Description
Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is a comforting, creamy pasta dish featuring tender orzo simmered in a rich tomato and cream sauce with flavorful browned ground beef, aromatic garlic, and fresh spinach. This hearty meal comes together quickly in one pot and is perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat & Vegetables
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups (packed) fresh baby spinach
Spices & Seasonings
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Pasta & Liquids
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 1 (14 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 3/4 cup beef broth
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
Cheese
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Brown the 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 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, carefully spoon some out; otherwise, leave it in.
- Add Aromatics 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: Pour in the tomato sauce, beef broth, heavy 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. Reduce heat as needed to maintain a gentle simmer so the pasta cooks through before the liquid evaporates.
- Finish with Cheese & 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
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat; remove any extra fat if present after browning.
- Optional crushed red pepper flakes add a mild heat, adjust to preference.
- If you want a thicker sauce, allow it to sit covered a few extra minutes off heat to thicken more.
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese provides better flavor and texture than pre-grated.
- Do not overcook the orzo during the simmering step to avoid mushiness.
