Creamy Ground Beef Orzo (One-Pot Dinner) Recipe
This creamy ground beef orzo is a comforting one-pot dinner perfect for busy weeknights. Tender orzo pasta simmers with flavorful ground beef, tomato sauce, and Italian seasoning, then finishes with a touch of half-and-half and Parmesan cheese for a rich, silky texture. Optional baby spinach adds freshness and color, making this meal both delicious and nutritious.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
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
To Add at the End
- 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 it just starts to soften, about 3 minutes.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Add the remaining 1 teaspoon olive oil, ground beef, and ½ teaspoon kosher salt to the pot. Break up the meat with a wooden spoon and cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Seasoning: Stir in the Italian seasoning and minced garlic, cooking for 1 minute while stirring constantly to release their flavors.
- Add Orzo & Liquids: Pour in the dry orzo, tomato sauce, and low-sodium beef broth. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to incorporate into the sauce.
- Simmer Until Tender: Bring the mixture to a low boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent the orzo from sticking, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Finish: Turn off the heat. Stir in the half-and-half, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, remaining ¼ teaspoon kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Let the dish sit for 2-3 minutes to thicken. If using, add the chopped baby spinach now and stir until wilted. Serve warm, with extra Parmesan and black pepper if desired.
Notes
- Tip: Adding all dairy ingredients at once can cause the mixture to split. Stir in the half-and-half and Parmesan off the heat to keep the dish silky and cohesive.
- If you prefer, you can omit the spinach or substitute it with other greens like kale or arugula.
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat in the dish.
- For a richer flavor, consider using homemade beef broth if available.
