Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is a delightful and comforting dish that combines tender ground beef and orzo pasta in a rich and tangy tomato cream sauce. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal!
Author:Paula
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:30 minutes
Total Time:45 minutes
Yield:4 servings
Category:Main Course
Method:Stovetop
Cuisine:Italian
Diet:Gluten Free
Ingredients
For the 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)
For the 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 it according to the package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander, then set it aside. Toss the orzo with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
Brown the Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a skillet. Cook onion until soft, then add garlic. Add ground beef, cook until browned. Season with oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
Add Tomatoes and Beef Broth: Stir in tomatoes and tomato paste. Add beef broth, simmer for 5 minutes.
Prepare the Tomato Cream Sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan. Add cream, simmer until slightly thickened. Stir in Parmesan cheese, sugar, salt, and pepper.
Combine the Orzo and Beef Mixture: Add cooked orzo to the beef mixture. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
Finish and Serve: Adjust seasoning, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.