Description
This Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is a comforting and hearty one-pan dish that combines tender ground beef, perfectly cooked orzo pasta, and a rich tomato cream sauce infused with aromatic herbs. Easy to prepare and full of flavor, it’s perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup orzo pasta
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauces and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the orzo according to package instructions until tender. Drain well and set aside to be combined later with the sauce.
- Sauté Onion: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until it becomes translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Brown the Beef: Increase heat to medium-high and add the ground beef. Cook until it is thoroughly browned, breaking it apart with a spoon to ensure even cooking throughout.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Lower heat to a simmer and cook gently for 10 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Incorporate Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and continue to simmer another 5 minutes. This will thicken the sauce slightly and add creaminess.
- Combine Orzo and Cheese: Add the cooked orzo and grated Parmesan into the sauce. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Final Touch and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and allow the dish to rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley as desired before serving.
Notes
- For a lighter alternative, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- Use gluten-free orzo to make this recipe gluten-free.
- You can add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave to prevent curdling of the cream sauce.
