Description
Rich and comforting ground beef orzo with tomato cream sauce delivers a hearty Mediterranean-inspired meal. Simple ingredients and quick preparation make this dish perfect for weeknight dinners you’ll savor with family.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat)
- 1 cup uncooked orzo
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high temperature and thoroughly brown the ground beef, ensuring complete cooking and eliminating excess grease.
- Introduce finely chopped onions and minced garlic into the skillet, sautéing until vegetables become translucent and release aromatic flavors.
- Incorporate uncooked orzo, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and beef broth into the meat mixture, stirring to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Reduce heat and allow the mixture to simmer gently, occasionally stirring to prevent orzo from sticking, until pasta reaches tender consistency (approximately 10-12 minutes).
- Pour heavy cream into the skillet, blending with Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper, creating a luxurious and creamy texture.
- Continue simmering for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and develop rich, complex flavors.
- Remove from heat and generously sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil over the dish.
- Transfer to serving plates immediately while maintaining optimal warmth and serve as a comforting, hearty meal.
Notes
- Drain beef thoroughly to prevent a greasy dish and ensure a cleaner, more appetizing texture.
- Use low-sodium beef broth to control salt levels and customize the seasoning to your taste preference.
- Swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half for a lighter, healthier version that still maintains creamy richness.
- Add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or zucchini to boost nutritional value and create a more colorful, balanced meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg