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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- Start by gathering all your ingredients. This will make the cooking process smoother and more efficient.
- Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Set them aside in separate bowls.
- 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.
- Measure out the beef broth and heavy cream, and have the mozzarella cheese ready for later use.
- In a large skillet or saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
- Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a spatula or wooden spoon.
- 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.
- Season the beef mixture with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir well to combine.
- Once the ground beef is cooked, add 1 cup of beef broth to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in the orzo pasta, ensuring it is evenly distributed in the broth.
- 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.
- 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.
- Once the orzo is cooked, reduce the heat to low. Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine.
- Add the chopped spinach to the skillet. If using frozen spinach, ensure it is well-drained before adding.
- 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.
- Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Taste the dish to ensure the flavors are balanced.
- Once everything is well combined and heated through, remove the skillet from the heat.
- Let the dish sit for a couple of minutes to thicken slightly before serving.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added flavor.
- 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