Description

This creamy ground beef orzo with tomato cream sauce is the ultimate one-skillet dinner. Rich, hearty, and comforting, it’s packed with savory beef, tender orzo, wilted spinach, and a silky tomato-based cream sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a family-friendly recipe you’ll come back to again and again.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb ground beef

1 cup orzo pasta

1 tablespoon tomato paste

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes

1 cup beef broth

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup fresh spinach (loosely packed)

1 small yellow onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1 pinch red pepper flakes

1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

1. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess grease.

2. Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.

3. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Add the diced tomatoes with their juices and stir to combine.

4. Pour in the orzo and beef broth. Mix well, cover, and bring to a simmer. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

5. Once the orzo is tender and most of the liquid absorbed, stir in heavy cream and spinach. Cook until spinach wilts, about 2–3 minutes.

6. Season with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Stir in Parmesan if using. Serve hot.

Notes

For the best texture, cook orzo al dente—it continues to absorb liquid after cooking.

Use coconut cream and dairy-free cheese alternatives to make this recipe dairy-free.

Add mushrooms or bell peppers for an extra veggie boost.