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homemade Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce photo

Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce

A comforting one-pot pasta with ground beef, orzo, and a creamy tomato sauce finished with Parmesan and spinach.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4 servings

Equipment

  • Dutch oven or large soup pot
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Grater (for Parmesan)
  • lid for pot

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
  • 14 ounce tomato sauce (1 can)
  • 3/4 cup beef broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream or 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 Dutch oven or large pot over medium-high and add the ground beef; break it up slightly and let it cook without stirring for 5–6 minutes to brown.
  • Add the chopped onion, then stir and break the beef into small pieces; continue cooking about 5 minutes. Spoon out excess fat if there is a lot.
  • Stir in the minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), Italian seasoning, and the orzo; cook about 1 minute to toast the orzo slightly.
  • Pour in the tomato sauce, beef broth, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce; bring just to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to medium or medium-low so it bubbles gently.
  • Cook uncovered, stirring fairly often so the orzo doesn't stick, until the orzo is tender, about 10 minutes. Adjust heat as needed to keep a gentle simmer.
  • Remove the pot from heat, stir in the Parmesan and packed baby spinach until the spinach wilts and the sauce thickens, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Cover and let rest 3–5 minutes if desired to thicken slightly, then serve immediately.

Notes

  • Serves 4–6 depending on portion size.
  • North American tomato sauce is similar to passata elsewhere.
  • Liquid amounts were tested but may need slight adjustment for different pots/stoves.
  • If too dry, add a splash of cream or broth; if too thin, let it sit a few minutes to absorb.