Description
Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce: Savory beef & tender orzo in creamy tomato sauce. Family favorite, comforting & easy to make. A crowd-pleasing dish!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound (450g) lean ground beef
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
- 2 cups (400g) dried orzo pasta
- 1 can (14.5oz/411g) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 tablespoons (33g) tomato paste
- 3 cups (720ml) beef broth
- ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup (100g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Beef Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the ground beef, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Season with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Cook undisturbed for 1-2 minutes until browned on one side, then stir and continue cooking until no pink remains, about 5 minutes total. Transfer the browned beef to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving about 1 tablespoon of fat in the pan.
- Step 2: Build the Flavor Base Reduce heat to medium and add the diced onion to the same pan. Cook until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds, being careful not to burn it. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, allowing it to caramelize slightly.
- Step 3: Toast and Simmer the Orzo Add the dry orzo to the pan and stir to coat with the tomato mixture. Toast for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently. Pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes with their juice, then add the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes if using. Return the cooked ground beef to the pan and stir to combine everything. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to maintain a simmer. Cover and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Step 4: Create the Creamy Finish When the orzo is almost tender but still slightly firm, temper the cream by mixing a few tablespoons of the hot mixture into it. Slowly pour the tempered cream into the pan, stirring constantly. Continue cooking uncovered for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and the orzo reaches al dente texture. Remove from heat and stir in ¾ cup of the Parmesan cheese until melted. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Step 5: Serve and Garnish Let the Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce stand for 5 minutes before serving – this allows the sauce to thicken perfectly and flavors to meld. Divide into bowls and garnish with the remaining Parmesan cheese and torn fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately for the most luxurious texture and flavor experience.
Notes
Fresh ingredients will always yield the best flavor results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 440
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg