A fun twist on a family favorite! Risotto comes to life in 30 minutes using fresh summer tomatoes, orzo pasta, garden veggies, and nutrient-rich lean Ground Beef.
6tablespoonscream cheese*(about 3 ounces), dairy-free available
8ouncesgrape tomatoeshalved
2tablespoonsfresh lemon juice
1/2 cupfresh basilchopped
1/4cupparmesan cheese*optional, dairy-free available
Instructions
In a sauté medium pan fitted with a lid, heat the olive oil over medium high heat. Add in the onions and garlic; sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add in the Ground Beef, mushrooms, zucchini, and seasonings. Sauté until beef begins to brown, or about 5 minutes.
Add the orzo pasta in, toast for a few minutes by moving it around the sauté pan with a spatula, then gradually add in the vegetable broth. Stir in the cream cheese and halved tomatoes, then bring to a simmer, turn down the heat to low, and cover.
Cook for about 10 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the orzo is tender. Remove from heat, stir, then squeeze fresh lemon juice on top, and garnish with fresh basil and parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.
Notes
Storage Tips:
Store leftovers in an airtight container once cooled and refrigerate for up to 5 days. You can also freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat leftovers in 20 second intervals in the microwave to ensure you do not overheat!
Choosing Your Ground Beef:
There are 3 types of Ground Beef on the market: 70% lean, 80/85% lean, and 93% lean. Before you select your choice of leanness of the Ground Beef, you need to consider what you are going to prepare with it. I like to use 93% lean in dishes where it will be combined with other fat sources, like the olive oil and cream cheese.
Preparing the Recipe:
Pay close attention to the stovetop temperature! You do not want to burn the orzo on the pan. Use a spatula to constantly stir the dish while combining the ingredients. If concerned, lift the lid halfway during the cooking phase to lift pasta from the bottom to avoid this.
Know your audience! If someone in your crew really dislikes mushrooms, then finely dice them or omit them and add a veggie they love. There is no set rule on what you can or can’t add to this dish when it comes to the rainbow of produce available.
Nutrition Facts
Tomato Orzotto with Ground Beef
Amount Per Serving
Calories 293Calories from Fat 117
% Daily Value*
Fat 13g20%
Saturated Fat 6g30%
Trans Fat 0.2g
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g
Monounsaturated Fat 5g
Cholesterol 42mg14%
Sodium 457mg19%
Potassium 418mg12%
Carbohydrates 29g10%
Fiber 2g8%
Sugar 4g4%
Protein 15g30%
Vitamin A 862IU17%
Vitamin C 9mg11%
Calcium 101mg10%
Iron 2mg11%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.