Description
Hearty ground beef orzo with tomato cream sauce blends Mediterranean comfort with rich, creamy flavors. Home cooks can savor this simple yet elegant pasta dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to dinner tables.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
Pasta and Starches:
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) orzo pasta
Sauce and Seasonings:
- 1 can (14.5 ounces or 411 grams) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) beef broth
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat, gently sautéing diced onions until they become translucent and soft.
- Introduce ground beef to the skillet, breaking it into crumbly pieces while browning thoroughly. Enhance with a blend of salt, pepper, and aromatic Italian seasoning.
- Infuse the mixture with minced garlic, allowing its pungent essence to permeate the meat for approximately one minute.
- Incorporate orzo, crushed tomatoes, robust beef broth, and luxurious heavy cream, stirring comprehensively to create a harmonious blend.
- Allow the mixture to reach a gentle simmer, then cover and let it cook for 10-12 minutes at medium-low heat, occasionally stirring to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Once the orzo reaches a tender consistency and the sauce develops a rich, creamy thickness, remove from heat.
- Sprinkle freshly torn basil leaves across the surface as a vibrant, aromatic finishing touch, then serve immediately while piping hot.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a lighter dish for health-conscious eaters.
- Swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk for a lower-calorie or dairy-free alternative that maintains creamy texture.
- Toast orzo in olive oil before adding liquid to enhance its nutty flavor and prevent clumping during cooking.
- Add a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar for deeper, more complex flavor profile that elevates the entire dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg