Creamy Ground Beef Orzo
This creamy ground beef orzo combines tender meat with a rich tomato and cheese sauce in a hearty one-pan dish perfect for busy weeknights.
Equipment
- 1 Skillet large and deep
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion finely diced
- 4 garlic cloves finely chopped
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 0.5 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 0.25 teaspoon red chili flakes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 cup orzo
- 1 cup tomato sauce passata
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken stock
- 1 cup half and half
- 0.33 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 6-8 fresh basil leaves
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring often, until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Add the ground beef and cook for 6-7 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned all over.
- Stir in the Italian seasoning, red chili flakes, and tomato paste. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices and deepen the flavor.
- Add the orzo and stir well to combine, then pour in the tomato sauce and chicken stock. Stir again to combine, then bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook uncovered for 10-12 minutes, stirring often, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Pour in the half and half and stir in the grated Parmesan. Simmer for 1-2 more minutes, until everything is creamy and well combined.
- Season to taste with salt and black pepper. Tear in the fresh basil just before serving.
Notes
Stir often once the orzo goes in so it doesn't stick to the bottom of the pan. Add more broth as needed if it evaporates before the orzo is completely cooked.
