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Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce

Creamy Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Bliss

This creamy Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is a quick, one-pot dish, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

For the Base
  • 1 lb Lean Ground Beef Substitute with ground turkey or chicken for lighter option.
  • 1 medium Chopped Onion Yellow or white onions preferred.
  • 3 cloves Minced Garlic Fresh garlic is recommended.
  • 1 1/4 Teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes Omit for a milder experience.
  • 1 Tablespoon Italian Seasoning Replace with dried oregano and basil if needed.
For the Pasta & Sauce
  • 1 cup Uncooked Orzo Pasta Any small pasta shape can work.
  • 14 oz Tomato Sauce Crushed tomatoes or passata can be used.
  • 1 cup Beef Broth Vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
  • 1 cup Heavy Whipping Cream Substitute with half-and-half or non-dairy cream.
  • 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce Soy sauce as a suitable replacement.
For the Finishing Touches
  • 1/2 cup Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese Use pecorino or nutritional yeast for dairy-free.
  • 2 cups Fresh Baby Spinach Substitute with kale or other leafy greens.
  • to taste Salt Adjust to taste.
  • to taste Pepper Adjust to taste.

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, add ground beef. Cook undisturbed for 5-6 minutes until browned.
  2. Add chopped onion, cook for 5 minutes until translucent, and spoon out excess fat if needed.
  3. Stir in minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning. Add uncooked orzo and sauté briefly.
  4. Pour in tomato sauce, beef broth, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a bubble, cook uncovered for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Once orzo is tender, remove from heat. Stir in Parmesan cheese and spinach, cover for 3-5 minutes.
  6. Season with salt and pepper, serve warm, garnished with more Parmesan if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 700mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 1000IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Serve with a side salad or warm, crusty bread for a complete meal.

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