Description
A creamy and comforting one-pot meal combining lean ground beef and tender orzo pasta simmered in a flavorful tomato cream sauce, enriched with parmesan cheese and fresh baby spinach. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner, ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Meat and Aromatics
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
Spices and Seasonings
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Liquids and Dairy
- 1 (14 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 3/4 cup beef broth
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Pasta and Greens
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 2 cups packed fresh baby spinach
Instructions
- Brown the beef: Add the lean ground beef to a soup pot or Dutch oven and break it up slightly with a spoon. Cook over medium-high heat without stirring for 5-6 minutes to allow browning.
- Cook the onion: Add the chopped onion to the pot and stir to break up the beef into smaller pieces. Cook for another 5 minutes. If excess fat accumulates, spoon some out unless using lean beef.
- Sauté garlic and seasonings: Stir in minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), Italian seasoning, and uncooked orzo. Cook for about one minute to toast the spices and pasta slightly.
- Add liquids and simmer: Pour in the tomato sauce, beef broth, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Once the mixture begins to bubble, reduce heat to medium or medium-low, and continue cooking uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and allow the orzo to cook through gently without boiling away too much liquid.
- Finish with cheese and spinach: Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the freshly grated parmesan cheese and baby spinach. Cover the pot and let it sit for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens and spinach wilts. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and keep the dish lighter.
- If the sauce becomes too thick during cooking, add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it.
- Stir frequently while simmering to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Fresh baby spinach can be substituted with frozen spinach—just add a bit earlier and adjust cooking time.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
