Hearty Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce

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Created on September 11th, 2025 at 04:08 pm

Cozy, creamy, weeknight comfort in a bowl

Need a fast, filling dinner idea that still feels indulgent? This Hearty Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is your new weeknight hero. With savory seasoned beef, tender orzo pasta, and a rich tomato-cream sauce, it’s got the flavor of a slow-simmered meal — but it comes together in under 45 minutes. This dish is ideal for meal prep or a cozy family dinner when you want something warm and satisfying without a pile of dishes. Even picky eaters love this one! A sprinkle of parmesan and a handful of spinach bring it all together for a balanced bite that feels like a hug in a bowl. 🍅🧀

🌟 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish isn’t just tasty — it’s designed to fit into your lifestyle. You’ll love how versatile it is, making it perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep lunches, or casual weekend gatherings. The combination of fresh ingredients and bold seasoning creates a balanced, family-friendly flavor that even picky eaters will enjoy. Because it uses simple pantry staples, you won’t need to hunt for specialty items, which makes it a budget-friendly option too. Plus, the recipe is flexible — you can easily swap proteins or veggies to suit your mood. With its warm comfort-food vibes and easy cleanup, this is a recipe you’ll return to again and again.

⏱️ Time Breakdown

Prep Time	Cook Time	Total Time	Servings
10–15 min	25–30 min	35–45 min	4–6

📝 Ingredients List

1 pound lean minced beef
½ medium onion, diced
3–4 garlic cloves, minced
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 cup dry orzo pasta
1 can (14 oz) tomato sauce
¾ cup beef stock
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
2 cups fresh spinach, tightly packed
Salt and pepper, to taste

✨ Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.

Large skillet or Dutch oven
Sharp knife
Cutting board
Measuring cups & spoons
Wooden spoon or spatula
Mixing bowls

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Add the ground beef to a soup pot or Dutch oven.
Let it cook without stirring over medium-high heat for 5–6 minutes to brown evenly. 🔥

Step 2: Add Onion and Break Up the Beef

Add the diced onion. Stir to break the beef into small pieces.
Cook another 5 minutes until the onion softens.
If there’s excess fat, spoon it out carefully.

Step 3: Incorporate Aromatics and Orzo

Stir in garlic, red pepper flakes, Italian herbs, and orzo.
Cook for 1 minute, letting the orzo toast slightly and the garlic become fragrant. 🌿

Step 4: Add Liquids and Simmer

Pour in tomato sauce, beef stock, cream, and Worcestershire sauce.
Bring to a gentle bubble, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes.
Stir frequently to prevent sticking — especially toward the bottom! 🍅

Step 5: Finish with Spinach and Cheese

Turn off heat and stir in parmesan and fresh spinach.
Cover the pot and let sit 3–5 minutes to thicken and wilt the spinach.
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Serve hot, straight from the pot.
Garnish with extra parmesan or fresh herbs if you like! 😋🧄

💡 Pro Tips

Storage: Keeps well in the fridge up to 4 days. Add a splash of broth or cream when reheating to loosen the sauce.
Substitution: Swap spinach for kale or chopped zucchini for extra veggies.
Make it lighter: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or try Greek yogurt for a protein boost.
Serving idea: Add a simple green salad or garlic toast to make it a complete meal.

📊 Nutrition Table

Serving Size	Calories	Protein	Carbs	Fat	Fiber	Sugar
1 plate	420	18g	35g	22g	4g	6g

Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.