Creamy Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Delight

A one-pot meal of Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce that pleases both kids and adults, ready in just 30 minutes.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 540

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

For the Meat Base

1 pound Lean Ground Beef Substitute with turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
1 medium Onion Use yellow or white onion, or shallots for a milder flavor.
2 cloves Garlic Freshly minced garlic enhances the dish.
1/2 teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes Optional for heat; omit for no spice.
1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning Fresh herbs can replace for a fresher taste.

For the Pasta and Sauce

1 cup Orzo Pasta Can be swapped with any small pasta.
1 cup Tomato Sauce Homemade or store-bought works well.
1 cup Beef Broth Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian-friendly option.
1/2 cup Heavy/Whipping Cream Substitute half-and-half or coconut cream for a lighter option.
1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce Soy sauce can be a substitute.

For the Finishing Touches

1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese Pecorino or nutritional yeast make great non-dairy alternatives.
2 cups Fresh Baby Spinach Kale or Swiss chard can also be used.
to taste Salt & Pepper Essential for seasoning.

Equipment

Large Soup Pot or Dutch Oven

Method

Step-by-Step Instructions

Brown the ground beef in a large soup pot over medium-high heat for about 5-6 minutes until browned.
Add chopped onion to the pot, breaking the beef apart; cook for 5 minutes until onion is translucent.
Stir in minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning; cook for 1 minute.
Incorporate orzo pasta, tomato sauce, beef broth, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce; simmer for about 10 minutes until orzo is tender.
Remove from heat and fold in Parmesan cheese and fresh spinach; cover for 3-5 minutes to wilt the spinach.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 540kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 30gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 3mg

Notes

This dish can be prepared in advance and made ahead for quick meals throughout the week.

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