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Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce

Creamy Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Magic

This Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce delivers comfort in just 30 minutes, ideal for busy weeknights.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 700

Ingredients
  

For the Meat Mixture
  • 1 pound lean ground beef A great source of protein! You can use ground turkey for a lighter option.
  • 1/2 medium onion, chopped Adds a delicious sweetness and flavor; shallots work wonderfully as a milder alternative.
  • 3-4 cloves garlic, minced Essential for aroma; in a pinch, garlic powder can substitute.
For the Sauce
  • 1 14 ounce can tomato sauce Creates a tangy base for your creamy sauce; homemade tomato puree is a lovely option, too.
  • 3/4 cup beef broth Adds depth; vegetable broth can be used for a vegetarian version.
  • 1 cup heavy/whipping cream Provides a luscious creaminess; half-and-half is a great lighter choice.
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce Infuses umami flavor; soy sauce works in its place.
For the Pasta and Greens
  • 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta Absorbs the sauce beautifully; try ditalini for an exciting twist.
  • 2 cups fresh baby spinach, packed Brings color and nutrients; kale or Swiss chard can swap in if desired.
For Seasoning and Topping
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional) Adds a bit of heat; feel free to omit if preferred.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning Elevates the flavor profile; a mix of dried basil and oregano can be used.
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese Adds richness and a nice salty finish; nutritional yeast is excellent for a dairy-free option.
  • Salt & pepper to taste; using sea salt can enhance the overall flavor.

Equipment

  • large soup pot or Dutch oven

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat over medium-high heat and add the pound of lean ground beef. Cook without stirring for 5-6 minutes, allowing it to achieve a nice browning on one side. Once browned, use a wooden spoon to break it up and cook for another minute until no longer pink.
  2. Next, add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté together with the beef for about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally, allowing the onion to soften and become translucent. If excess fat accumulates, drain some off but keep enough to enhance flavor.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning, allowing them to release their fragrant aromas for about 1 minute. Then, add the uncooked orzo pasta to the mixture, stirring well to combine everything and coat the orzo with delicious flavors.
  4. Pour in the 14-ounce can of tomato sauce and 3/4 cup of beef broth, followed by the one cup of heavy cream and teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle bubble over medium heat, stirring occasionally for about 10 minutes until the orzo absorbs the liquid and becomes tender.
  5. Once the orzo is cooked and the sauce is thickened, remove the pot from heat. Mix in the grated parmesan cheese until melted and creamy, followed by the packed fresh baby spinach. Cover the pot for 3-5 minutes, allowing the spinach to wilt and the flavors to meld together beautifully.
  6. Finally, taste your creamy Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Serve warm, enjoying the rich, comforting flavors that come together in this delightful one-pot dish.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 700kcalCarbohydrates: 62gProtein: 34gFat: 32gSaturated Fat: 18gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 105mgSodium: 870mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 1000IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 3mg

Notes

For optimal results, monitor the liquid while the orzo cooks and let the dish rest after cooking to absorb excess liquid.

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