Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce and Fresh Basil
If you’re in search of a comforting, family-friendly meal that comes together quickly, look no further than Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce and Fresh Basil. This one-pan dish features tender orzo pasta enveloped in a rich, creamy tomato sauce, complemented by savory ground beef and aromatic basil. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that requires minimal cleanup.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Cook the ground beef and diced onion in a large skillet over medium heat for about 6-8 minutes until browned. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Stir in tomato paste, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes; cook for another minute.
- Add crushed tomatoes and beef broth; bring to a simmer.
- Incorporate orzo pasta; cover and cook on medium-low heat for 10-12 minutes until the liquid absorbs.
- Slowly stir in heavy cream; simmer for a few more minutes until creamy.
- Finish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and torn basil leaves before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 570
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 85mg