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Ground Beef Orzo

Creamy Ground Beef Orzo: A Cozy One-Pan Delight!

This Creamy Ground Beef Orzo is a comforting dish that transforms simple ingredients into a hearty meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 500

Ingredients
  

For the Beef Base
  • 1 pound Lean Ground Beef Brown well for best flavor.
  • 1 medium Onion Chopped, can substitute with shallots.
  • 3 cloves Garlic Minced, use fresh for best results.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes Adjust for desired heat.
  • 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning You can use fresh herbs.
For the Sauce and Pasta
  • 1 cup Uncooked Orzo Pasta Can substitute with any small pasta shape.
  • 15 ounces Tomato Sauce Use low-sodium if desired.
  • 1 cup Beef Broth Can substitute with vegetable broth.
  • 1/2 cup Heavy/Whipping Cream Use half-and-half for a lighter option.
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce Add to taste, can omit.
For Finishing Touches
  • 1/2 cup Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese Nutritional yeast is a great vegan alternative.
  • 2 cups Fresh Baby Spinach Can substitute with kale or Swiss chard.
  • To taste Salt High-quality sea salt recommended.
  • To taste Pepper

Equipment

  • Large soup pot
  • spatula

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Begin by heating a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the lean ground beef to the pot and let it cook undisturbed for 5-6 minutes, allowing it to brown nicely.
  2. Add one chopped onion to the browned beef and continue cooking for about 5 minutes until the onion is translucent and soft.
  3. Stir in minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant. Then, pour in the uncooked orzo pasta.
  4. Next, pour in the tomato sauce, beef broth, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well and bring to a gentle bubble, then reduce heat to medium-low.
  5. Once the orzo is cooked al dente and the sauce thickens, remove the pot from heat. Stir in Parmesan cheese and fresh spinach, cover it, and let it sit for 3-5 minutes.
  6. Finally, taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve warm.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 400IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Freeze it in a sealed bag for up to 3 months.

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