Description
Indulge in a delicious meal with our Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce recipe. Discover the perfect blend of flavors and try it today!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound (450g) lean ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 (14.5 oz/411g) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 3 cups (710ml) low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups (300g) uncooked orzo pasta
- 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (50g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (plus more for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1: Brown the meat Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch on over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the ground beef and break it up with a wooden spoon. Allow it to cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes to develop a golden-brown crust before stirring. Continue cooking until no pink remains, about 5-6 minutes total. Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper during cooking to build flavor layers.
- Step 2: Add aromatics Reduce heat to medium and add the diced onion to the beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and softened. Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using), cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant. This brief cooking time prevents the garlic from burning while still releasing its essential oils.
- Step 3: Create the base sauce Add tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to caramelize it slightly – this transforms the raw flavor into something deeper and more complex. Pour in the fire-roasted diced tomatoes with their juices, using your spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. These flavor-packed bits are crucial for developing richness in your Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce.
- Step 4: Cook the orzo Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Stir in the uncooked orzo, remaining salt, and pepper. Reduce heat to medium-low to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the orzo is al dente and has absorbed most of the liquid. The mixture should remain slightly loose as the orzo will continue absorbing liquid.
- Step 5: Finish with cream and cheese Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, allowing it to warm through without boiling. Add the Parmesan cheese in batches, stirring until completely melted and incorporated. Fold in the fresh basil and parsley, then remove from heat. Let the Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce rest for 2-3 minutes before serving – this allows the sauce to thicken to the perfect consistency and flavors to harmonize.
- Step 6: Serve Spoon the Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce into bowls and top with additional Parmesan cheese, fresh herbs, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil if desired. The contrast between the fresh garnishes and the warm, creamy pasta creates the perfect finishing touch for this comforting yet sophisticated dish.
Notes
Fresh ingredients will always yield the best flavor results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg