This Creamy Tomato Orzo with Ground Beef is the perfect weeknight dinner solution! With tender orzo pasta simmered in a luscious tomato cream sauce and loaded with flavorful ground beef, it’s a dish that satisfies every craving. The addition of fresh spinach and Parmesan cheese adds a touch of elegance and freshness, making it as nutritious as it is delicious. Ready in just 30 minutes, this one-pot wonder requires minimal effort and cleanup, making it ideal for busy evenings. Whether you’re feeding the whole family or meal-prepping for the week, this dish promises hearty flavors and creamy goodness in every bite.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 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
Directions:
- Heat a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up slightly with a spoon, and let it cook undisturbed for 5-6 minutes.
- Stir in the onion, breaking up the beef into small pieces. Cook for an additional 5 minutes. If needed, drain excess fat.
- Add the garlic, red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, and orzo. Stir and cook for 1 minute.
- Pour in the tomato sauce, beef broth, cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Allow the mixture to gently bubble over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes until the orzo is cooked through.
- Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the Parmesan and spinach. Cover for 3-5 minutes to let the mixture thicken.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 450 kcal per serving
Servings: 4-6 servings
The Comforting Elegance of Creamy Tomato Orzo with Ground Beef
If there’s one thing that resonates universally, it’s the allure of a warm, hearty meal made with simple, everyday ingredients. Creamy Tomato Orzo with Ground Beef is the epitome of this kind of dish. Combining the richness of ground beef, the silky texture of a creamy tomato sauce, and the satisfying chewiness of orzo pasta, this recipe has become a favorite for busy families and pasta enthusiasts alike. Its appeal lies not only in its taste but also in its simplicity, making it a perfect option for weeknight dinners or even casual get-togethers.
Why Orzo and Ground Beef Make a Winning Pair
Orzo, often mistaken for rice due to its shape, is a versatile pasta that absorbs flavors beautifully. In this recipe, orzo acts as the perfect base to soak up the creamy tomato sauce, offering a texture that’s both tender and slightly chewy. This unique quality of orzo makes it ideal for one-pot dishes, where it can cook directly in the sauce, saving time and maximizing flavor.
Pairing orzo with ground beef adds depth and heartiness to the dish. Ground beef, with its rich umami profile, forms the backbone of the recipe, balancing the acidity of the tomato sauce and the creaminess of the sauce. Together, they create a robust, comforting meal that’s satisfying without being overly heavy.
The Role of Each Component in This Dish
Tomato Sauce and Cream: A Perfect Harmony
The tomato sauce in this recipe isn’t just a base—it’s the soul of the dish. Its tangy brightness is tempered by the addition of cream, which transforms the sauce into a velvety, luxurious coating for the orzo. This balance of acidity and richness is what makes the dish so irresistible. It’s a technique borrowed from classic Italian cuisine, where the use of cream in tomato-based sauces is a hallmark of indulgent pasta dishes.
Spinach: Adding Freshness and Nutrition
To counterbalance the richness of the cream and beef, fresh spinach is folded into the dish at the end. Spinach not only adds a pop of vibrant green to the dish, enhancing its visual appeal, but it also brings a subtle freshness that lifts the overall flavor profile. Additionally, spinach is packed with vitamins and nutrients, making this dish as wholesome as it is delicious.
Worcestershire Sauce and Parmesan: Umami Boosters
A dash of Worcestershire sauce might seem like an unexpected addition to a pasta dish, but it’s a game-changer. Its deep, savory notes enhance the flavors of the beef and tomato sauce, adding layers of complexity to the dish. Topping the dish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese takes it to the next level, providing a nutty, salty finish that ties all the components together.
Why This Dish Is Perfect for Busy Weeknights
One of the standout features of this recipe is its simplicity. Made in one pot, it eliminates the need for multiple pans and extensive cleanup, a godsend for those with packed schedules. The entire cooking process takes just 30 minutes from start to finish, making it an ideal choice for those evenings when time is short but the craving for something delicious and comforting is strong.
Moreover, the ingredients are staples in most kitchens, meaning you won’t need to make a special trip to the grocery store. With ground beef, pasta, tomato sauce, and some basic pantry spices, you can whip up a meal that tastes like it took hours to prepare.
Versatility and Adaptability
One of the reasons this dish is so beloved is its versatility. It serves as a blank canvas that can be adapted to suit various dietary needs and preferences. For example, if you’re looking to make the dish lighter, you can substitute the heavy cream with a plant-based alternative or a lower-fat cream option. Adding extra vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms can further boost its nutritional value.
For those who enjoy a bit of spice, increasing the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or adding a touch of cayenne pepper can bring a pleasant heat to the dish. On the other hand, if you’re cooking for kids or those with milder palates, you can omit the red pepper flakes altogether.
The Appeal of One-Pot Cooking
There’s a reason one-pot meals are a staple in many households—they simplify cooking without sacrificing flavor. In this recipe, the orzo cooks directly in the tomato cream sauce, which not only reduces cleanup but also allows the pasta to absorb the sauce’s rich flavors as it cooks. This technique ensures that every bite of orzo is infused with the creamy, savory essence of the sauce.
Cooking everything in one pot also means the ingredients have time to meld together, creating a harmonious flavor profile. The ground beef, garlic, onion, and Italian seasoning build a solid foundation of flavor, while the tomato sauce, cream, and Parmesan add richness and depth.
A Crowd-Pleaser for All Ages
One of the most remarkable aspects of Creamy Tomato Orzo with Ground Beef is its universal appeal. The dish is hearty enough to satisfy the hungriest appetites yet balanced enough to be enjoyed by those who prefer lighter meals. It’s a hit with kids, who love the creamy sauce and tender pasta, and it’s equally appreciated by adults, who enjoy its comforting flavors and gourmet touch.
This dish also makes an excellent choice for meal prepping. It reheats beautifully, making it a convenient option for packed lunches or quick dinners throughout the week. While it’s best enjoyed fresh, a splash of cream or broth during reheating can revive its creamy consistency.
Tips for Serving and Pairing
To elevate this dish further, consider serving it with a side of crusty bread or a fresh green salad. The bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce, while the salad adds a refreshing contrast to the dish’s richness. A glass of medium-bodied red wine, such as Chianti or Merlot, pairs beautifully with the flavors of the tomato sauce and beef.
For an extra touch of indulgence, garnish the dish with a drizzle of olive oil, additional grated Parmesan, and freshly cracked black pepper. This finishing touch not only enhances the presentation but also adds layers of flavor.
Conclusion:
Creamy Tomato Orzo with Ground Beef is more than just a meal it’s a comforting experience that brings people together. Whether you’re a busy parent looking for a quick dinner solution, a pasta lover seeking a new favorite recipe, or someone who simply enjoys the art of cooking, this dish ticks all the boxes. Its balance of flavors, ease of preparation, and universal appeal make it a recipe you’ll return to time and again.
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Ground Beef Orzo
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Description
This Creamy Tomato Orzo with Ground Beef is the perfect weeknight dinner solution! With tender orzo pasta simmered in a luscious tomato cream sauce and loaded with flavorful ground beef, it’s a dish that satisfies every craving. The addition of fresh spinach and Parmesan cheese adds a touch of elegance and freshness, making it as nutritious as it is delicious. Ready in just 30 minutes, this one-pot wonder requires minimal effort and cleanup, making it ideal for busy evenings. Whether you’re feeding the whole family or meal-prepping for the week, this dish promises hearty flavors and creamy goodness in every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 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
- Heat a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up slightly with a spoon, and let it cook undisturbed for 5-6 minutes.
- Stir in the onion, breaking up the beef into small pieces. Cook for an additional 5 minutes. If needed, drain excess fat.
- Add the garlic, red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, and orzo. Stir and cook for 1 minute.
- Pour in the tomato sauce, beef broth, cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Allow the mixture to gently bubble over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes until the orzo is cooked through.
- Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the Parmesan and spinach. Cover for 3-5 minutes to let the mixture thicken.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
