Description
Savory ground beef orzo dances with rich tomato cream sauce, creating a Mediterranean-inspired comfort meal. Creamy, hearty pasta promises a delightful dinner that leaves you craving each delectable, flavor-packed bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound (450 grams) ground beef
- 1 cup beef broth or water
Pasta and Sauce Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups (300 grams) orzo pasta
- 1 can (15 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Aromatics and Seasonings:
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish (Optional):
- Fresh basil or parsley
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat, introducing diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté until translucent and aromatic, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Incorporate ground beef into the skillet, methodically crumbling the meat while cooking. Sprinkle Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper throughout the meat, ensuring even distribution and thorough browning.
- When beef reaches a rich golden-brown color, pour in crushed tomatoes and red pepper flakes. Allow the mixture to gently simmer, developing robust flavors for 5 minutes.
- Stream beef broth into the skillet, then add orzo pasta. Stir occasionally and cook until pasta becomes tender and liquid reduces significantly, about 8-10 minutes.
- Introduce heavy cream, stirring continuously to create a luxurious, velvety sauce. Continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce reaches a desirable consistency.
- Remove from heat and garnish generously with freshly chopped basil or parsley. Finish by sprinkling grated Parmesan cheese over the dish for an extra layer of richness.
Notes
- Customize heat levels by adjusting red pepper flakes for mild or spicy preferences.
- Choose lean ground beef (90/10) to reduce excess fat without compromising flavor.
- Swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half for lighter, healthier alternative.
- Toast orzo briefly in olive oil before adding liquid to enhance nutty undertones and prevent clumping.
- 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: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg