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–+ servings
Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce

Creamy Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Bliss

This One-Pot Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is a quick and comforting family favorite.
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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 Base
  • 1 lb Lean Ground Beef Offers a rich, hearty flavor; substitute with ground turkey for a lighter twist.
  • 1 medium Onion Provides sweetness; use yellow onion or shallots for a milder taste.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Infuses aromatic depth; fresh is best, but garlic powder works too.
  • 1/2 tsp Crushed Red Pepper Flakes Adds a spicy kick; omit if you prefer a milder dish.
  • 1 tbsp Italian Seasoning Blends classic Italian flavors; substitute with oregano and basil if necessary.
For the Pasta and Sauce
  • 1 cup Uncooked Orzo Pasta Absorbs flavors beautifully; small shells make a great alternative.
  • 24 oz Tomato Sauce Forms the savory sauce base; use homemade for a fresh twist or passata as an option.
  • 2 cups Beef Broth Deepens the sauce; vegetable broth is great for a vegetarian version.
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream Guarantees that creamy texture; half-and-half or coconut cream works for dairy-free.
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce Adds umami goodness; swap with soy sauce if preferred.
Finishing Touches
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese Introduces creaminess; use nutritional yeast for a vegan choice.
  • 2 cups Fresh Baby Spinach Boosts the nutrition and color; kale can also be a great alternative.
  • to taste Salt & Pepper Essential for seasoning; adjust to your liking for the perfect flavor.

Equipment

  • large soup pot or Dutch oven

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat to medium-high. Add the lean ground beef and brown it for about 5–6 minutes without stirring.
  2. Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and tender.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning. Cook for about 1 minute.
  4. Mix in the uncooked orzo pasta, stirring continuously for about 1 minute.
  5. Pour in the tomato sauce, beef broth, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well and let bubble gently for approximately 10 minutes.
  6. Once the orzo reaches an al dente texture, remove the pot from heat. Fold in the grated Parmesan cheese and fresh baby spinach until melted and wilted.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 30gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 700mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Keep an eye on the liquid level during cooking; add more broth or cream if necessary. Adjust seasoning gradually to find your preferred flavor balance.

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