Description
Classic ground beef orzo with tomato cream sauce blends Italian-inspired comfort with rich, creamy flavors. Home cooks appreciate this simple one-pan meal that delivers satisfying textures and hearty warmth.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
Pasta and Starch:
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) orzo
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces/411 grams) diced tomatoes
Liquids and Dairy:
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
Seasonings and Herbs:
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Garnishes (Optional):
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley
Instructions
- Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium temperature, gently sautéing onions and garlic until they become translucent and fragrant.
- Introduce ground beef to the skillet, breaking it into crumbly pieces and cooking until completely browned. Eliminate any excess grease for a cleaner texture.
- Incorporate diced tomatoes and seasonings, allowing the mixture to simmer and develop rich flavors for approximately 10 minutes.
- Simultaneously, prepare orzo in a pot of salted boiling water, following package timing until perfectly al dente. Carefully drain and reserve.
- Gently pour heavy cream into the tomato and beef mixture, stirring continuously and allowing the sauce to thicken and become luxuriously smooth for 2-3 minutes.
- Fold the cooked orzo into the skillet, ensuring each pasta grain is lavishly coated with the creamy tomato sauce.
- Transfer to serving dishes, generously sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and optionally garnish with chopped fresh herbs for a vibrant finishing touch.
Notes
- Swap lean ground beef for turkey or plant-based crumbles to create a lighter, diet-friendly version that maintains rich flavor profiles.
- Consider reducing heavy cream by using Greek yogurt or half-and-half for a lower-fat alternative without compromising the creamy texture.
- Add extra vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers during the simmering stage to boost nutritional value and introduce more vibrant colors and textures.
- Enhance dish complexity by incorporating a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar when browning the ground beef, which deepens the overall umami characteristics.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 460 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg