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Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce

Creamy Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce in 30 Minutes

This creamy ground beef orzo with tomato cream sauce is a comforting, family-friendly dish perfect for weeknight dinners.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

Base
  • 1 pound Lean Ground Beef Substitute with turkey for a lighter option
  • 1 cup Uncooked Orzo Pasta No equivalent substitutes for achieving the same texture
  • 2 cups Beef Broth Vegetable broth works for a vegetarian version
Flavor
  • 1 medium Onion Yellow onions work beautifully
  • 2 cloves Garlic Freshly minced
  • 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning Can swap with oregano and basil if needed
  • 1/2 teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes Optional, adjust to taste
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce Enhances complexity
Creaminess
  • 1 cup Tomato Sauce Homemade puree is a lovely alternative
  • 1/2 cup Heavy/Whipping Cream Half-and-half or dairy-free cream are great substitutes
Finishing Touches
  • 1/2 cup Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese Nutritional yeast can replace for a vegan option
  • 2 cups Fresh Baby Spinach Swap with kale for a heartier touch

Equipment

  • large soup pot
  • Spatula

Method
 

Steps
  1. In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat the pot over medium-high heat and add the lean ground beef. Cook for 5–6 minutes without stirring, allowing it to brown and develop flavor. Once it’s browned, use a spatula to break it up into smaller pieces.
  2. Add the chopped onion to the pot, breaking up the beef as you do so. Stir frequently and cook for another 5 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 1 minute, allowing the garlic to release its fragrant scent. Then, add the uncooked orzo.
  4. Pour in the tomato sauce and beef broth, stirring well to combine. Add the heavy cream and Worcestershire sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle bubble, then reduce the heat slightly and cook uncovered for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently.
  5. Once the orzo is tender, remove the pot from heat. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and baby spinach, mixing until the spinach wilts down.
  6. Before serving, taste your dish and season with salt and pepper as desired. Ladle the orzo into bowls and enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 25gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 700mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 20IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 15mg

Notes

Great for busy weeknights and can be customized with favorite veggies.

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