Description
A rich and cozy one-pot creamy tomato orzo dinner made with savory ground beef, tender orzo pasta, spinach, and Parmesan—all ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean)
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 1 (14-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 3/4 cup beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat for 4–5 minutes. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, then drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and uncooked orzo. Cook for 1 minute to toast the orzo.
- Add tomato sauce, beef broth, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the orzo is tender and sauce thickens.
- Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan and spinach until melted and wilted. Cover and rest 3–5 minutes before serving. Season with salt and pepper.
Notes
Stir often while simmering to prevent orzo from sticking. Resting the dish helps it achieve the perfect creamy consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-Pot Skillet
- Cuisine: American