Description
This Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is a comforting and hearty one-pot meal combining tender ground beef, flavorful tomato cream sauce, and tender orzo pasta. Fresh spinach and Parmesan cheese add layers of flavor and nutrition, making it an ideal weeknight dinner that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 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/whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 2 cups (packed) fresh baby spinach
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Brown the ground 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 the onion: Add the chopped onion to the pot, then stir and further break apart the beef into smaller pieces. Cook for another 5 minutes, until the onion softens. If there’s excess fat (from using non-lean beef), carefully spoon some out, but if not, leave it in.
- Add spices 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 and simmer: Pour in the tomato sauce, beef broth, heavy/whipping 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 so it simmers gently rather than boiling, ensuring the pasta cooks through before the liquid evaporates.
- Finish with cheese and 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 the dish immediately while hot for best freshness and flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- If you want a spicier kick, increase the crushed red pepper flakes.
- For a dairy-free version, replace heavy cream with coconut cream and omit parmesan or use a vegan alternative.
- Make sure to stir the orzo frequently during simmering to prevent it from sticking to the bottom.
- Adding fresh spinach at the end keeps it tender and vibrant without overcooking.
