Description
Make this rich and satisfying Creamy Ground Beef Orzo for a quick one-pot dinner. Packed with hearty flavors, tender orzo, and a creamy tomato sauce, this dish is perfect for busy nights!
Ingredients
1 lb lean ground beef
1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 cup uncooked orzo
1 14 oz can tomato sauce (or crushed/diced tomatoes)
1 cup beef broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
2 cups fresh baby spinach
1/2 cup grated Parmesan
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh basil, chopped for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Heat a Dutch oven or large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a spatula. Let it cook for about 5 minutes until it starts to brown.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Add the chopped onion to the pot and stir into the beef. Cook for another 5 minutes until the beef is browned and the onion is translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds to release its aroma.
Step 3: Build the Flavor Base
Add the Italian seasoning, dried basil, crushed red pepper flakes, and tomato paste to the pot. Stir well to coat the beef and onion mixture evenly with the seasonings. Add the uncooked orzo and stir to toast it slightly for about a minute.
Step 4: Create the Sauce
Pour in the tomato sauce, beef broth, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Give everything a good stir, making sure to scrape any bits from the bottom of the pot for extra flavor.
Step 5: Cook the Orzo
Once the pot starts bubbling, reduce the heat slightly to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered for 10-15 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the orzo from sticking. The orzo will absorb the sauce and become tender while staying creamy.
Step 6: Finish the Dish
Once the orzo is cooked, remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the fresh spinach and grated Parmesan. Cover the pot and let it sit for about 5 minutes to allow the spinach to wilt and the sauce to thicken.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve hot, sprinkled with extra Parmesan and freshly chopped basil for a beautiful finish.