Orzo means 'barley' in Italian but it's actually rice-shaped pasta invented in 1958 to mimic risotto texture.
Beef and Parmesan Orzo
Savor the flavors of our Beef and Parmesan Orzo, a delightful one-pan wonder that combines tender beef, hearty orzo, and vibrant spinach, all brought together with a rich, cheesy finish. This easy-to-make dish is not only a time-saver but also a crowd-pleaser, perfect for busy weeknights. Dive into a bowl of comfort where every bite is packed with flavor and warmth!
Prep
15
min
Cook
30
min
Serves
4
people
Level
beginner
đ Ingredients
Serves 4đĨŦFresh Produce(4)
- 3.5 cloves garlic
- 1 onion
- 150g washed spinach (5.29 oz)
- 400ml tomato passata (13.5 fl oz)
đĨŠMeat & Seafood(2)
- 400ml beef broth (13.5 fl oz)
- 600g lean ground beef (1.32 lbs)
đĨDairy & Eggs(1)
- 250ml cooking cream (8.45 fl oz)
đĢPantry Staples(3)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (15 ml)
- 350g orzo (12.4 oz)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste (30 ml)
đ¨âđŗ Instructions
- 1
In a pan, add a diced onion, minced garlic, and ground beef.
- 2
Add tomato paste and Italian herbs, then pour in tomato passata and beef broth.
- 3
Finish with cooking cream, then add orzo and stir well to prevent it from burning.
- 4
Add the washed spinach, which will shrink as it cooks.
- 5
Top with Parmesan cheese before serving.
đĄ Pro Tips
- âToast orzo in the pan for 2-3 minutes before adding liquid to develop nutty flavor through Maillard reactions and create a protective starch barrier that prevents mushiness.technique2-3 minutes
- âUse a 3:1 liquid-to-orzo ratio and add liquid gradually in 1/2 cup increments, stirring constantly to release starches and create a creamy risotto-like texture.technique3:1 ratio
- âAdd tomato paste after browning beef and cook for 90 seconds until it darkens to concentrate umami compounds and eliminate raw acidity before adding liquids.timing90 seconds
- âReserve 1/2 cup pasta cooking liquid before draining because the starchy water helps bind the sauce and prevents separation when adding Parmesan.technique1/2 cup
- âAdd spinach in the final 30 seconds of cooking since it loses 90% of its volume when wilted and overcooking destroys heat-sensitive vitamins.timing30 seconds
Share this recipe
Prep
15
min
Cook
30
min
Serves
4
people
Level
beginner
Share this recipe
Orzo means 'barley' in Italian but it's actually rice-shaped pasta invented in 1958 to mimic risotto texture.
Beef and Parmesan Orzo
Savor the flavors of our Beef and Parmesan Orzo, a delightful one-pan wonder that combines tender beef, hearty orzo, and vibrant spinach, all brought together with a rich, cheesy finish. This easy-to-make dish is not only a time-saver but also a crowd-pleaser, perfect for busy weeknights. Dive into a bowl of comfort where every bite is packed with flavor and warmth!
đ Ingredients
Serves 4đĨŦFresh Produce(4)
- 3.5 cloves garlic
- 1 onion
- 150g washed spinach (5.29 oz)
- 400ml tomato passata (13.5 fl oz)
đĨŠMeat & Seafood(2)
- 400ml beef broth (13.5 fl oz)
- 600g lean ground beef (1.32 lbs)
đĨDairy & Eggs(1)
- 250ml cooking cream (8.45 fl oz)
đĢPantry Staples(3)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (15 ml)
- 350g orzo (12.4 oz)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste (30 ml)
đ¨âđŗ Instructions
- 1
In a pan, add a diced onion, minced garlic, and ground beef.
- 2
Add tomato paste and Italian herbs, then pour in tomato passata and beef broth.
- 3
Finish with cooking cream, then add orzo and stir well to prevent it from burning.
- 4
Add the washed spinach, which will shrink as it cooks.
- 5
Top with Parmesan cheese before serving.
đĄ Pro Tips
- âToast orzo in the pan for 2-3 minutes before adding liquid to develop nutty flavor through Maillard reactions and create a protective starch barrier that prevents mushiness.technique2-3 minutes
- âUse a 3:1 liquid-to-orzo ratio and add liquid gradually in 1/2 cup increments, stirring constantly to release starches and create a creamy risotto-like texture.technique3:1 ratio
- âAdd tomato paste after browning beef and cook for 90 seconds until it darkens to concentrate umami compounds and eliminate raw acidity before adding liquids.timing90 seconds
- âReserve 1/2 cup pasta cooking liquid before draining because the starchy water helps bind the sauce and prevents separation when adding Parmesan.technique1/2 cup
- âAdd spinach in the final 30 seconds of cooking since it loses 90% of its volume when wilted and overcooking destroys heat-sensitive vitamins.timing30 seconds