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Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce

Creamy Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Delight

This Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is a comforting dish ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Beef
Cuisine: American
Calories: 550
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Base
  • 1 lb lean ground beef can substitute with ground turkey or chicken
  • 0.5 medium onion yellow or white onions work best
  • 3-4 cloves garlic minced, fresh garlic preferred
  • 0.5 tsp crushed red pepper flakes optional, omit for a milder dish
  • 0.5 tsp Italian seasoning can use fresh basil or oregano
For Richness
  • 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta can swap with other small pasta shapes
  • 15 oz tomato sauce can substitute with crushed tomatoes or passata
  • 0.75 cup beef broth can be replaced with vegetable broth
  • 1 cup heavy/whipping cream can use coconut cream or half-and-half
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce can use soy sauce as an alternative
For the Finish
  • 0.5 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese or use nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version
  • 2 cups fresh baby spinach packed, can use kale or Swiss chard
  • salt to taste
  • pepper to taste

Equipment

  • large soup pot or Dutch oven

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat over medium-high heat and add the lean ground beef. Brown for about 5-6 minutes until deep brown and sizzling.
  2. Add ½ medium onion, breaking up the beef with a spoon. Sauté for 5 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent.
  3. Stir in 3-4 minced garlic cloves, ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes, and ½ tsp Italian seasoning. Cook for about 1 minute until garlic is fragrant.
  4. Pour in a 15 oz can of tomato sauce, ¾ cup beef broth, 1 cup heavy cream, and 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce. Stir and bring to a gentle bubble. Simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes until the orzo is tender and sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Remove from heat, fold in ½ cup Parmesan cheese and 2 cups spinach. Cover and let sit for 3-5 minutes.
  6. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve in bowls, garnished with additional Parmesan if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 1000IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months.

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