Description
This Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce and Fresh Basil is a comforting and flavorful one-pan meal. It features tender orzo pasta cooked in a rich tomato and beef broth base, combined with browned ground beef, onion, garlic, and a creamy tomato sauce. Finished with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, this dish comes together in just 35 minutes, making it perfect for a quick and hearty weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 ½ cups orzo pasta
- 2 ½ cups beef broth
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Brown the beef and soften onion: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 lb ground beef and 1 finely diced onion. Cook for 6-8 minutes, breaking up the beef, until browned and onion is softened. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add tomato paste and seasonings: Stir in 1 tbsp tomato paste, salt, black pepper, and ½ tsp red pepper flakes if using. Cook for 1-2 minutes to deepen the flavors.
- Add crushed tomatoes and broth: Pour in the 14 oz can of crushed tomatoes and 2 ½ cups beef broth. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Cook the orzo: Add 1 ½ cups orzo pasta to the skillet, reduce heat to medium-low, and cover. Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Make creamy tomato sauce: Stir in 1 cup heavy cream and allow the sauce to simmer for 2-3 minutes until it becomes creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Finish with cheese and basil: Sprinkle ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese over the dish and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
- Feel free to substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- If you want to skip the red pepper flakes, the dish will still have great flavor but without any heat.
- Use fresh Parmesan cheese for best flavor and texture.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- You can add extra fresh basil leaves when serving for a more pronounced herbal freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: ground beef orzo, tomato cream sauce, one-pan meal, creamy pasta, quick dinner, easy weeknight recipe, fresh basil, Parmesan cheese
