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Melissa Hart

Ground Beef Orzo

Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lb 90% lean ground beef
  • 1 small onion finely diced
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 cup dry orzo
  • 2 1/2 cups low-sodium beef broth
  • 1 can diced tomatoes 14.5 oz, with juices
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 4 oz baby spinach
  • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan
  • 2 tbsp water if needed to finish the orzo

Method
 

  1. Heat the oil in a wide deep skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the beef and onion for 6 to 7 minutes, breaking up the meat and cooking to 160°F.
  2. Stir in garlic and tomato paste for 1 minute. Add the dry orzo and stir to coat the grains.
  3. Pour in broth and tomatoes with their juices, then add oregano and salt. Bring to a simmer, cover and cook over medium-low heat for 9 to 11 minutes, scraping the bottom every 2 minutes.
  4. Check that the orzo is tender; simmer uncovered briefly if the sauce is very loose, or add 2 tablespoons water if it has tightened before the pasta is done.
  5. Fold in spinach until wilted, remove from the heat and stir in Parmesan. Serve immediately in bowls.