Description
A delicious and creamy one-pan meal featuring orzo pasta, ground beef, and a blend of Italian flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup orzo pasta (uncooked)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or parsley
- 3/4 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add ground beef and diced onion. Cook, breaking up the beef, until the beef is browned and onion is softened (about 5 minutes).
- Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add tomato paste and cook for another minute, stirring well.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes and beef broth, scraping up any browned bits. Mix to combine.
- Add uncooked orzo pasta. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in heavy cream and parmesan cheese. Cook for 2 minutes until creamy and thickened. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Remove from heat. Sprinkle with chopped fresh basil or parsley and extra parmesan before serving.
Notes
- The crushed red pepper flakes can be omitted for a milder dish.
- You can substitute the orzo with other small pasta if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 100mg