Creamy Ground Beef Orzo Bliss: A Cozy, Flavorful Hug in Every Spoonful!
Make this Creamy Ground Beef Orzo: tender beef, rich tomato sauce, and creamy orzo with spinach and parmesan. Easy, hearty, and perfect for a cozy meal!
Ingredients
Here’s everything I use, measured out with love:
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup uncooked orzo
- 1 14 oz can tomato sauce or crushed/diced tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- ½ cup parmesan, grated
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil, chopped
I line it all up on my counter, and it’s like a pasta feast waiting to happen. This makes 4-6 hearty servings—perfect for sharing or savoring solo, depending on my mood. It’s my roadmap to creamy bliss. I always double-check my stash before I start—it’s my ritual to stay chill. Nothing’s worse than missing cream mid-prep, right? Keeps me in the groove and ready to cook.
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Let’s get sizzling—heat a Dutch oven or pot over medium-high—add 1 lb lean ground beef (I love that sizzle!). Break it apart with a spatula—cook 5 minutes ‘til it starts browning (my kitchen’s buzzing with beef vibes!). It’s the savory kickoff—pure beefy magic!
Step 2: Sauté the Onion
Add 1 finely chopped medium yellow onion—stir into the beef (my heart races for that aroma!). Cook 5 minutes ‘til beef browns and onion’s translucent—smells like home (my kitchen’s a cozy haven!). It’s the sweet base—pure onion joy!
Step 3: Add the Spices and Orzo
Toss in 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, 1 tsp dried basil, ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes if using, 1 tbsp tomato paste, and 1 cup uncooked orzo—stir well (I grin at that spice mix!). Cook 1 minute—coat that orzo (my kitchen smells like Italy!). It’s the flavor burst—pure spiced delight!
Step 4: Simmer the Sauce
Pour in 1 14 oz can tomato sauce, 1 cup beef broth, 1 cup heavy cream, and 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce—mix it up (my heart races for that creaminess!). Let it bubble—lower heat slightly and cook uncovered 10-15 minutes—stir often to keep orzo from sticking (my spoon’s dancing!). It’s the hearty simmer—pure creamy magic!
Step 5: Finish with Spinach and Cheese
Remove from heat—stir in 2 cups fresh baby spinach and ½ cup grated parmesan (my kitchen’s a green cheesy dream!). Cover 5 minutes—let it thicken (that first bite’s pure bliss, and you made it happen!). It’s the rich finish—pure veggie joy!
Step 6: Season and Serve
Season with salt and black pepper to taste—sprinkle with chopped fresh basil and extra parmesan (my table’s a feast!). Serve hot—dig in (my kitchen smells like heaven!). Enjoy with love—it’s a winner every time!