Why Make This Recipe
Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is a comforting dish that combines the rich flavors of ground beef and creamy tomato sauce, all mixed with tender orzo pasta. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious and filling without spending hours in the kitchen. It brings together a perfect balance of protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables, thanks to the addition of fresh baby spinach. Not only is it satisfying to eat, but it’s also easy to make, making it a great choice for everyone from beginner cooks to seasoned chefs.
How to Make Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce
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 (packed) fresh baby spinach
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
Directions
Cook the Ground Beef
Start by adding the ground beef to a soup pot or Dutch oven. Use a wooden spoon to break it up a little. Cook it over medium-high heat for about 5 to 6 minutes without stirring. This helps the beef develop a nice brown color.Add the Onions
Once the beef has cooked for a bit, add the chopped onions to the pot. Stir everything together to break the beef into smaller pieces. Continue cooking for another 5 minutes until the onions become soft and translucent. If there’s excess fat in the pot from the beef, you can spoon some out, but if you used lean beef, you can leave it in for flavor.Add the Garlic and Seasonings
After the onions have softened, stir in the minced garlic along with the crushed red pepper flakes (if you’re using them) and Italian seasoning. Cook this mixture for about a minute to allow the garlic to release its aroma.Incorporate the Orzo
Next, stir in the uncooked orzo pasta. Let it cook in the pot for about a minute, stirring continuously to coat the pasta with the flavors already in the pot.Add the Liquids
Now, it’s time to pour in the tomato sauce, beef broth, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything well and wait until it starts to bubble. Once it begins to simmer, reduce the heat to medium or even medium-low. It’s crucial to avoid a vigorous boil to ensure the orzo cooks evenly and the sauce doesn’t reduce too much.Simmer and Stir
Allow the mixture to cook uncovered for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the orzo from getting stuck to the bottom of the pot. Keep an eye on it and make sure it gently bubbles rather than boiling too hard.Final Touches
After 10 minutes, take the pot off the heat. Stir in the freshly grated parmesan cheese and the baby spinach. Cover the pot for an additional 3 to 5 minutes, allowing the spinach to wilt and the sauce to thicken to your liking. Finally, taste the dish and season with salt and pepper as needed.
How to Serve Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce
Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is best served warm right from the pot. You can eat it in bowls or plate it for a more formal presentation. Consider garnishing each serving with a bit more grated parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh herbs, like parsley or basil, for added flavor. This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or garlic bread on the side, providing a well-rounded meal that’s sure to satisfy everyone’s hunger.
How to Store Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep well for about 3 to 4 days. To reheat, simply add it to a saucepan over low heat, adding a little extra beef broth or cream to loosen it up as needed. Stir occasionally until it’s warmed through. Freezing is also an option, but the texture of the orzo may change upon thawing and reheating. If you plan to freeze it, consider keeping the orzo separate and cooking it fresh when you’re ready to eat.
Tips to Make Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce
Choose Your Beef Wisely: Lean ground beef works best in this recipe to minimize excess fat. If you prefer, you can use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Customize the Seasonings: Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices. Adding Italian seasoning is great, but you could also include fresh basil or oregano for added freshness.
Add More Veggies: For a more nutrient-dense dish, consider adding other vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms along with the onions.
Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can reduce the amount of heavy cream or replace it with half-and-half or even milk, adjusting the beef broth accordingly as well.
Don’t Skip the Cheese: The parmesan cheese adds richness and depth to the recipe, so don’t skip this ingredient. Use freshly grated cheese when possible for the best flavor.
Variation
For a twist on this recipe, you can make it a baked dish! After following the cooking steps, transfer the mixture to a casserole dish, sprinkle some mozzarella cheese on top, and bake it at 350°F (175°C) for about 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Additionally, you can spice it up by adding chopped jalapeños or diced tomatoes for extra flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, while orzo is perfect for this dish, you can substitute it with other small pasta shapes like ditalini or even rice. Just be sure to adjust the cooking times accordingly.
2. What if I don’t have beef broth?
If you don’t have beef broth on hand, you can substitute it with chicken broth or even vegetable broth to keep the flavors balanced.
3. How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce vegetarian, omit the ground beef and replace it with mushrooms or lentils. Make sure to use vegetable broth and skip the parmesan or use a vegan cheese option to keep it fully vegetarian.
Enjoy diving into this comforting and creamy dish that’s perfect for any day of the week!
Print
Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting dish featuring ground beef, orzo pasta, and creamy tomato sauce, perfect for weeknights.
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 (packed) fresh baby spinach
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- In a soup pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat for 5-6 minutes.
- Add chopped onions and cook for an additional 5 minutes until onions are soft.
- Stir in minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning; cook for 1 minute.
- Add uncooked orzo and stir for 1 minute to coat with the beef mixture.
- Pour in the tomato sauce, beef broth, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce; stir well.
- Bring to a simmer and reduce heat to medium or medium-low, cooking uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat and stir in grated parmesan cheese and baby spinach; cover to let spinach wilt for 3-5 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Notes
Use lean ground beef to minimize excess fat, and consider adding more vegetables for nutrition.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: ground beef, orzo, tomato cream sauce, comfort food, easy dinner recipe