Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce and Fresh Basil
If you’re in search of a quick and comforting meal, Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce and Fresh Basil is your answer! This one-pan dish combines savory ground beef with tender orzo, all enveloped in a rich tomato cream sauce that your family will love. Perfect for busy weeknights, this hearty recipe takes just 35 minutes from start to finish, making it an ideal choice for casual dinners or family gatherings. With its creamy texture and fresh basil garnish, each bite offers a delightful balance of flavors that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet
- 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
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and the onion is softened (about 6-8 minutes).
- Stir in minced garlic, tomato paste, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Sauté for an additional 2 minutes.
- Add crushed tomatoes and beef broth; stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Incorporate the orzo pasta, cover the skillet, and cook for about 10-12 minutes until orzo is tender.
- Stir in heavy cream and simmer for a few more minutes until creamy. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve warm, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and torn basil leaves.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 525
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 83mg