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Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.6 from 92 reviews
  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Description

Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is a hearty, comforting one-pot dish combining tender ground beef, tender orzo pasta, and a rich tomato cream sauce infused with garlic, Italian seasoning, and freshly grated parmesan. This creamy and flavorful meal is perfect for a quick, satisfying dinner packed with the fresh nutrition of spinach and the depth of Worcestershire sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Aromatics

  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1/2 medium onion, chopped
  • 3–4 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings

  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Pantry

  • 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
  • 1 (14 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 3/4 cup beef broth

Dairy & Produce

  • 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups (packed) fresh baby spinach

Instructions

  1. Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to a soup pot or Dutch oven and break it up slightly with a spoon. Let it cook over medium-high heat without stirring for 5-6 minutes to allow browning.
  2. Add Onion and Continue Cooking: Add the chopped onion to the pot and stir, breaking the beef into smaller pieces. Cook for another 5 minutes. If there is excess fat from the beef, spoon some out, otherwise leave it in the pot for flavor.
  3. Add Garlic, Spices, and Orzo: Stir in the minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, and orzo pasta. Cook everything together for about one minute to toast the orzo and release the aromatics.
  4. Add Liquids and Simmer: Pour in the tomato sauce, beef broth, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Once the mixture starts to bubble, reduce the heat to medium or medium-low and cook uncovered for approximately 10 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and ensure the orzo cooks through. Aim for a gentle simmer rather than a boil to keep the sauce creamy.
  5. Finish with Cheese and Spinach: Remove the pot from heat, then stir in the grated parmesan cheese and fresh baby spinach. Cover the pot and let it rest for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens and the spinach wilts. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Serves 4-6 depending on portion sizes and sides served alongside.
  • Liquid quantities are calibrated for average stovetops and pots; add extra broth or cream if the dish seems dry, or let it sit covered if it’s too liquidy to absorb excess moisture.
  • Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat, but if using fattier beef, drain some fat after browning to maintain flavor without greasiness.
  • Stir frequently during the simmering phase to prevent the orzo from sticking and cooking unevenly.

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