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Creamy Ground Beef Orzo Recipe

Creamy Ground Beef Orzo Recipe
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★★★★★

5.2 from 22 reviews

This Creamy Ground Beef Orzo is a comforting and hearty one-pot meal featuring tender ground beef, flavorful herbs, and creamy sauce perfectly coating nutty orzo pasta. With a balance of savory tomato sauce, rich heavy cream, and fresh spinach, it’s an easy dish ideal for a satisfying weeknight dinner or casual gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

Ground Beef Mixture

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste

Pasta and Sauce

  • 1 cup uncooked orzo
  • 1 (14 oz) can tomato sauce (or crushed/diced tomatoes)
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

Finishing Touches

  • 2 cups fresh baby spinach
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cook the ground beef: Heat a Dutch oven or large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a spatula. Cook for about 5 minutes until beef starts to brown.
  2. Sauté onion and brown beef: Add the finely chopped onion to the pot. Stir and continue cooking until the beef is fully browned and the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add seasonings and orzo: Stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, dried basil, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), tomato paste, and uncooked orzo. Cook everything together for about 1 minute to blend flavors.
  4. Add liquids: Pour in tomato sauce, beef broth, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
  5. Simmer the orzo: Once the mixture starts bubbling, reduce the heat slightly, leaving the pot uncovered. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom of the pot, until the pasta is fully cooked.
  6. Finish with spinach and parmesan: Remove the pot from heat and stir in fresh baby spinach and grated parmesan. Cover the pot and let it sit for 5 minutes to allow the spinach to wilt and the sauce to thicken.
  7. Season and serve: Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve the creamy beef orzo hot, garnished with additional grated parmesan and chopped fresh basil.

Notes

  • You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version, but the sauce will be less rich.
  • For a spicier kick, increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
  • Use fresh tomatoes instead of canned tomato sauce if preferred; just cook them down to form a thick sauce before adding liquids.
  • Ensure constant stirring during simmering to prevent orzo from sticking or burning.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stove or microwave.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy ground beef orzo, one pot beef orzo, creamy pasta with beef, easy dinner recipes, ground beef orzo skillet

Find it online: https://cheflenacooks.com/creamy-ground-beef-orzo-recipe/