One-Pan Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce
This ground beef orzo with tomato cream sauce is a quick and easy one-pan dinner that’s rich, creamy, and packed with flavor. Perfect for weeknights, this dish features tender orzo pasta cooked in a savory tomato cream sauce and combined with hearty ground beef.With minimal prep and just 35 minutes from start to finish, it’s a family-friendly recipe that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 ½ cups tomato sauce canned or jarred
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups water or chicken broth
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt adjust to taste
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes optional
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese optional
- 2 tbsp olive oil optional, for sautéing
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Instructions
Prep Your Ingredients
- Before you start cooking, chop your onion, mince the garlic, and measure out the spices. Having everything ready makes the process smoother.
Cook the Ground Beef
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef.
- Cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces with a spatula.
- Drain excess grease if needed and set the cooked beef aside.
Sauté the Aromatics
- In the same skillet, add a drizzle of olive oil if needed.
- Sauté the onion until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
Build the Sauce
- Stir in the tomato sauce and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Add the heavy cream, mixing well to create a smooth, creamy tomato sauce.
Cook the Orzo
- Add the uncooked orzo directly into the skillet, along with 2 cups of water or chicken broth.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and cook until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid (about 10-12 minutes).
Combine and Serve
- Stir the cooked ground beef back into the skillet.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- For a finishing touch, stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese and garnish with chopped basil or parsley.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the creamy, comforting goodness!