
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to a soup pot or Dutch oven and break it up slightly with your spoon. Let it cook, without stirring, over medium-high heat for 5-6 minutes to develop browning and flavor.
- Sauté Onion: Add the chopped onion to the pot, then stir and break apart the beef into smaller pieces. Cook for another 5 minutes, until the onion softens. If there’s excess fat, carefully spoon some out; otherwise, leave it in.
- Add Aromatics and Orzo: Stir in the minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, and uncooked orzo pasta. Cook for about one minute, stirring to combine and let the spices bloom.
- Add Liquids: Pour in the tomato sauce, beef broth, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well. Once the mixture begins to bubble, continue cooking uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring often to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom. Reduce heat as needed to gently simmer until the pasta cooks through and the sauce thickens.
- Finish with Cheese & Spinach: Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the grated parmesan cheese and fresh baby spinach. Place the lid on and let sit for 3-5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the spinach to wilt.
- Season and Serve: Stir again, taste, and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately while hot for best freshness and flavor.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat, but if using higher fat content, skim off surplus grease after browning.
- Crushed red pepper flakes are optional and can be adjusted to taste for spiciness.
- Fresh spinach can be substituted with other greens such as kale or arugula if desired.
- Make sure to stir frequently during simmering to prevent the orzo from sticking and burning.
- For a richer sauce, use heavy whipping cream, but half-and-half can be used for a lighter option.
