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Ground Beef Orzo in Creamy Tomato Sauce

A comforting one-pot dish that blends flavored orzo pasta with ground beef in a rich and creamy tomato sauce, perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb Ground beef
  • 1 cup Orzo pasta Toasted in beef fat for added flavor
  • 2 cups Tomato sauce Use high-quality tomato paste for best results
  • 1 cup Heavy cream Can be substituted with half-and-half for a lighter version
  • 1 cup Onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1/2 tsp Red pepper flakes Optional for added spice
  • 1/2 cup Fresh basil or parsley, chopped For garnish

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  2. Add chopped onions and garlic to the skillet and sauté until translucent.
  3. Stir in the orzo pasta and toast it in the skillet for 2-3 minutes.
Cooking
  1. Add tomato sauce and gradually pour in heavy cream. Stir well to combine.
  2. Bring the mixture to a simmer, adding water or broth as needed to achieve the preferred consistency.
  3. Reduce heat to low and cover the skillet. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is al dente and the sauce is creamy.
Finishing Touches
  1. Remove from heat and stir in fresh herbs before serving.
  2. Serve warm, garnished with additional herbs if desired.

Notes

Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or kale for extra nutrition. This dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently to maintain creaminess.