Description
This Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is a comforting and hearty skillet meal that combines savory ground beef, tender orzo pasta, and a rich tomato cream sauce infused with garlic, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner packed with flavor and creamy texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Seasonings and Sauces
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
Pasta and Dairy
- 1 cup orzo pasta (uncooked)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
Finishing Touches
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or parsley
- 3/4 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Brown the beef and soften onion: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook, breaking up the beef, until it’s browned and the onion is softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add aromatics and seasonings: Stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Incorporate tomato paste: Add the tomato paste to the skillet and cook for another minute, stirring well to combine with the beef mixture.
- Add tomatoes and broth: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Mix everything together thoroughly.
- Cook the orzo: Add the uncooked orzo pasta to the skillet. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Finish with cream and cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until the sauce is creamy and slightly thickened. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped fresh basil or parsley and extra Parmesan cheese before serving.
Notes
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the crushed red pepper flakes to taste.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
- Use vegetable broth for a lighter flavor or to make it suitable for different dietary needs.
- Orzo can sometimes clump; stirring occasionally helps prevent sticking.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
