Description
This Creamy Ground Beef Orzo is a comforting one-pot dinner that combines tender ground beef, flavorful Italian seasonings, and tender orzo pasta in a rich tomato and beef broth base. Finished with half-and-half and Parmesan cheese, this dish is creamy, hearty, and quick to prepare, making it perfect for a busy weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons olive oil, divided
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 teaspoon no-salt added Italian seasoning
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup dry orzo
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
- ¼ cup half-and-half
- ⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 cups roughly chopped baby spinach (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Onion & Beef: Heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, sprinkle with ¼ teaspoon of the kosher salt, and cook until just starting to soften, about 3 minutes.
- Brown Ground Beef: Add the remaining 1 teaspoon of olive oil along with the ground beef and ½ teaspoon of kosher salt. Cook while breaking the meat apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in the Italian seasoning and minced garlic. Cook for 1 minute more, stirring constantly to release aromas and flavors.
- Add Orzo & Liquids: Add the dry orzo, tomato sauce, and beef broth to the skillet. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan for extra flavor.
- Simmer Until Tender: Bring the mixture to a low boil, then reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered for 10-15 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Finish the Dish: Turn off the heat and stir in the half-and-half, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, the remaining ¼ teaspoon of kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Let the dish sit for 2-3 minutes to thicken. If using, add the chopped baby spinach and stir until wilted. Serve immediately with additional Parmesan and black pepper if desired.
Notes
- Use a large deep skillet or Dutch oven for best results and easy stirring.
- Stir frequently during simmering to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- To make it vegetarian, substitute ground beef with plant-based ground meat and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
- For a richer flavor, you can substitute half-and-half with heavy cream, but it will increase calories and fat content.
- Spinach is optional but adds a nice touch of color and nutrition.
- Freshly grated Parmesan is preferred over pre-grated for better texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
