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Creamy Ground Beef Orzo Skillet

A delicious one-pan meal featuring tender orzo pasta, seasoned ground beef, fresh spinach, and a creamy sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 700
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 pound ground beef Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat.
  • 1 cup orzo pasta You can substitute with another small pasta, but cooking time may vary.
  • 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 ounces)
  • 1 cup heavy cream You can use half-and-half or a plant-based milk with a thickener for a lighter option.
  • 2 cups fresh spinach Can add other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for added nutrition.
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Olive oil for cooking
  • Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Method
 

Cooking
  1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent.
  2. Add minced garlic and ground beef, cooking until the beef is browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  3. Stir in the diced tomatoes (with juice) and heavy cream.
  4. Add the orzo pasta and bring to a simmer. Cook until the orzo is tender, about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Once the orzo is cooked, stir in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Serve warm, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

If you have leftovers, let the dish cool and then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat with a bit of extra cream or water. Avoid excess fat by using lean beef.