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Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce

Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce for Cozy Nights

A comforting Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce that's quick to prepare and perfect for family dinners.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 500
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Beef Base
  • 1 pound Lean Ground Beef Substitute with turkey or ground sausage for a lighter option.
  • 1/2 medium Onion, chopped Shallots work well for a milder flavor.
  • 3-4 cloves Garlic, minced Garlic powder (1 teaspoon) is a convenient substitute.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes Optional; omit for a milder dish.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian Seasoning Substitute with dried basil and oregano if needed.
For the Pasta & Sauce
  • 1 cup Orzo Pasta, uncooked Rice or small pasta shapes can be used instead.
  • 1 can Tomato Sauce 14 ounces; marinara sauce offers a heartier taste.
  • 3/4 cup Beef Broth Vegetable or chicken broth can give different flavor profiles.
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream Replace with half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative for a lighter option.
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce Soy sauce is a suitable substitute.
For the Finishing Touches
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese, freshly grated Pecorino Romano is a good substitute.
  • 2 cups Fresh Baby Spinach, packed Kale or Swiss chard can be used for an extra boost.
  • Salt & Pepper Essential for seasoning to taste.

Equipment

  • large soup pot
  • spatula

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, add the lean ground beef over medium-high heat and brown for 5-6 minutes, breaking it into smaller pieces.
  2. Stir in the chopped onion and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the onion is translucent and soft.
  3. Add the minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning, sautéing for about 1 minute.
  4. Pour in the tomato sauce, beef broth, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce, bringing to a gentle bubble for 10 minutes.
  5. Remove from heat, stir in the Parmesan cheese and spinach, and let sit for 3-5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Keep an eye on the broth levels and feel free to add extra liquid if needed. Customize the recipe with additional vegetables for added nutrition!

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