Description

This creamy Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is a one-pot pasta dinner that delivers major comfort and flavor in under 30 minutes. With savory ground beef, tender orzo pasta, a silky tomato cream sauce, and a pop of spinach and Parmesan, it’s the perfect easy dinner idea for busy weeknights. If you’re searching for quick dinner recipes, cozy food ideas, or one-pan meals with minimal cleanup, this hearty recipe checks every box.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 pound ground beef

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 cup orzo pasta

2 cups low-sodium chicken broth

1/2 cup heavy cream

1 cup fresh spinach, chopped

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned and no longer pink. Season with salt and pepper. Remove and set aside.

2. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.

3. Add orzo and toast for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Pour in chicken broth, bring to a simmer, reduce heat to low, and cover. Cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and most liquid is absorbed.

4. Stir in heavy cream and return cooked ground beef to the skillet. Simmer uncovered for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.

5. Add chopped spinach and stir until just wilted. Mix in Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Notes

Don’t overcook the orzo—it continues to soften as it sits.

Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melt and flavor.

Add a splash of broth when reheating leftovers to restore creaminess.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
Calories: 590
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 520mg
Fat: 34g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Unsaturated Fat: 16g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 105mg

Keywords: easy dinner, one-pot pasta, ground beef recipe, orzo dinner, comfort food