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Ground Beef Orzo With Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe

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A creamy, comforting Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce. This one-pot meal is perfect for busy weeknights. Ready in under 30 minutes!

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound lean ground beef: The heart of the dish, providing flavor and protein.
  • 1/2 medium onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth to the sauce.
  • 3–4 cloves garlic, minced: For that aromatic punch.
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a touch of heat if you like spice.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A mix of herbs that complements the tomato and cream.
  • 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta: The star of the dish, this tiny pasta absorbs the flavors.
  • 1 (14-ounce) can tomato sauce: The base of the rich, tangy sauce.
  • 3/4 cup beef broth: Adds extra flavor and helps cook the orzo.
  • 1 cup heavy/whipping cream: Gives the sauce its creamy consistency.
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds a slight tangy depth to the overall flavor.
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce for added creaminess.
  • 2 cups fresh baby spinach, packed: For a touch of color and a boost of nutrients.
  • Salt and pepper to taste: To season the dish to your liking.

Instructions

  • Brown the ground beef: Begin by adding the lean ground beef to a large soup pot or Dutch oven. Break it up with a spoon and let it cook over medium-high heat for 5-6 minutes without stirring too much at first. This allows the beef to brown and develop flavor.
  • Cook the onions: Add the chopped onion to the pot, stir, and break the beef into smaller pieces. Cook for another 5 minutes until the onion softens and becomes fragrant. If your beef is releasing too much fat, spoon out the excess, but leave a little for flavor.
  • Add garlic and spices: Stir in the minced garlic, red pepper flakes (if using), and Italian seasoning. Let the spices bloom for about a minute, which will enhance the depth of flavor.
  • Incorporate the orzo: Pour in the uncooked orzo pasta, stirring it with the beef and onion mixture to lightly toast it. This helps the pasta absorb the flavors as it cooks.
  • Make the sauce: Stir in the tomato sauce, beef broth, cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Once the mixture starts to bubble, reduce the heat to medium or medium-low. Let it gently simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring often so the orzo doesn’t stick to the bottom. Be sure not to boil the sauce too vigorously, as this may cause the liquid to evaporate before the pasta is fully cooked.
  • Add cheese and spinach: Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and baby spinach. Cover the pot and let it sit for 3-5 minutes, allowing the spinach to wilt and the sauce to thicken.
  • Season and serve: Taste the dish and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately, and enjoy the comforting flavors of this creamy, hearty dish!

Notes

Serving Suggestions for Ground Beef Orzo

This dish is hearty enough to serve on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a light green salad or steamed vegetables. You can also garnish it with fresh parsley or extra Parmesan for a nice touch of freshness and flavor.

For a complete meal, serve it with crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce. The creamy tomato sauce and beef flavors pair well with light side dishes to balance the richness.

  • Author: Lily
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner

Find it online: https://savoryrecipe.com/ground-beef-orzo-with-tomato-cream-sauce-recipe/