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
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 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.
