Ground Beef Risotto

Ingredients

1 lb lean (at least 80%) ground beef

1 small onion, chopped (1/4 cup)

2 cloves garlic, finely chopped

¼ teaspoon pepper

1 cup uncooked Arborio or regular long-grain white rice

3 ½ cups Progresso® beef flavored broth (from 32-oz carton)

½ cup shredded carrot

½ cup shredded fresh Parmesan cheese

3 tablespoons chopped fresh chives

1. In 12-inch nonstick skillet, cook beef, onion, garlic and pepper over medium-high heat 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until beef is thoroughly cooked; drain if desired. Stir in rice; cook 2 minutes, stirring constantly.

2. Stir in broth; heat to boiling. Reduce heat to medium-low. Cover; simmer 10 minutes.

3. Stir in carrot. Cook uncovered 5 to 7 minutes longer or until liquid is absorbed.

4. Remove skillet from heat. Stir in cheese. Cover; let stand 3 minutes. Sprinkle with chives.

Expert Tips

If you use regular long-grain white rice instead of the Arborio rice, the finished dish will be less creamy with more separate, distinct rice grains. The reason: regular white rice doesn't contain as much starch as Arborio rice does.

Serve this meaty risotto with a Caesar salad and French bread for an easy weeknight meal.