Sloppy Joe Orzo

• servings: 2 servings
• total time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided

3/4 lb. lean ground beef

Kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

1/2 medium yellow onion, finely chopped

6 oz. orzo (about 1 c.)

1.5 cloves garlic, finely chopped

1 c. low-sodium beef broth

1/2 can tomato sauce (want about 1 c total)

1.5 tbsp. tomato paste

1 tbsp. packed light brown sugar

1/2 tbsp. apple cider vinegar

1/2 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce

1.5 c. packed baby spinach (about 1.5 oz.)

Directions

In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat, heat 1 tablespoons oil. Add beef; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until beef is cooked through and browned, about 10 minutes. Scrape beef into a colander set over a bowl and let excess fat drain.

In same pot over medium-high heat, heat remaining 1 tablespoons oil. Cook onion, stirring occasionally, until starting to soften, about 5 minutes. Add orzo and garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until orzo is lightly toasted and garlic is fragrant, about 2 minutes.

Add broth, tomato sauce, tomato paste, brown sugar, vinegar, Worcestershire, and 1 1/4 cups water; season with salt and pepper and stir to combine. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and bring to a simmer. Cook, stirring frequently, until liquid is mostly absorbed and orzo is tender, 12 to 14 minutes.

Return beef to pot and add spinach. Cook, stirring frequently, until spinach is wilted and beef is warmed through, about 2 minutes more; season with salt and pepper, if needed.

Nutrition

• Calories: 851
• Total Fat: 49 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 121 mg
• Sodium: 1261 mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 56 g
• Dietary Fiber: 5 g
• Total Sugars: 16 g
• Protein: 41 g