Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe
This Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is a comforting and hearty one-pot meal combining tender ground beef, creamy tomato sauce, and delicate orzo pasta. Enriched with fresh spinach and Parmesan cheese, it’s an easy-to-make dish perfect for a weeknight dinner that delivers rich flavors and satisfying textures.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Aromatics
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
Spices and Seasonings
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Liquids and Dairy
- 1 (14 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 3/4 cup beef broth
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Pasta and Greens
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 2 cups packed fresh baby spinach
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 undisturbed over medium-high heat for 5-6 minutes to develop browning.
- Cook onions and finish browning beef: Add the chopped onion to the pot and stir to break the beef into small pieces. Continue to cook for about 5 more minutes until the onions soften. If excess fat collects, spoon some out; otherwise leave it.
- Add aromatics and orzo: Stir in minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, and the uncooked orzo pasta. Cook everything together for about one minute to toast the pasta slightly.
- Combine liquids and simmer: Pour in tomato sauce, beef broth, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Once the mixture begins to bubble, lower the heat to medium or medium-low and let it simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes, stirring regularly to prevent sticking. The sauce should gently bubble, allowing the orzo to cook fully without reducing liquid excessively.
- Finish and serve: Remove the pot from heat. Stir in grated Parmesan and fresh baby spinach. Cover the pot and let it rest for 3-5 minutes to thicken the sauce and wilt the spinach. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve immediately for a creamy, flavorful dish.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat; if using fattier beef, drain some fat after browning.
- Keep a close eye while simmering to avoid the orzo sticking to the pot bottom and burning.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your desired spice level or omit for mild flavor.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or milk for the cream, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Add extra vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers for more nutrition and texture variation.
Keywords: ground beef dinner, orzo pasta recipe, creamy tomato sauce, easy one pot meal, quick beef pasta