Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe

Introduction

This Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is a comforting one-pot meal that combines tender ground beef, delicate orzo pasta, and a rich, creamy tomato sauce. Easy to prepare and full of flavor, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you need a satisfying dish in a hurry.

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 and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Add the ground beef to a soup pot or Dutch oven and break it up slightly with a spoon. Cook over medium-high heat without stirring for 5-6 minutes to let it brown.
2. Step 2: Add the chopped onion to the pot and stir, breaking the beef into smaller pieces. Continue cooking for about 5 minutes. If there’s excess fat, spoon some out; otherwise, leave it in.
3. Step 3: Stir in the minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), Italian seasoning, and the orzo pasta. Cook for about 1 minute to toast the pasta slightly.
4. Step 4: Pour in the tomato sauce, beef broth, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Once the mixture begins to bubble, reduce the heat to medium or medium-low. Cook uncovered, stirring often, for 10 minutes until the orzo is tender and the sauce thickens slightly.
5. Step 5: Remove the pot from heat, then stir in the grated parmesan cheese and fresh baby spinach. Cover the pot and let sit for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens to your liking and the spinach wilts. Season with salt and pepper, then serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• Use part-skim or whole milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce, but the texture will be thinner.
• Add mushrooms or bell peppers with the onions for extra veggies and flavor.
• Swap baby spinach with kale or arugula for a different green.
• For more heat, increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta instead of orzo?

Yes, small pasta shapes like acini di pepe, tiny shells, or even small elbow macaroni work well. Keep an eye on cooking time as it may vary slightly.

Is it okay to make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dish and refrigerate it. When reheating, do so gently and stir often to prevent the cream sauce from separating.

Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 95 reviews

A comforting and hearty one-pot meal featuring lean ground beef and tender orzo pasta in a rich tomato cream sauce, enhanced with fresh spinach and Parmesan cheese for a flavorful, easy-to-make dinner.

• Author: zara
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

1. Cook Ground Beef: Place the ground beef in a large soup pot or Dutch oven and break it up slightly with a spoon. Cook over medium-high heat without stirring for 5-6 minutes to allow browning.
2. Add Onion and Continue Cooking: Add the chopped onion to the pot, stir and break the beef into smaller pieces. Cook for another 5 minutes. If excess fat accumulates, especially if not using lean beef, spoon some out; otherwise leave it.
3. Incorporate Aromatics and Orzo: Stir in the minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, and orzo pasta. Cook for about 1 minute to toast the orzo slightly.
4. Add Liquids and Simmer: Pour in the tomato sauce, beef broth, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle bubble over medium heat, then reduce heat to medium or medium-low to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the orzo from sticking, until the pasta is tender and sauce thickens slightly.
5. Finish and Serve: Remove the pot from heat, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and fresh baby spinach. Cover the pot and let sit for 3-5 minutes to allow the spinach to wilt and the sauce to thicken further. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve immediately.

Notes

• Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and make the dish healthier.
• Stir regularly during simmering to avoid the orzo sticking to the bottom of the pot.
• If the sauce becomes too thick before the pasta cooks completely, add a splash more beef broth or water.
• For a spicier dish, increase crushed red pepper flakes or add cayenne pepper.
• This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or garlic bread.

Keywords: ground beef orzo, tomato cream sauce, one-pot meal, quick dinner, creamy pasta, easy weeknight dinner