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Beef and Bean Orzo

Our Beef and Bean Orzo is a rich and satisfying dish that combines tender ground beef, hearty white beans, and flavorful orzo pasta in a savory tomato sauce. Infused with the freshness of spinach and the depth of pesto, this meal is elevated by a creamy ricotta and parmesan topping, adding a deliciously cheesy finish. For a gluten-free alternative, swap the orzo for rice while keeping all the delicious flavors intact!

30 min

Prep Time

30 min

Total Time

30 min

Servings

6

Ingredients

Pantry

  • 2 15-oz can of White Beans

  • 1 8-oz package Orzo or 2 cups White Rice

  • 2 15-oz can Tomato Sauce

  • 1 small jar Pesto

  • 1 Onion

Fridge and Freezer

  • 1 lb Ground Beef, thawed

  • 1 cup Ricotta

  • 10 oz Spinach

  • ½ cup Parmesan

Directions

  1. Wash hands with soap and water. Peel and chop the onion.

  2. If making a gluten-free version, cook rice using the video and go to step 3. Otherwise, cook the orzo according to package instructions. Turn off the heat, drain and return to the pot.

  3. Stir ⅓ cup pesto and the spinach into the pasta (or rice) until the spinach is wilted. Season with salt and pepper if desired. Cover to keep warm.

  4. In a large skillet, heat a little oil on medium-high heat. Add the beef and onion; season with salt and pepper, if desired. Cook, stirring frequently and breaking the meat apart with a spoon, 4 to 5 minutes, or until the beef is lightly browned.

  5. Add the tomato sauce. Cook, stirring constantly, 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until thoroughly combined. Carefully add the beans, including the liquid from the can. Cook, stirring occasionally, 4 to 5 minutes, or until slightly thickened and the beef is cooked through.

  6. In a small bowl, combine 1 cup ricotta, the bag of parmesan, and season with salt and pepper.

  7. Serve the rice or pasta topped with beef and sauce and a dollop of ricotta. The recipe makes 6 servings. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

*Replace orzo with rice to make this recipe gluten-free.

<ul><li>Watch how to chop onion here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2D7Gif_4tU</li><li>See how to cook ground beef here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tk6YsxxlzXo</li></ul>

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