Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe
A comforting and creamy ground beef orzo dish simmered in a flavorful tomato cream sauce with a touch of spice and Italian seasoning, topped with fresh baby spinach and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a quick and hearty weeknight dinner ready in just 30 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups packed fresh baby spinach
Spices and Seasonings
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Pasta and 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
- Cook the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to a soup pot or Dutch oven and break it up slightly with your spoon. Let it cook over medium-high heat without stirring for 5-6 minutes to allow it to brown well.
- Add the Onion: Stir in the chopped onion, breaking the beef into smaller pieces. Continue cooking for another 5 minutes until the onion softens and the beef is fully browned. Remove excess fat if necessary.
- Sauté Garlic and Seasonings: Stir in the minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), Italian seasoning, and the uncooked orzo pasta. Cook for about one minute to toast the pasta slightly and infuse the flavors.
- Add Sauces and Broth: Pour in the tomato sauce, beef broth, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Once it starts bubbling, reduce the heat to medium or medium-low to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking, until the orzo is tender and the sauce thickens.
- Finish with Cheese and Spinach: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and packed baby spinach. Cover the pot and let sit for 3-5 minutes until the spinach wilts and the sauce thickens to your liking. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve immediately.
Notes
- Using lean ground beef reduces excess fat and prevents a greasy dish.
- Stir often during simmering to avoid orzo sticking and burning on the bottom.
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes based on your heat preference or omit for no spice.
- If the sauce thickens too much before the orzo is cooked, add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce will be less rich.
