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Creamy Ground Beef Orzo (One-Pot Dinner)

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4.3 from 1 review

Creamy Ground Beef Orzo is a comforting, one-pot dinner featuring tender orzo pasta simmered with flavorful ground beef, tomato sauce, and Parmesan cheese. This easy skillet meal comes together in just 30 minutes, offering a rich and creamy texture enhanced with a touch of half-and-half and optional fresh spinach for added color and nutrients.

Ingredients

Meat and Vegetables

  • 2 teaspoons olive oil, divided
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups roughly chopped baby spinach (optional)

Pantry and Dairy

  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
  • 1 teaspoon no-salt added Italian seasoning
  • 1 cup dry orzo
  • 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
  • ¼ cup half-and-half
  • ⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Cook Onion & Beef: Heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, sprinkle with ¼ teaspoon of kosher salt, and sauté until the onion just begins to soften, about 3 minutes.
  2. Brown the Ground Beef: Add the remaining 1 teaspoon olive oil along with the ground beef and ½ teaspoon kosher salt. Cook while breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon until browned and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes.
  3. Add Seasoning: Stir in the Italian seasoning and minced garlic. Continue cooking for 1 minute, stirring constantly to release the garlic’s aroma.
  4. Add Orzo & Liquids: Pour in the dry orzo, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir thoroughly, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to incorporate maximum flavor.
  5. Simmer Until Tender: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cook uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the orzo from sticking, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
  6. Finish the Dish: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the half-and-half, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, the remaining ¼ teaspoon kosher salt, and black pepper. Let the dish sit for 2 to 3 minutes to thicken. If using, add the chopped baby spinach and stir until wilted. Serve warm, optionally topped with extra Parmesan and black pepper.

Notes

  • Using a deep skillet or Dutch oven is recommended to allow enough space for simmering without spills.
  • For a richer flavor, substitute half-and-half with heavy cream.
  • Adding spinach is optional but adds color and nutrients.
  • Be sure to stir frequently during simmering to prevent orzo from sticking or burning.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently.

Find it online: https://bitezly.com/creamy-ground-beef-orzo-one-pot-dinner/