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This One-Pot Beef Orzo with Creamy Tomato Sauce brings together tiny pasta, flavorful ground beef, and a velvety tomato sauce that'll make your taste buds dance. Ready in half an hour, it's the ultimate comfort food that won't keep you slaving away in the kitchen. The whole family will ask for seconds!
What Makes This Dish Special
Made in a single pot, this meal means less cleanup but tons of flavor. The silky tomato sauce blends with the meaty goodness and tender orzo to create something truly satisfying. Even picky eaters can't resist this cozy dinner that's perfect after a long day.
What You'll Need
- Ground Beef: Go for 90% lean or better for great taste without excess fat.
- Garlic and Onion: They create the tasty foundation for everything else.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Add some if you like a bit of kick.
- Italian Seasoning: This herb mix brings wonderful flavor.
- Orzo: These tiny rice-shaped pasta pieces cook up fast.
- Tomato Sauce: From a can works perfectly for the creamy mixture.
- Beef Broth: Gives everything a deeper, meatier taste.
- Heavy Cream: Makes everything silky and indulgent.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Adds that can't-quite-place-it savory punch.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grate it fresh if you can for maximum flavor.
- Spinach: Brings color and nutrition to balance things out.
How To Make It
- Start With The Meat:
- Get your ground beef nice and brown in a big pot. Toss in your onions and garlic next. Then mix in the orzo, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Let everything cook together for a minute.
- Create Your Sauce:
- Pour in the tomato sauce, beef broth, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Let everything bubble gently until the sauce gets thicker and the orzo turns tender.
- Finish It Off:
- Mix in your Parmesan and spinach, then put the lid on and give it a few minutes to rest and thicken up. Add salt and pepper until it tastes just right.
- Time To Eat:
- Sprinkle some extra Parmesan on top and serve it while it's hot.
Helpful Tricks
Watch your liquid levels and add a splash more broth if the orzo needs more time to cook. Skip the pre-shredded stuff and grate your Parmesan yourself for way better flavor. Don't rush to serve it right away. A few minutes of resting will make the sauce just right.
Mix It Up
Try half and half instead of heavy cream if you want something lighter, but watch it carefully so it doesn't split. Skip the heat by leaving out those red pepper flakes. Throw in some chopped mushrooms or diced zucchini for extra veggies. Ground turkey works great if you're not in a beef mood.
Perfect Pairings
This hearty dish goes wonderfully with a light green salad with either balsamic or honey mustard dressing. Some warm garlic bread or simple steamed veggies like asparagus or broccoli round out the meal nicely. These sides bring a fresh element to balance the richness.
Saving For Later
Pop any extras in a sealed container and keep in your fridge for up to 4 days. When reheating, do it on the stove and add a tiny splash of cream to bring the sauce back to life. Don't try freezing this one as your orzo might get mushy. The leftovers make a super easy lunch or dinner option.
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Common Questions
- → How do I fix a runny sauce?
If your sauce feels too watery, let it rest covered for a few extra minutes for the orzo to soak up the liquid. Make sure the pot isn't boiling too hard—gentle simmering works best.
- → Can I switch orzo for another pasta?
Orzo is ideal because it cooks evenly with the liquid, but you can go for other small pasta shapes like shells or ditalini. Adjust the cooking time and liquid if needed.
- → Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
If you're looking for a lighter feel, go for half-and-half, though it won't be as thick. Milk with a bit of butter works too, but the sauce will be thinner. Non-dairy options tend to separate, so use caution.
- → Can I prep this in advance?
It's best freshly made, as the pasta absorbs more sauce over time. Reheat leftovers with a splash of broth or cream to bring back the sauce's creamy texture. Warm gently to avoid breaking it.
- → What extra vegetables work here?
You can toss in mushrooms with the onions, or include peas, diced zucchini, or even bell peppers. Just don’t overfill the pot, as it might throw off the cooking time and texture.
- → Which ground beef works best?
Go with 85-90% lean beef for the right balance of flavor and minimal grease. If you're using fattier beef, just drain the extra fat before adding the other ingredients to keep the dish light.