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Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce

Creamy Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Sauce in Just 30 Minutes

Delight in this Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce for a satisfying one-pot meal ready in just 30 minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 550
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meat and Veggies
  • 1 pound Lean Ground Beef Substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
  • 1 medium Onion Adds sweetness and depth; shallots can be used for a milder flavor.
  • 3-4 cloves Garlic, minced Store-bought garlic paste is an alternative.
  • 2 cups Fresh Baby Spinach, packed Kale or Swiss chard can be substituted.
For the Pasta and Sauces
  • 1 cup Uncooked Orzo Pasta Try small pasta shapes like ditalini or acini di pepe.
  • 1 can (14 ounces) Tomato Sauce Crushed tomatoes can add a chunkier texture.
  • ¾ cup Beef Broth Vegetable or chicken broth can also be used.
  • 1 cup Heavy/Whipping Cream Half-and-half is a lighter option.
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce Soy sauce can be used in its place.
For Seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes Optional, omit for a milder taste.
  • ½ teaspoon Italian Seasoning Dried basil, oregano, and thyme can be used.
  • Salt & Pepper For seasoning to taste.
For the Finishing Touches
  • ½ cup Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese Pecorino or nutritional yeast can be used for a dairy-free option.

Equipment

  • large soup pot

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large soup pot over medium-high heat, add 1 pound of lean ground beef. Cook undisturbed for about 5-6 minutes, until browned.
  2. Add one medium diced onion to the pot, stirring it into the beef. Cook for about 5 minutes until softened and translucent.
  3. Stir in 3-4 minced garlic cloves, ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, and ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning. Cook for 1 minute.
  4. Pour in one can of tomato sauce, ¾ cup of beef broth, 1 cup of heavy cream, and 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce. Stir and simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes.
  5. Once the orzo is tender, remove from heat. Stir in ½ cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and 2 cups of packed fresh baby spinach until wilted.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 1500IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 3.5mg

Notes

Adjust salt and pepper to taste before serving and consider adding seasonal vegetables for added nutrition.

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