Description
This Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is a hearty and comforting one-pot meal featuring tender ground beef, tender orzo pasta, and a rich tomato cream sauce flavored with garlic, Italian seasoning, and parmesan cheese. Fresh baby spinach adds a nutritious touch, while a hint of Worcestershire sauce elevates the overall flavor. Perfect for a busy weeknight, this dish comes together quickly on the stovetop in about 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- ½ medium onion, chopped
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 1 (14 ounce) can tomato sauce
- ¾ cup beef broth
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 2 cups (packed) fresh baby spinach
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to a soup pot or Dutch oven and break it up slightly with a spoon. Cook it over medium-high heat without stirring for 5-6 minutes to allow it to brown.
- Add the Onion: Stir in the chopped onion and continue cooking, breaking the beef into smaller pieces, for another 5 minutes. If there is excess fat, especially if not using lean beef, spoon some out; otherwise, keep it in the pot.
- Add Aromatics and Orzo: Stir in the minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), Italian seasoning, and uncooked orzo pasta. Cook for about one minute to release aromas and coat the orzo.
- Add Liquids and Simmer: Pour in the tomato sauce, beef broth, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Once the mixture starts to bubble, reduce heat to medium or medium-low to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered, stirring frequently for about 10 minutes to prevent sticking and until the orzo is tender and the sauce slightly thickens.
- Finish with Cheese and Spinach: Remove the pot from heat. Stir in freshly grated parmesan cheese and fresh baby spinach. Cover the pot and let it rest for 3-5 minutes to allow the spinach to wilt and the sauce to thicken to your liking. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat, or drain fat after cooking if desired.
- To add a little spice, include the red pepper flakes; omit for a milder dish.
- For a lower-fat version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, noting it will affect creaminess.
- Stir frequently while simmering to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Fresh baby spinach wilts quickly; adding it at the end preserves its vibrant color and nutritional value.
- This dish is best served immediately as the orzo can absorb liquid and thicken further upon standing.
