Savory Ground Beef Orzo with Creamy Tomato Sauce Bliss

Try this comforting Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce, a quick one-pot meal that's perfect for busy weeknights.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Servings: 4 bowls

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 520

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

For the Sauce

1 can Tomato Sauce homemade or store-bought
½ cup Heavy Cream substitute with half-and-half or non-dairy alternative
2 tablespoons Tomato Paste intensifies the tomato flavor
1 teaspoon Dried Oregano can use fresh oregano or Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes omit for milder taste
1 cup Chicken Broth vegetable broth as vegetarian option
to taste Salt
to taste Pepper

For the Orzo and Meat

1 cup Orzo Pasta use gluten-free orzo if preferred
1 pound Ground Beef substitute with turkey or plant-based options

For the Aromatics

2 tablespoons Olive Oil can substitute with other cooking oils
1 medium Chopped Onion can replace with shallots or leeks
2 cloves Minced Garlic can use garlic powder in a pinch

For Garnishing

to taste Fresh Parsley can experiment with other herbs like basil
to taste tablespoons Parmesan Cheese nutritional yeast as vegan alternative

Equipment

large skillet

Method

Step‑by‑Step Instructions

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add 1 chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant and golden.
Introduce 1 pound of ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up into small crumbles. Cook for 6-8 minutes until browned.
Sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, along with 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes.
Pour in 1 can of tomato sauce and 1 cup of chicken broth, mixing thoroughly. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Add 1 cup of uncooked orzo pasta, distribute evenly, cover, and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes.
Stir in ½ cup of heavy cream and let it simmer uncovered for an additional 2-3 minutes until thickened.
Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 520kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Don’t forget to taste your sauce as you cook and adjust salt and pepper for balance.

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