Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 cup tomato sauce or canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- In the same skillet, stir in the orzo pasta. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, to lightly toast the pasta. Pour in the tomato sauce and mix well, ensuring the orzo is coated evenly.
- Slowly add the heavy cream or half-and-half, stirring constantly. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and the sauce has thickened beautifully.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving. For an extra cheesy touch, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese, or explore other toppings to customize your dish.
Notes
- Always toast the orzo lightly to enhance its flavor.
- Use fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a vibrant taste and appearance.
- Adjust the cream to your desired richness; substitute with Greek yogurt for a healthier version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Contains dairy, contains meat
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 550 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg