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Creamy Ground Beef Orzo Recipe

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4 from 27 reviews

A comforting and creamy one-pot meal featuring lean ground beef, tender orzo pasta, and a rich tomato and cream sauce, enhanced with fresh spinach and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner ready in just 30 minutes.

Ingredients

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

Finish and Garnish

  • 2 cups fresh baby spinach
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • Salt & black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh basil, chopped for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook the 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 mostly browned.
  2. Sauté Onion: Add the finely chopped onion to the pot with the beef. Stir and continue cooking for another 5 minutes until the beef is fully browned and onions turn translucent.
  3. Add Aromatics and Orzo: Stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, dried basil, crushed red pepper flakes, tomato paste, and the uncooked orzo. Cook, stirring constantly, for about 1 minute to toast the orzo slightly and release the aromas.
  4. Combine Liquids and Simmer: Pour in the tomato sauce, beef broth, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
  5. Cook the Orzo: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce heat slightly and let it simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking, until the orzo is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
  6. Finish with Spinach and Cheese: Remove the pot from heat. Stir in fresh baby spinach and grated Parmesan cheese. Cover the pot and let it sit for 5 minutes to wilt the spinach and thicken the sauce.
  7. Season and Serve: Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve garnished with extra grated Parmesan and chopped fresh basil for added flavor and freshness.

Notes

  • Use lean ground beef to keep the dish less greasy.
  • Optional crushed red pepper flakes add a slight kick; omit if you prefer mild flavors.
  • You can substitute tomato sauce with canned crushed or diced tomatoes for texture variation.
  • Stir frequently during simmering to avoid orzo sticking to the pot’s bottom.
  • For a lighter version, replace heavy cream with half-and-half or a milk alternative, though it may slightly affect creaminess.
  • This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a full meal.

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