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Hearty Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe

Hearty Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe
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★★★★★

4.8 from 12 reviews

A comforting and hearty ground beef orzo recipe simmered in a rich tomato cream sauce, enhanced with Italian herbs, fresh spinach, and Parmesan cheese. This one-pot meal blends tender orzo pasta with savory browned beef and a creamy tomato base, perfect for a satisfying family dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Vegetables

  • 1 pound lean minced beef
  • 1/2 medium onion, diced
  • 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 cups tightly packed fresh spinach leaves

Dry Ingredients and Seasonings

  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon mixed Italian herbs
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Pasta and Sauces

  • 1 cup dry orzo pasta
  • 1 can (14 ounces) tomato sauce
  • 3/4 cup beef stock
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated

Instructions

  1. Brown the Ground Beef: Add the lean ground beef to a soup pot or Dutch oven, breaking it up slightly with a spoon. Cook over medium-high heat without stirring for 5-6 minutes to allow the beef to brown evenly.
  2. Add Onion and Break Up the Beef: Add the diced onion to the pot and stir to combine, breaking the beef into smaller pieces. Cook for another 5 minutes. If there is excess fat, carefully spoon some out, or leave it for flavor.
  3. Incorporate Aromatics and Orzo: Stir in the minced garlic, red pepper flakes, Italian herbs, and dry orzo pasta. Cook this mixture for about a minute, letting the flavors meld and toasting the orzo slightly.
  4. Add Liquids and Simmer: Pour in the tomato sauce, beef stock, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium or medium-low and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and ensuring the orzo cooks through.
  5. Finish with Spinach and Cheese: Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and fresh spinach leaves. Cover and let sit for 3-5 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken and the spinach to wilt.
  6. Serve and Enjoy: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately while hot, enjoying this creamy, hearty dish.

Notes

  • Use lean ground beef to minimize excess fat, but some fat contributes to flavor.
  • If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of beef stock or water to adjust consistency.
  • Red pepper flakes are optional—omit if a milder flavor is preferred.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and omit Parmesan or use a vegan alternative.
  • Stir frequently during simmering to prevent orzo from sticking to the pot’s bottom.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground beef orzo, tomato cream sauce, one pot meal, easy dinner, Italian comfort food

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