Delicious Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe

Introduction

This delicious ground beef orzo with tomato cream sauce is a comforting one-pan meal that’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor. Creamy, savory, and perfectly balanced, it makes a perfect weeknight dinner or cozy lunch.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup orzo pasta, uncooked
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1.5 cups marinara or tomato sauce
• 2.5 cups beef broth
• 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon paprika
• 0.5 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup baby spinach
• 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat a deep skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil, then sauté the chopped onion for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Step 2: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
3. Step 3: Stir in the orzo pasta and toast it with the beef for 1–2 minutes to enhance its flavor.
4. Step 4: Add the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Pour in the marinara sauce and beef broth, then season with dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and paprika.
5. Step 5: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat. Cover and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
6. Step 6: Stir in the heavy cream, baby spinach, and grated Parmesan cheese. Cook briefly until the spinach wilts and the sauce turns creamy.
7. Step 7: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve the dish hot with extra Parmesan cheese or fresh basil as a garnish if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For a lighter version, substitute half of the heavy cream with milk or use a dairy-free alternative.
• Add chopped mushrooms or bell peppers with the onions for extra veggies and texture.
• Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a leaner option.
• Fresh herbs like basil or parsley added at the end brighten the dish and enhance freshness.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to restore creaminess if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use another type of pasta instead of orzo?

Yes, small pasta shapes like acini di pepe or small shells work well as a substitute. Adjust cooking times accordingly since different pastas vary in cooking speed.

Is this dish freezer-friendly?

While it can be frozen, the texture of the cream sauce and spinach may change slightly upon thawing. If freezing, reheat gently and stir in fresh spinach or herbs after thawing for best results.

Delicious Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 59 reviews

A comforting and flavorful one-pan meal featuring ground beef and orzo pasta cooked in a rich tomato cream sauce, enhanced with spinach and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner.

• Author: Sienna
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Vegetables

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup baby spinach

Pasta and Sauce

• 1 cup orzo pasta, uncooked
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1.5 cups marinara or tomato sauce
• 2.5 cups beef broth

Seasonings and Dairy

• 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon paprika
• 0.5 cup heavy cream
• 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Others

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

1. Sauté Onion and Garlic: Heat a deep skillet over medium heat and add olive oil. Sauté the finely chopped onion for 3 to 4 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary to avoid greasiness.
3. Toast Orzo: Stir in the uncooked orzo pasta with the beef mixture. Cook and toast the orzo for 1 to 2 minutes, allowing it to absorb some flavor.
4. Add Tomato Components and Broth: Mix in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Then pour in the marinara sauce and beef broth. Season the mixture with dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and paprika.
5. Simmer Orzo: Bring the skillet to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cook until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
6. Finish with Cream and Spinach: Stir in the heavy cream, baby spinach, and grated Parmesan cheese. Allow the spinach to wilt and the sauce to become creamy, stirring gently to combine everything.
7. Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the dish and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese or fresh basil if desired for added flavor and presentation.

Notes

• Drain excess fat after browning the beef to keep the dish from becoming too greasy.
• Use fresh baby spinach for best texture; it wilts quickly in the warm sauce.
• Can substitute beef broth with vegetable broth for a lighter flavor.
• For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes along with paprika.
• Serve with a side salad or crusty bread to complete the meal.

Keywords: ground beef recipe, orzo pasta, tomato cream sauce, one pan meal, easy dinner, skillet recipe