Description
Creamy orzo swirled in a tomato-infused sauce with savory ground beef, garlic, and Parmesan—a rich and hearty one-pan dinner that’s easy enough for any night of the week.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 cup orzo pasta
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, finely chopped
14 oz can diced tomatoes
0.5 cup tomato sauce
0.5 cup heavy cream
0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
0.25 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until soft. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Season with salt, pepper, oregano, and red pepper flakes.
3. Stir in diced tomatoes (with juices), tomato sauce, and orzo. Pour in 1.5 cups water, bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. When orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, stir in heavy cream and Parmesan. Simmer uncovered for 2–3 minutes until creamy.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
Stir in fresh spinach with the orzo for extra greens.
Add red pepper flakes for a spicy twist or skip for a milder dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: ground beef, creamy pasta, one-pan dinner