Description
Savor the comforting flavors of Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce! This one-pot recipe combines tender orzo pasta, savory ground beef, and a rich tomato cream sauce, finished with fresh spinach and Parmesan for a delightful weeknight meal. Perfect for busy families and ready in just 30 minutes.
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 fresh baby spinach, packed
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Cook ground beef in a large pot over medium-high heat until browned. Break it into smaller pieces.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add onion and cook until softened. Stir in garlic, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning; cook until fragrant.
- Add Orzo: Stir in uncooked orzo to coat it with the beef mixture.
- Incorporate Liquids: Add tomato sauce, beef broth, cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well.
- Simmer: Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender.
- Finish the Dish: Remove from heat, stir in Parmesan cheese and spinach until spinach wilts. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Serve: Let rest for a few minutes to thicken and serve warm.
Notes
- Substitute ground beef with turkey, chicken, or sausage for variety.
- Add vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini for more nutrients.
- Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes to control the spice level.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: 4 servings
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: Dinner, Main Course
