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Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe

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4.4 from 12 reviews

This Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is a comforting and hearty one-pot meal that combines tender orzo pasta with flavorful ground beef simmered in a rich tomato cream sauce. Enhanced with fresh spinach and Parmesan cheese, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner that’s both creamy and satisfying, ready in just 30 minutes.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Main 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 or whipping cream
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups packed fresh baby spinach
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the ground beef: Place the ground beef in a soup pot or Dutch oven and break it up slightly with a spoon. Cook over medium-high heat without stirring for 5-6 minutes to allow it to brown well.
  2. Add onions and continue cooking: Add the chopped onion to the pot and stir the beef, breaking it into small pieces. Cook together for about 5 minutes, draining excess fat if necessary.
  3. Add aromatics and orzo: Stir in minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, and the uncooked orzo pasta. Cook for about one minute to toast the orzo slightly.
  4. Add liquids and simmer: Pour in the tomato sauce, beef broth, heavy cream, and soy sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle bubble, then reduce the heat to medium or medium-low. Simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking, until the orzo is tender and the sauce has thickened slightly.
  5. Finish with cheese and spinach: Remove the pot from heat. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and fresh spinach. Cover the pot and let it sit for 3-5 minutes until the spinach wilts and the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat; drain as needed.
  • Crushed red pepper flakes are optional and can be adjusted for desired heat.
  • Be sure to stir frequently during simmering to prevent orzo from sticking to the pot’s bottom.
  • If the sauce thickens too much before the orzo cooks, add a little extra beef broth or water.
  • For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce will be less rich.
  • Serving with extra grated Parmesan on top is delicious.
  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

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