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Nothing beats the warm, comforting hug of a hearty pasta dish, and this Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe fits that bill perfectly. Imagine tender orzo soaking up a luscious tomato cream sauce, infused with savory ground beef, fragrant garlic, and a gentle hint of spice. It’s a one-pot wonder that’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough to share with company. Every spoonful sings with rich flavors and soothing textures that make you want to savor every bite. If you’ve been searching for a fulfilling meal that’s as easy as it is delicious, this recipe is about to become your new favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key to turning this Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe from good to unforgettable. Each element plays a crucial role, whether it’s the richness of the cream, the hearty bite of orzo, or the burst of freshness from baby spinach. Let’s dive into what you’ll need to make this delicious dinner happen.
- 1 pound lean ground beef: This provides a juicy, hearty base without excess fat.
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth as it softens in the pan.
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced: Offers a fragrant punch that brightens the entire dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): A touch of heat that elevates the flavor without overpowering.
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Brings a blend of herbs that marry all the components together.
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta: This small rice-shaped pasta soaks up the sauce beautifully.
- 1 (14 ounce) can tomato sauce: Delivers the rich tomato foundation for your creamy sauce.
- 3/4 cup beef broth: Adds savory depth and keeps the orzo perfectly moist while cooking.
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream: Creates a velvety, luscious texture you’ll crave.
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: A subtle umami boost that rounds out the flavors.
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese: Melts in for sharp, salty goodness and creamy thickness.
- 2 cups packed fresh baby spinach: A burst of freshness and color that balances the richness.
- Salt & pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to bring everything into delicious harmony.
How to Make Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by adding your lean ground beef to a large soup pot or Dutch oven. Break it up slightly with a spoon and let it cook over medium-high heat without stirring for about 5 to 6 minutes. This method creates that beautiful caramelized crust on the meat, infusing extra flavor and texture essential to the overall dish.
Step 2: Add the Onion and Continue Cooking
Next, toss in the chopped onion and stir well to break the beef into smaller pieces. Let everything cook together for another 5 minutes so the onions soften and meld perfectly with the beef. If you notice excess fat left from the meat, you can spoon some out here, or leave it for extra richness if you used lean beef.
Step 3: Build Aromatics with Garlic and Spices
Now stir in the minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, and finally the orzo pasta. Cooking this mixture for about a minute helps the garlic and spices release a wonderful fragrance that’ll excite your senses and really wake up the flavors in the dish.
Step 4: Add Sauces and Simmer the Orzo
Pour in the tomato sauce, beef broth, cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring the mixture up to a gentle bubble—then reduce the heat to medium or medium-low. Let it simmer uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring frequently so the orzo doesn’t stick to the bottom. This slow simmer lets the pasta absorb the rich sauce perfectly without drying out or over-reducing.
Step 5: Finish with Parmesan and Spinach
Once the orzo has softened and the sauce thickened to your liking, remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the freshly grated parmesan cheese and baby spinach, then cover the pot for about 3 to 5 minutes. The cheese will melt seamlessly, and the spinach will wilt gently, adding vibrant color and a fresh pop to this hearty, creamy dish. Season with salt and pepper, then serve right away.
How to Serve Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Top your dish with some fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of extra parmesan cheese to add brightness and a final touch of elegance. A drizzle of high-quality olive oil can also elevate the flavors and make each bite luxuriously smooth.
Side Dishes
To round out the meal, serve the Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe alongside a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette or some roasted seasonal vegetables. Garlic bread or crusty artisanal bread works beautifully to soak up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
This cozy dish looks charming served in individual shallow bowls, garnished with fresh herbs and a small wedge of lemon on the side. For a fun twist, try baking it in a casserole dish topped with extra cheese and a sprinkle of breadcrumbs for a golden, crispy crust before serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe keep wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as it sits, making for even tastier meals the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Keep in mind, the texture of the cream sauce may change slightly, but the taste will remain delicious.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if needed to restore the creamy consistency. Stir frequently to ensure the sauce is evenly heated without curdling, and enjoy it as if it were freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta instead of orzo?
Absolutely! While orzo is perfect because its small shape absorbs the sauce beautifully, you can swap in other small or medium pasta shapes like acini di pepe, small shells, or even a broken-up macaroni for a similar effect.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat substitute, lentils, or sautéed mushrooms to maintain that hearty texture. Just adjust the broth and seasoning accordingly to keep the rich umami flavors.
Can I make this recipe spicier?
Definitely! Increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper when cooking the garlic. You can also top it with sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce to kick up the heat.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you want a lighter version, use half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a tablespoon of flour for thickness. Coconut cream is another option for a dairy-free twist, although it will subtly change the flavor profile.
How do I prevent the sauce from sticking to the pot?
Stir frequently while simmering to keep the orzo moving, and make sure your heat is simmering gently rather than boiling vigorously. Adding enough liquid early on is key to preventing sticking or burning.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a comforting, flavorful meal that’s easy to prepare but full of personality, this Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe is an absolute winner. It’s perfect for busy nights when you want something nourishing and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. Give it a try, and I promise it will become a staple in your dinner rotation you look forward to making time and again.
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Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is a hearty and comforting one-pot meal featuring tender ground beef, orzo pasta, and a rich tomato cream sauce. Enhanced with garlic, Italian seasoning, and fresh spinach, this dish is both flavorful and easy to prepare, making it perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
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 and 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 it to brown well.
- Add Onion: Add the chopped onion to the pot, stir to break the beef into smaller pieces, and cook for about 5 more minutes. If there is excess fat, especially from non-lean beef, spoon some out; otherwise, leave it in the pot.
- Sauté Garlic and Spices: Stir in the minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, and uncooked orzo pasta. Cook for about one minute to blend flavors and toast the orzo slightly.
- Add Liquids and Simmer: Pour in the tomato sauce, beef broth, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle bubble and reduce heat to medium or medium-low. Cook uncovered, stirring frequently for about 10 minutes, ensuring the orzo cooks evenly and doesn’t stick to the pot.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the pot from heat, stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese and fresh baby spinach. Cover the pot and let stand for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens and the spinach wilts. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat; if not lean, drain some fat after browning.
- Stir frequently during simmering to prevent orzo from sticking or burning.
- Adjust cream quantity for a richer or lighter sauce according to taste.
- For added depth, Worcestershire sauce enhances the umami flavor but is optional.
- Serve with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
