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Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce and Fresh Basil


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  • Author: james-carter
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Beef

Description

A hearty and satisfying dish that marries comfort with convenience, featuring creamy tomato sauce, orzo, and fresh basil.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 14 oz can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
  • 2 1/2 cups beef broth
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil leaves

Instructions

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and diced onion. Cook for 6-8 minutes, breaking up the beef, until browned and softened, stirring occasionally.
  2. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Stir in tomato paste, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 1-2 minutes.
  4. Pour in crushed tomatoes and beef broth and bring to a simmer.
  5. Add orzo to the skillet, reduce heat to medium-low, and cover. Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender.
  6. Stir in heavy cream and let simmer for 2-3 minutes. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  7. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the dish and garnish with fresh basil. Serve warm.

Notes

For a lighter dish, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half. Serve with a side salad or garlic bread.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Skillet
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 600
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 1g
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg