This Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is a cozy dish full of flavor! Juicy ground beef, tender orzo pasta, and a creamy tomato sauce come together for a meal that’s both comforting and satisfying.
It’s like a warm hug on a plate! I love that it cooks in one pot, making cleanup a breeze. Perfect for busy nights when you still want something yummy and hearty!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: You can use lean ground beef to cut down on fat. If you’re looking for alternatives, ground turkey or chicken works well, too, for a lighter option. For a vegetarian version, try using lentils or a mix of mushrooms and beans.
Orzo Pasta: This small pasta is perfect for this dish, but if you don’t have it, feel free to swap it for any small pasta like couscous, quinoa, or even small shell pasta. Just adjust the cooking time as necessary.
Heavy Cream: To lighten it up, half-and-half or whole milk can be used instead, but the sauce will be less rich. For a dairy-free option, coconut cream or a blend of cashew cream can give a nice flavor and texture.
Fresh Spinach: Fresh spinach adds great color and nutrients. If you don’t have it, kale, Swiss chard, or even frozen spinach would be suitable alternatives. Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess water if using frozen.
How Do You Get the Ground Beef Just Right?
Getting the ground beef perfectly cooked is key, so here’s how to do it:
- Heat your skillet properly and add olive oil before introducing the onions and garlic.
- Once the onions are soft, add the ground beef. Break it up with a wooden spoon for even cooking.
- Let it brown without stirring too much; this takes about 5-7 minutes. A good browning will enhance the flavor.
- Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning early on to allow the flavors to develop.
Ground Beef Orzo With Tomato Cream Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Main Dish:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 20 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll need about 35 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When it’s nice and warm, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 3-5 minutes, or until the onion looks translucent and fragrant. This will create a delicious base for your dish!
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
Add the ground beef to your skillet next. Use a wooden spoon to break it up as it cooks. Keep cooking until it’s nicely browned and no pink is showing, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Season it with a pinch of salt, pepper, and the Italian seasoning to bring out those lovely flavors.
3. Incorporate the Tomatoes:
Once the beef is cooked, stir in the canned diced tomatoes, including their juice. Let this simmer for about 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
4. Add the Orzo:
Now, grab your orzo pasta and stir it into the skillet. Pour in 2 cups of water or beef broth (your choice!), then bring everything to a boil. After it boils, reduce the heat to a simmer, cover the skillet, and let it cook for about 10 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally until the orzo is tender and fluffy.
5. Mix in Cream and Spinach:
When the orzo is fully cooked, stir in the heavy cream and fresh spinach. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the spinach has wilted and everything is beautifully creamy.
6. Final Touches:
Take the skillet off the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. It should be both creamy and savory!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Ground Beef Orzo hot, garnishing with extra Parmesan cheese if you’d like. Enjoy your tasty meal with family or friends—you deserve it!
Can I Substitute Ground Beef with Another Meat?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based ground meat for a lighter or vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, especially for poultry, to make sure it’s fully cooked through.
What If I Don’t Have Heavy Cream?
No worries! You can use half-and-half, whole milk, or even a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk for a lighter version, though be aware that the flavor and creaminess will vary. Just make sure to add it gradually and stir to get the desired consistency.
Can I Prep This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the dish up to the point of adding heavy cream and spinach, then cool and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to eat, reheat on low heat and stir in the cream and spinach until warmed through.
How to Store Leftovers Properly?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if it seems too thick. Making sure to stir occasionally will help maintain its creamy texture!
