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Ground Beef Orzo

Creamy Ground Beef Orzo: Comfort Food in One Pot

This Ground Beef Orzo is a delicious one-pot comfort food that’s quick to make and perfect for family dinners.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 550
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Base
  • 1 pound Lean Ground Beef Can substitute with ground chicken or turkey.
  • 1 cup Uncooked Orzo Pasta You can substitute it with other small pasta shapes.
For the Flavor
  • 1/2 medium Onion, chopped Shallots can be a milder substitution.
  • 3-4 cloves Garlic, minced Fresh garlic is preferred.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian Seasoning Feel free to use fresh herbs.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes Optional for heat.
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce Soy sauce can be used as a substitution.
For the Sauce
  • 1 can Tomato Sauce 14 ounces, crushed tomatoes or passata are great alternatives.
  • 3/4 cup Beef Broth Vegetable broth is a lighter option.
  • 1 cup Heavy Whipping Cream Can swap in half-and-half.
For the Finish
  • 2 cups Fresh Baby Spinach, packed Kale can be used as an alternative.
  • 1/2 cup Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese Use nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
  • Salt & Pepper To taste.

Equipment

  • Large Soup Pot
  • spatula

Method
 

Cook and Assemble
  1. In a large soup pot, heat over medium-high heat, add the lean ground beef, brown for 5-6 minutes until no pink remains, and drain excess fat.
  2. Stir in chopped onion and cook for an additional 5 minutes until translucent.
  3. Add minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning, then add uncooked orzo pasta and cook for 1 minute.
  4. Pour in tomato sauce, beef broth, heavy whipping cream, and Worcestershire sauce; stir well and bring to a gentle bubble. Cook uncovered for about 10 minutes, stirring regularly.
  5. Once the orzo is tender, stir in Parmesan cheese and baby spinach until wilted; cover pot for 3-5 minutes until sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 42gProtein: 30gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Monitor the liquid level while cooking; adjust thickness by letting it sit off heat. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

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