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Ground Beef Orzo With Tomato Cream Sauce – Easy Weeknight Dinner Recipe. Realistic Photo Casual Kitchen Settings

Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce

A cozy skillet of tender orzo, seasoned ground beef, and a simple tomato cream sauce that comes together in one pan for an easy weeknight dinner.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 640 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef (preferably 85–90% lean)
  • 0.5 cup yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 0.5 teaspoon dried basil
  • 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup dry orzo pasta
  • 1.5 cups low-sodium beef broth
  • 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes
  • 0.5 cup heavy cream
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • Warm the olive oil in a large deep skillet or wide saucepan over medium heat.
  • Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it into small pieces with a spatula, for about 5–7 minutes until browned and no longer pink.
  • Stir in the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes, until the onion softens and turns translucent.
  • Add the minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute, stirring, until the garlic is fragrant and the spices coat the beef.
  • Pour in the dry orzo pasta, beef broth, and crushed tomatoes. Stir well, making sure the orzo is submerged in the liquid and evenly distributed.
  • Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet with a lid and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
  • Remove the lid and pour in the heavy cream. Stir to combine, then let the sauce gently bubble over low heat for 2–3 minutes to thicken slightly.
  • Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it melts into the tomato cream sauce and becomes smooth.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning with a little more salt or black pepper if needed.
  • Turn off the heat and sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the top. Give everything a final gentle stir, then let the skillet rest for 2–3 minutes before serving so the sauce can set slightly.