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Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce

Creamy Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Delight

A creamy delight featuring ground beef and orzo in a rich tomato cream sauce, perfect for quick weeknight dinners.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 520

Ingredients
  

For the Meat and Sauce
  • 1 lb Lean Ground Beef Substitute with ground turkey for a lighter twist.
  • 1 medium Onion Add sweetness; shallots or leeks can be used.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Fresh minced preferred for robust flavor.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes Optional for spice.
  • 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning Dried basil and oregano are alternatives.
  • 15 oz Tomato Sauce Crushed tomatoes can be an effective substitute.
  • 2 cups Beef Broth Vegetable broth provides a lighter option.
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce Consider soy sauce if in a pinch.
For the Pasta and Creaminess
  • 1 cup Uncooked Orzo Pasta Small pasta shapes like couscous can work too.
  • 1 cup Heavy/Whipping Cream Half-and-half or dairy-free alternatives are substitutes.
For the Finish
  • 1/2 cup Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese Pecorino Romano can also be used.
  • 2 cups Fresh Baby Spinach Kale or Swiss chard serve as excellent alternatives.

Equipment

  • Large pot or Dutch oven

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat over medium-high heat and add the lean ground beef. Cook for 5–6 minutes until browned and juices are released.
  2. Add the chopped medium onion to the pot and stir well with the beef. Cook for another 5 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent.
  3. Stir in minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then add the uncooked orzo.
  4. Pour in the tomato sauce, beef broth, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a bubble over medium-high heat, then reduce to medium-low and simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes.
  5. Once the orzo is tender and most liquid is absorbed, remove from heat. Stir in Parmesan cheese and fresh spinach until the cheese melts and the spinach wilts.
  6. Taste and season with salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately while hot.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 520kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 950mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Perfect for quick weeknight dinners and can be customized with various ingredients.

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