Description
A comforting and easy one-pot meal featuring tender ground beef, savory orzo pasta, and a rich, creamy tomato sauce. Perfect for weeknights!
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 or 85/15 recommended)
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 ½ cups orzo pasta
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- 1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
- 2. Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for another minute until fragrant. Season generously with salt and pepper.
- 3. Pour in the undrained diced tomatoes and stir to combine. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors.
- 4. Add the beef broth to the pot and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, stir in the orzo pasta. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 12-15 minutes, or until the orzo is al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The orzo will absorb most of the liquid.
- 5. Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- 6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Notes
Allow the Beef Orzo Recipe with a Tomato Cream Sauce to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed, or microwave on 50% power, stirring halfway. Avoid high heat to prevent separation or drying.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 1000mg
- Fat: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 35g