A hearty one-pan dinner featuring savory ground beef, tender orzo, and a rich tomato cream sauce. Finished with spinach, Parmesan, and fresh parsley for a comforting meal the whole family will love.
Add the ground beef and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. If needed, drain off excess fat.
Add the onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
Stir in the garlic, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the tomato paste and stir well to coat the beef mixture. Cook for 1 minute.
Pour in the diced tomatoes and beef broth, then stir in the uncooked orzo. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
Add the baby spinach and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring, until wilted.
Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm.
Notes
For extra richness, add a little more Parmesan at the end. If the sauce thickens too much, stir in a splash of broth or water before serving. Red pepper flakes are optional and can be omitted for a milder dish.