The Perfect One-Pot Meal for Busy Weeknights
Looking for a quick and delicious meal that the whole family will love? This Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is the perfect solution! With simple pantry staples, minimal prep time, and just one pot, you’ll have a comforting, creamy, and flavorful dinner ready in only 30 minutes.
This dish combines lean ground beef, orzo pasta, and a luscious tomato cream sauce with a hint of Italian seasoning and Parmesan cheese for the ultimate comfort food experience. Plus, it includes fresh baby spinach for an extra boost of nutrition!
Let’s dive into how you can make this effortless and satisfying one-pan meal at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pot Wonder – Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor!
- Quick & Easy – Ready in just 30 minutes.
- Comforting & Creamy – The perfect balance of savory beef, cheesy goodness, and rich tomato sauce.
- Nutritious – Packed with protein, vitamins, and fiber from beef, spinach, and orzo.
- Kid-Friendly – A great meal that picky eaters will enjoy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for a little heat)
- 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 & pepper to taste
Equipment Needed:
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Knife and cutting board
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Heat a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and let it cook without stirring for 5-6 minutes. This allows the beef to develop a nice crust.
Then, add the chopped onion and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, for another 5 minutes until the beef is fully browned. If there’s excess fat, drain it before moving to the next step.
Step 2: Add Seasonings and Orzo
Stir in the minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Next, add the uncooked orzo and mix well, letting it toast slightly for extra flavor.
Step 3: Create the Tomato Cream Sauce
Pour in the tomato sauce, beef broth, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything together, ensuring the orzo is well-coated in the sauce.
Once the mixture begins to bubble, reduce the heat to medium or medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The orzo will absorb the liquid and cook to perfection.
Step 4: Final Touches
Remove the pot from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and fresh baby spinach. Cover the pot and let it sit for 3-5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the spinach to wilt.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
Give it a final taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve the Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce immediately with extra Parmesan on top!
Tips for Success
- Use Lean Ground Beef: If using higher fat ground beef, be sure to drain excess grease before adding the seasonings.
- Don’t Skip the Stirring: Stir frequently to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Adjust the Sauce Consistency: If the mixture becomes too thick, add an extra splash of cream or broth. If it’s too liquidy, let it sit for a few more minutes.
- Add Extra Veggies: Feel free to toss in mushrooms, bell peppers, or peas for added texture and nutrition.
- Make It Spicier: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you like a little heat.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy and savory dish is perfect on its own, but here are a few ideas to serve alongside it:
- Garlic Bread – To soak up the delicious sauce.
- Side Salad – A fresh garden or Caesar salad pairs beautifully.
- Roasted Vegetables – Try roasted asparagus, zucchini, or carrots.
FAQs
Can I Use Another Type of Pasta?
Yes! Small pasta shapes like ditalini or small shells can work as a substitute for orzo.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen up the sauce.
Can I Freeze This Dish?
Yes, but the texture of the orzo may change slightly upon reheating. If freezing, store in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat with added cream or broth.
Is This Recipe Gluten-Free?
No, but you can substitute the orzo with gluten-free pasta or cooked rice for a similar texture.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 595 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Protein: 38g
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 19g
- Cholesterol: 163mg
- Sodium: 1010mg
- Potassium: 1022mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 6g
- Vitamin A: 2899 IU
- Vitamin C: 13mg
- Calcium: 239mg
- Iron: 5mg
Final Thoughts
This Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is the perfect weeknight dinner for when you need something quick, creamy, and absolutely delicious. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, this one-pot meal is guaranteed to become a new family favorite!
If you love easy dinner recipes, don’t forget to bookmark this page and share it with your friends. Enjoy your delicious homemade Ground Beef Orzo! 🍽️
More Easy Dinner Ideas
- Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta
- Beef Stroganoff with Egg Noodles
- Chicken Alfredo with Spinach