Description
A cozy one-pot meal where tender orzo pasta simmers with savory ground beef, tomato sauce, and a swirl of heavy cream. Finished with parmesan and fresh spinach, this creamy ground beef orzo is weeknight comfort food at its best.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion (finely chopped)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup uncooked orzo
- 1 14 oz can tomato sauce (or crushed/diced tomatoes)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan
- Salt & black pepper (to taste)
- Fresh basil (chopped (for garnish))
Instructions
- Heat a Dutch oven or large pot over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook for 5 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula.
- Stir in the onion and cook until translucent, about 5 more minutes.
- Add garlic, Italian seasoning, dried basil, red pepper flakes, tomato paste, and orzo. Stir well and cook for 1 minute.
- Pour in tomato sauce, beef broth, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir to combine.
- Once bubbling, reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered for 10–15 minutes, stirring often to prevent sticking.
- Remove from heat, stir in spinach and parmesan, then cover for 5 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper, garnish with parmesan and basil, and serve warm.
Notes
- Stir frequently to avoid the orzo sticking.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Add mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for extra depth of flavor.
Nutrition
- Calories: 540
