Creamy Ground Beef Orzo: A Delicious One-Pot Meal Recipe

Creamy Ground Beef Orzo is a delightful dish that brings comfort and satisfaction to the dinner table. This recipe combines tender orzo pasta with savory ground beef, enveloped in a rich and creamy sauce that tantalizes the taste buds. Originating from Mediterranean cuisine, orzo has become a beloved staple in many households, thanks to its versatility and ease of preparation.

People adore creamy ground beef orzo for its incredible flavor and texture; the creamy sauce perfectly complements the hearty beef, creating a dish that is both filling and indulgent. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a dish to impress guests, this recipe is sure to please. With its comforting ingredients and simple cooking method, creamy ground beef orzo is a culinary gem that will quickly become a family favorite.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup spinach, chopped (fresh or frozen)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Preparing the Ingredients

1. Start by gathering all your ingredients. This will make the cooking process smoother and more efficient.
2. Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Set them aside in separate bowls.
3. If using fresh spinach, wash and chop it into bite-sized pieces. If using frozen spinach, ensure it is thawed and drained of excess water.
4. Measure out the beef broth and heavy cream, and have the mozzarella cheese ready for later use.

Cooking the Ground Beef

1. In a large skillet or saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
2. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
3. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
4. Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a spatula or wooden spoon.
5. Cook the beef for about 5-7 minutes, or until it is browned and no longer pink. Make sure to drain any excess fat if necessary.
6. Season the beef mixture with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir well to combine.

Cooking the Orzo

1. Once the ground beef is cooked, add 1 cup of beef broth to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
2. Stir in the orzo pasta, ensuring it is evenly distributed in the broth.
3. Cover the skillet and let the orzo cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally. The orzo should absorb most of the broth and become tender.
4. Check the orzo for doneness. If it is still too firm, add a little more broth or water and continue cooking until it reaches your desired texture.

Creating the Creamy Sauce

1. Once the orzo is cooked, reduce the heat to low. Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine.
2. Add the chopped spinach to the skillet. If using frozen spinach, ensure it is well-drained before adding.
3. Stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese, allowing it to melt into the creamy mixture. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully incorporated and the sauce is creamy.
4. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Taste the dish to ensure the flavors are balanced.

Final Touches and Serving

1. Once everything is well combined and heated through, remove the skillet from the heat.
2. Let the dish sit for a couple of minutes to thicken slightly before serving.
3. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added flavor.
4. Serve the creamy ground beef orzo warm, either on its own or with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating

1. If you have leftovers, allow the creamy ground beef orzo to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
2. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing the dish in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
3. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. Reheat in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or cream to loosen the sauce as needed.

Conclusion:

In summary, this creamy ground beef orzo recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their weeknight dinners with minimal effort and maximum flavor. The combination of tender orzo pasta, savory ground beef, and a rich, creamy sauce creates a comforting dish that is sure to please the whole family. Not only is it delicious, but it also comes together in just one pot, making cleanup a breeze! For serving suggestions, consider pairing this dish with a fresh side salad or some garlic bread to soak up the creamy goodness. You can also customize the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables, such as spinach or bell peppers, for an extra nutritional boost. If you’re feeling adventurous, try swapping out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option, or even go vegetarian by using lentils or mushrooms as a substitute. We encourage you to give this creamy ground beef orzo a try and share your experience with us! Whether you stick to the classic recipe or make your own variations, we would love to hear how it turns out. Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag us on social media so we can see your delicious creations. Happy cooking! Print

Creamy Ground Beef Orzo: A Delicious One-Pot Meal Recipe
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• Author: Dottie
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
Print Recipe
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Description
This creamy ground beef orzo is a delicious one-pot meal featuring savory ground beef, tender orzo pasta, and fresh spinach in a rich, cheesy sauce. It’s quick to prepare, making it an ideal choice for a comforting weeknight dinner.
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Ingredients
Scale 1x2x3x
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup spinach, chopped (fresh or frozen)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
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Instructions
1. Start by gathering all your ingredients. This will make the cooking process smoother and more efficient.
2. Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Set them aside in separate bowls.
3. If using fresh spinach, wash and chop it into bite-sized pieces. If using frozen spinach, ensure it is thawed and drained of excess water.
4. Measure out the beef broth and heavy cream, and have the mozzarella cheese ready for later use.
5. In a large skillet or saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
6. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
7. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
8. Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a spatula or wooden spoon.
9. Cook the beef for about 5-7 minutes, or until it is browned and no longer pink. Make sure to drain any excess fat if necessary.
10. Season the beef mixture with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir well to combine.
11. Once the ground beef is cooked, add 1 cup of beef broth to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
12. Stir in the orzo pasta, ensuring it is evenly distributed in the broth.
13. Cover the skillet and let the orzo cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally. The orzo should absorb most of the broth and become tender.
14. Check the orzo for doneness. If it is still too firm, add a little more broth or water and continue cooking until it reaches your desired texture.
15. Once the orzo is cooked, reduce the heat to low. Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine.
16. Add the chopped spinach to the skillet. If using frozen spinach, ensure it is well-drained before adding.
17. Stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese, allowing it to melt into the creamy mixture. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully incorporated and the sauce is creamy.
18. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Taste the dish to ensure the flavors are balanced.
19. Once everything is well combined and heated through, remove the skillet from the heat.
20. Let the dish sit for a couple of minutes to thicken slightly before serving.
21. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added flavor.
22. Serve the creamy ground beef orzo warm, either on its own or with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Notes
• If you have leftovers, allow the creamy ground beef orzo to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing the dish in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
• To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. Reheat in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or cream to loosen the sauce as needed.
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes