Description

Hearty Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is a comforting and flavorful one-pan meal that combines lean ground beef, tender orzo pasta, and a rich tomato cream sauce. Infused with Italian herbs, garlic, and a touch of heat from red pepper flakes, this dish is finished with fresh spinach and parmesan cheese for a creamy, satisfying experience perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

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Main Ingredients

1 pound lean minced beef
1 cup dry orzo pasta
1 can (14 ounces) tomato sauce
3/4 cup beef stock
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups fresh spinach leaves
Freshly grated parmesan cheese, to taste

Seasonings and Extras

1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon Italian herbs (such as oregano, basil, thyme)
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Chopped parsley, for garnish

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Instructions

Brown the Beef and Onions: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the lean minced beef and diced onion until the beef is fully browned and the onions are translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Add Aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and Italian herbs. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Combine Main Ingredients: Add the dry orzo pasta, tomato sauce, beef stock, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce to the skillet. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover the skillet and cook for about 15 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and has absorbed much of the liquid. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Add Spinach and Cheese: Fold in the fresh spinach leaves, stirring until they are wilted into the mixture. Stir in freshly grated parmesan cheese, and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Serve: Serve the orzo warm, garnished with chopped parsley for a fresh finish.

Notes

Use lean beef to reduce excess grease in the dish.
For a richer flavor, consider using homemade beef stock if available.
Adjust red pepper flakes to your desired heat level or omit if sensitive to spice.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
To make this dish gluten-free, substitute orzo with gluten-free pasta or rice.
If you prefer a lighter version, swap heavy cream with half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative.