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–+ servings
Ground Beef Orzo

Creamy Ground Beef Orzo: Your Quick Comfort Food Fix

Creamy Ground Beef Orzo is a delightful one-pot meal that makes cooking effortless and satisfying, perfect for quick weeknight dinners.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 bowls
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 500
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meat Mixture
  • 1 pound Ground Beef Substitute with ground chicken for a lighter option.
  • 1 medium Onion Chopped yellow or white onion.
  • 3 cloves Garlic Minced fresh garlic.
For the Sauce
  • 1/4 teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes Optional heat.
  • 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning Can substitute with individual herbs.
  • 1 cup Tomato Sauce Can use crushed tomatoes as substitute.
  • 1 cup Beef Broth Use vegetable broth for vegetarian version.
  • 1/2 cup Heavy Whipping Cream Can replace with full-fat milk or coconut cream.
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce Soy sauce can serve as an alternative.
For the Pasta & Greens
  • 1 cup Orzo Pasta Can swap with another small pasta shape.
  • 2 cups Baby Spinach Substitute with kale or Swiss chard.
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese Substitute with Pecorino Romano.
Seasoning
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Pepper

Equipment

  • Large soup pot or Dutch oven

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Ground Beef Orzo
  1. Brown the Beef: In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat over medium-high heat as you add the ground beef. Cook for 5-6 minutes until browned, break up meat with a spatula and drain excess fat if necessary.
  2. Sauté the Aromatics: Add the chopped onion, stirring to mix with the beef. Cook for 5 minutes until translucent, then stir in minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning; sauté for 1 minute.
  3. Incorporate the Orzo: Add orzo pasta, mixing well for about 1 minute to toast slightly.
  4. Add the Liquid Ingredients: Pour in the tomato sauce, beef broth, heavy whipping cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir, bring to a gentle bubble and cook uncovered for 10 minutes.
  5. Finish the Dish: Once orzo is tender, stir in grated Parmesan cheese and baby spinach, letting spinach wilt for 3-5 minutes.
  6. Season and Serve: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 1500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 3mg

Notes

This dish is perfect for a comforting meal, and pairs well with a side salad or garlic bread.

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