Description
A comforting and creamy one-pot meal featuring lean ground beef, tender orzo pasta, and a rich tomato cream sauce infused with Italian seasonings and fresh baby spinach. Ready in just 30 minutes, this hearty dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner packed with flavor and nutrition.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef and Aromatics
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- ½ medium onion, chopped
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
Orzo and Sauce
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 1 (14 ounce) can tomato sauce
- ¾ cup beef broth
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Finishing Ingredients
- ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 2 cups (packed) fresh baby spinach
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to a soup pot or Dutch oven and break it up slightly. Cook over medium-high heat for 5-6 minutes without stirring to let it brown.
- Add Onion and Cook: Stir in the chopped onion, breaking the beef into smaller pieces, and cook for another 5 minutes. If excess fat accumulates, remove some, especially if beef is not lean.
- Sauté Garlic and Spices: Mix in minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), Italian seasoning, and orzo. Cook for about one minute to toast the pasta slightly and develop flavor.
- Simmer with Sauce: Pour in the tomato sauce, beef broth, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a gentle bubble over medium to medium-low heat, then cook uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent orzo from sticking and allowing the pasta to absorb flavors.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from heat and stir in grated parmesan and fresh baby spinach. Cover and let sit for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens and the spinach wilts. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve immediately.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to minimize excess fat and reduce the need to drain.
- Stir frequently during simmering to prevent orzo from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Adjust cream quantity for a lighter or richer sauce based on preference.
- For a spicier dish, increase crushed red pepper flakes dosage.
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese provides the best flavor and texture.
