Description
This Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is a hearty and comforting one-pan meal featuring tender orzo pasta simmered with ground beef, rich tomato paste, and creamy heavy cream. Enhanced with Italian seasoning and topped with melted cheese and fresh spinach or basil, this dish offers a delightful balance of savory flavors and creamy texture. Perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner, it combines the ease of stovetop cooking with a deliciously creamy tomato sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Toppings and Optional Ingredients
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or parmesan cheese
- 1 cup fresh spinach or a handful of basil (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds to release its aroma.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Add ground beef to the skillet. Cook while breaking it apart with a spoon until fully browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat if necessary to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
- Add Tomato Base: Stir in tomato paste and crushed tomatoes. Season the mixture with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Let it simmer gently for about 2 minutes to deepen the flavors.
- Cook Orzo: Add orzo pasta and beef broth to the skillet. Stir everything well, then bring to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Incorporate Cream and Greens: Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. If using, fold in fresh spinach or basil and cook just until wilted, adding a fresh, vibrant touch to the creamy sauce.
- Melt Cheese and Serve: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella or parmesan cheese over the top. Cover the skillet for 1–2 minutes to allow the cheese to melt. Serve hot, garnished with extra cheese or herbs as desired for an indulgent finish.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a creamy plant-based alternative.
- Use gluten-free orzo to make this dish gluten-free if needed.
- Fresh herbs like basil or spinach add color and nutrition but are optional.
- Adjust salt and seasoning according to taste preferences.
- This recipe can be doubled for larger groups; just use a larger skillet or pot.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently on the stove.
