Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- One-Pot Meal: Minimal cleanup with everything cooked in a single skillet.
- High Protein: Packed with 39 grams of protein per serving.
- Versatile: Easily adaptable to different dietary preferences and spice levels.
- Comforting: A creamy, cheesy dish that satisfies comfort food cravings.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup uncooked orzo
- 1 (14 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Directions
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, dried basil, and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Mix in tomato paste and cook for another minute.
- Add uncooked orzo, tomato sauce, beef broth, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender.
- Stir in fresh spinach and cook until wilted. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional herbs or cheese if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Protein Alternatives: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives.
- Vegetarian Option: Omit meat and add mushrooms or tofu for a vegetarian version.
- Spice Level: Adjust crushed red pepper flakes to control the heat.
- Pasta Substitutes: Use other small pasta shapes like ditalini or pearl couscous.
- Cream Alternatives: Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or a non-dairy alternative like coconut milk.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month.
- Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce.
FAQs
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Substitute the orzo with gluten-free pasta or rice to make the dish gluten-free.
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as alternatives to ground beef
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely. Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms.
How spicy is this dish?
The spice level is moderate due to the crushed red pepper flakes, which can be adjusted to taste.
What can I serve with this dish?
A side salad or garlic bread pairs well with this creamy pasta.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it ahead and reheat when ready to serve.
How do I prevent the orzo from sticking to the pan?
Stir the mixture occasionally while simmering to prevent sticking.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Yes, fresh herbs can be used. Typically, use three times the amount of fresh herbs compared to dried.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it stores well and can be portioned for meal prep.
Conclusion
Creamy Ground Beef Orzo is a versatile and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. Its rich flavors and creamy texture make it a family favorite, and its adaptability ensures it can fit various dietary needs. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or preparing meals for the week, this dish is sure to please.
Print
Creamy Ground Beef Orzo
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Creamy Ground Beef Orzo is a quick and comforting one-skillet dinner made with lean ground beef, rich tomato sauce, tender orzo pasta, and a creamy finish. High in protein and ready in just 30 minutes, it’s the perfect recipe for busy weeknights or cozy meal prep.
Ingredients
1 lb lean ground beef
1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp dried basil
½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 cup uncooked orzo
1 (14 oz) can tomato sauce
1 cup beef broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
2 cups fresh baby spinach
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
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Cook ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat until browned; drain excess fat.
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Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
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Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, basil, and red pepper flakes; cook 1 minute.
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Add tomato paste and cook for another minute.
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Mix in orzo, tomato sauce, broth, cream, and Worcestershire sauce; stir well.
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Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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Add spinach and cook until wilted.
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Season with salt and pepper, serve hot with optional herbs or cheese.
Notes
Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
Substitute heavy cream with non-dairy milk for a dairy-free version.
Add extra vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for more nutrients.
Store in the fridge up to 3 days, or freeze for 1 month.
Reheat with a splash of broth to loosen the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pot, Skillet
- Cuisine: American
