Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream – A Cozy One-Pan Dinner
A hearty one-pan pasta dish made with seasoned ground beef, tender orzo, and a rich tomato cream sauce — perfect for weeknights and full of comforting flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
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1 lb ground beef (85% lean)
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1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
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3 garlic cloves, minced
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2 tbsp tomato paste
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1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes
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½ cup heavy cream
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2 cups chicken or beef broth
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1 cup orzo pasta (uncooked)
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
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1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
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In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
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Add chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds more.
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Mix in tomato paste and toast for 1 minute. Add crushed tomatoes, cream, and broth; stir well.
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Add orzo and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat, cover, and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender.
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Stir in Parmesan, season with salt and pepper, and adjust sauce consistency if needed.
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Garnish with fresh herbs and serve hot.
Notes
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For extra creaminess, add shredded mozzarella.
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Swap ground beef with turkey or vegetarian options.
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Leftovers keep well refrigerated for 3–4 days.