Description
This Creamy Ground Beef Orzo is a rich, cozy one-pot meal packed with hearty beef, tender orzo, creamy tomato sauce, and baby spinach.
Ready in under 30 minutes — the perfect weeknight comfort food
Ingredients
For the Creamy Beef Orzo:
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1 pound lean ground beef
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1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
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4 garlic cloves, minced
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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1 teaspoon dried basil
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½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
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1 tablespoon tomato paste
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1 cup uncooked orzo
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1 (14 oz) can tomato sauce (or crushed/diced tomatoes)
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1 cup beef broth
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1 cup heavy cream
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1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
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2 cups fresh baby spinach
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½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
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Fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
Step 1:
Heat a Dutch oven or large pot over medium-high heat.
Step 2:
Add the ground beef and break it apart with a spatula.
Let it cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 3:
Add the finely chopped onion and cook with the beef until the meat is browned and the onion is translucent, about another 5 minutes.
Step 4:
Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), tomato paste, and uncooked orzo.
Mix very well and let it cook for about 1 minute to bring out the flavors.
Step 5:
Pour in the tomato sauce, beef broth, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce.
Step 6:
Stir everything together, making sure the orzo is fully submerged in the liquid.
Step 7:
Once the mixture starts bubbling, lower the heat slightly and keep the pot uncovered.
Step 8:
Cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring frequently, until the orzo is tender and the sauce has thickened.
Step 9:
Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the fresh baby spinach and grated parmesan cheese.
Step 10:
Cover the pot and let it sit for 5 minutes to let the spinach wilt and the sauce thicken even more.
Step 11:
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.
Step 12:
Serve hot, garnished with extra grated parmesan and chopped fresh basil.