Ingredients
Ground Beef Orzo:
- 1 lb ground beef (preferably lean)
- 1 ½ cups orzo pasta
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 ½ cups diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Tomato Cream Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Orzo: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo pasta and cook according to the package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain the orzo in a colander and set aside. Toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Brown the Ground Beef and Sauté Aromatics: While the orzo cooks, heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet or Dutch oven. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Then add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Season and Add Liquids: Season the browned beef with dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine. Next, add the beef broth, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste. Stir to mix all ingredients thoroughly.
- Simmer the Sauce: Allow the mixture to simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, so the flavors meld and the sauce slightly thickens.
- Prepare the Tomato Cream Sauce: In a separate small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, sugar (if using), and salt and pepper to taste. Cook gently, stirring until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.
- Combine All Components: Add the cooked orzo to the skillet with the beef and tomato mixture. Pour in the prepared tomato cream sauce and gently toss everything together until the orzo is evenly coated and heated through.
- Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy your comforting ground beef orzo with tomato cream sauce.
Notes
- Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version of the sauce.
- Toss cooked orzo with olive oil to prevent clumping before combining with sauce.
- Add sugar to the cream sauce carefully and adjust to balance tomato acidity.
- To reduce fat, drain excess grease after browning beef.
- Fresh herbs can be used instead of dried for enhanced flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
