Description
This Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is a comforting one-pot meal combining tender ground beef, tender orzo pasta, and a rich tomato cream sauce infused with garlic, Italian seasoning, and parmesan cheese. The addition of fresh spinach adds a burst of color and nutrients, making this hearty dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Units
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
- Cook the Beef: 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 allow browning.
- Add Onion: Stir in the chopped onion and break the beef into smaller pieces. Continue cooking for about 5 minutes. If there is excess fat, spoon some out, otherwise leave it in the pot.
- Add Aromatics and Pasta: Stir in the minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, and uncooked orzo pasta. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring to combine and toast the orzo slightly.
- Add Liquids: Pour in the tomato sauce, beef broth, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle bubble, then reduce heat to medium or medium-low. Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking while the orzo cooks and absorbs the sauce.
- Finish with Cheese and Spinach: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the freshly grated parmesan cheese and baby spinach. Cover the pot and let sit for 3-5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the spinach to wilt.
- Season and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately for a creamy, flavorful meal.
Notes
- Using lean ground beef helps reduce excess fat, but if using regular beef, drain or spoon off extra fat after cooking.
- Stir frequently during simmering to avoid orzo sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- The red pepper flakes add a subtle heat—feel free to omit or reduce according to your preference.
- Covering the pot after adding spinach helps wilt the greens without overcooking them.
- Serve with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
