Description
This Creamy Ground Beef Orzo is a comforting and hearty one-pot meal combining tender ground beef, aromatic garlic and onions, and a luscious creamy tomato sauce. The orzo pasta soaks up all the rich flavors, finished with parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for a satisfying dinner that comes together quickly in about 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 small white onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup orzo
- 1 (14 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup chicken or beef broth
- 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, seasoning with salt and pepper. Lightly break up the meat and let it brown undisturbed for about 5 minutes to develop a rich crust.
- Cook Onion and Finish Browning Beef: Add the finely chopped onion to the pot and continue cooking. Now break up the beef more thoroughly as it cooks along with the onion until the beef is fully cooked and the onion softens, about another 5 minutes.
- Add Garlic, Seasoning, and Tomato Paste: Stir in minced garlic and Italian seasoning. Add the tomato paste and cook it for about 1 minute until fragrant and its color deepens, enhancing the sauce's depth.
- Combine Orzo and Liquids: Stir in the orzo pasta, tomato sauce, broth, and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a low boil, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
- Simmer Until Orzo Is Tender: Maintain a gentle boil and cook for approximately 10 minutes, stirring often. Adjust the heat as needed to keep the boil gentle and prevent the mixture from drying out or sticking.
- Finish with Cheese and Parsley: Remove the pot from heat. Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley if using. Cover the pot and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the orzo to absorb the sauce completely.
- Season and Serve: Give the dish a final stir, adjust salt and pepper to taste, and serve warm. Enjoy your creamy, comforting meal!
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture.
- Stir the orzo frequently while cooking to avoid it sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Feel free to substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version, though it will be less rich.
- For a vegetarian version, replace ground beef with sautéed mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of beef or chicken broth.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream to loosen.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
