Description
Looking for a cozy and satisfying dinner idea that’s ready in under 30 minutes? This Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is a one-pot wonder perfect for easy dinner nights. It’s creamy, meaty, and bursting with tomato flavor. Every spoonful brings you soft, sauce-soaked orzo, tender ground beef, and gooey mozzarella cheese—all balanced with fresh basil for a touch of brightness. Whether you need a quick dinner, a comforting weeknight meal, or new food ideas to try, this dish is everything a hearty, easy recipe should be.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
0.5 cup diced onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound ground beef
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 cup crushed tomatoes
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup orzo pasta
2 cups water
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
0.25 cup fresh basil, chopped
0.5 teaspoon salt
0.25 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until translucent.
2. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
3. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Stir in tomato paste and crushed tomatoes. Let simmer for 2–3 minutes.
5. Lower the heat and add the heavy cream, letting it simmer until thickened.
6. Stir in the uncooked orzo and water. Cover and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Once orzo is tender, turn off the heat. Stir in mozzarella and fresh basil. Let it sit 2 minutes before serving.
Notes
Stir the orzo often to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: quick dinner, easy recipe, ground beef pasta, orzo dinner, comfort food, one pot meals