Description
A rich and creamy one-pot meal, this Creamy Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Sauce is perfect for easy dinner nights, quick comfort food cravings, or when you just want something hearty and satisfying without the mess. Tender orzo pasta absorbs all the savory flavors from seasoned ground beef, tomato sauce, and cream, creating a dish that’s both cozy and irresistible. This recipe is ideal for busy families, one-pan meal lovers, and anyone searching for quick dinner ideas, weeknight meals, or easy recipes with beef and pasta.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup orzo pasta, uncooked
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1.5 cups marinara or tomato sauce
2.5 cups beef broth
0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
0.5 teaspoon salt
0.25 teaspoon black pepper
0.5 teaspoon paprika
0.5 cup heavy cream
1 cup baby spinach
0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
1. Heat a deep skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil if needed, then sauté chopped onion for 3–4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
2. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary.
3. Stir in orzo and toast for 1–2 minutes with the beef.
4. Add tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Pour in marinara sauce and beef broth. Season with oregano, salt, pepper, and paprika.
5. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender.
6. Stir in heavy cream, baby spinach, and Parmesan cheese. Let spinach wilt and sauce become creamy.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot with extra Parmesan or fresh basil if desired.
Notes
Toast the orzo before simmering to enhance its flavor and texture.
Add the cream only after the orzo is fully cooked to prevent curdling.
If reheating leftovers, add a splash of broth or cream to bring back the creamy consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 525
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: quick dinner, creamy orzo, one-pan meal, easy recipe, pasta skillet