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Ground Beef Orzo Recipe: Easy Tomato Cream Sauce Dinner in 30 Minutes

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This comforting one-pan dinner features tender orzo pasta and savory ground beef simmered in a creamy tomato sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a cozy, crowd-pleasing meal perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (85% lean)
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (fire-roasted or regular)
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • A handful fresh basil, chopped
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook for 4-5 minutes, breaking it up, until mostly browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
  2. Add diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened and golden. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Add diced tomatoes (with juices), smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
  4. Pour in beef broth and add orzo pasta. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring every few minutes.
  5. Taste the orzo for doneness. If dry, add a splash more broth or water. If too soupy, simmer uncovered for 2-3 minutes to thicken.
  6. Stir in heavy cream and simmer for 2 minutes until sauce is velvety. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Remove from heat and stir in chopped fresh basil. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if desired. Let sit for 2-3 minutes before serving.

Notes

For a lighter version, use ground turkey or chicken. Gluten-free orzo and dairy-free cream can be substituted for dietary needs. Stir orzo frequently to prevent sticking, and add extra broth if needed. Add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition. Leftovers thicken in the fridge; add broth or cream when reheating.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground beef orzo, tomato cream sauce, one-pan dinner, easy weeknight meal, comfort food, pasta skillet, quick dinner, family recipe

Find it online: https://bitematrix.com/ground-beef-orzo-recipe-easy-tomato-cream-sauce-dinner-in-30-minutes/