Description
Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is a quick, creamy, and comforting one‑pot meal featuring tender orzo pasta cooked with savory ground beef and a rich tomato‑cream sauce — perfect for cozy weeknight dinners.
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 can (14 oz) tomato sauce
- 3/4 cup beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium‑high heat, cook the ground beef for 5–6 minutes, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Add the chopped onion and continue cooking for about 5 minutes until onion softens; drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in the minced garlic, red pepper flakes (if using), Italian seasoning, and the orzo. Cook for about 1 minute to lightly toast the orzo.
- Add tomato sauce, beef broth, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium or medium‑low.
- Simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until orzo is tender and sauce begins to thicken.
- Remove from heat, then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and fresh baby spinach. Cover and let sit for 3–5 minutes to allow spinach to wilt and sauce to meld.
- Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve warm, optionally with a side salad or crusty bread.
Notes
- If you prefer a milder flavor, omit the red pepper flakes; add more for a spicier kick.
- For a lighter version, reduce the cream slightly and substitute with extra broth — but sauce will be less rich.
- You can add extra vegetables such as mushrooms, peas, or bell peppers for more nutrition.
- Ground turkey or Italian sausage can replace beef for a different flavor profile.
- When reheating leftovers, stir in a splash of cream or broth, since orzo absorbs liquid while stored.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: One‑pot stove cooking
- Cuisine: American / Italian‑inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
