Description
This Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is the ultimate comfort meal, blending tender beef, silky pasta, and a rich, velvety sauce that feels like a hug in a bowl. It is simple enough for a busy Tuesday night yet elegant enough for company. The magic happens as the tomato cream sauce coats every little grain of orzo, resulting in a perfectly satisfying texture that hits the spot every single time.
Ingredients
1 pound lean ground beef
1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
3-4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
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 and pepper to taste
Instructions
Add the ground beef to a soup pot or Dutch oven and cook over medium-high heat for 5-6 minutes until browned.
Stir in the chopped onion and cook for 5 more minutes until softened; drain excess grease if desired.
Add the minced garlic, red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, and raw orzo, sautéing for one minute.
Pour in the tomato sauce, beef broth, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce.
Bring to a gentle bubble and cook uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring often to prevent sticking.
Remove from heat, fold in the parmesan cheese and fresh baby spinach, and stir until wilted and creamy.
Notes
Ensure you stir the orzo frequently while simmering to prevent it from sticking to the base of the pot. Leftovers store well in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If the sauce thickens too much upon reheating, add a small splash of beef broth to loosen it up.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American