Description
This comforting Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce combines tender orzo pasta with a rich and creamy tomato-based sauce, enhanced by browned ground beef, aromatic herbs, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner, this dish offers a delicious blend of savory flavors and creamy textures that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Dairy
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Produce
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Pantry
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 can (15 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil: Begin by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat to prepare for sautéing the aromatics.
- Sauté onions: Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes until translucent, which releases their natural sweetness.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Cook ground beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Season with salt and black pepper, and cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and no longer pink.
- Simmer tomato sauce: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, then add dried basil and oregano. Stir well and let the sauce simmer gently for about 10 minutes to develop the flavors.
- Cook orzo: Meanwhile, bring a separate pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook according to package instructions, usually 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Add cream to sauce: Slowly pour the heavy cream into the skillet with the tomato sauce, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Combine orzo with sauce: Add the cooked orzo to the skillet with the tomato cream sauce, stirring thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly.
- Stir in Parmesan: Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined. Then remove the skillet from heat.
- Serve: Dish out the ground beef orzo hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves if desired, for an inviting and flavorful meal.
Notes
- For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half.
- Fresh herbs can be used instead of dried; use about 1 tablespoon each of fresh basil and oregano.
- Orzo cooks quickly, so monitor closely to avoid overcooking.
- If preferred, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a slight heat kick.
- Pairs well with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
