Go Back
–+ servings
Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce and Fresh Basil

Creamy Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Sauce & Fresh Basil Bliss

This Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce and Fresh Basil is quick, comforting, and packed with flavor.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 550
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Base
  • 1 lb Ground Beef Substitution: Use ground turkey or skip the meat for a vegetarian option.
  • 1 small Onion Substitution: Shallots can be used for a milder taste.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Use minced garlic for convenience.
For the Sauce
  • 1 can Crushed Tomatoes Substitution: Diced tomatoes can be used for a chunkier texture.
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream Substitution: Half-and-half for a lighter option or coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative.
  • 1 tbsp Tomato Paste No direct substitution; can omit if desired.
  • 0.5 tsp Red Pepper Flakes Optional; adjust the amount to taste or omit for a milder dish.
For Cooking
  • 1.5 cups Orzo Pasta No direct substitute; other small pasta shapes may work but will require adjustments in cooking time.
  • 2.5 cups Beef Broth Substitution: Chicken broth or vegetable broth can be used instead.
For Toppings
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan Cheese Substitution: Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
  • Fresh Basil Leaves Use other herbs like parsley if basil is unavailable.
For Seasoning
  • Salt Essential for seasoning; adjust to taste.
  • Black Pepper Essential for seasoning; adjust to taste.

Equipment

  • large skillet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and ground beef, cooking for about 6-8 minutes until the beef is browned and the onion is translucent.
  2. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Then, mix in the tomato paste, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
  3. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and beef broth, stirring well to combine all the ingredients. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Add the orzo to the simmering sauce, stirring to ensure it's fully submerged. Cover the skillet and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Gently stir in the heavy cream and allow it to simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes.
  6. Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot, garnished with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 35gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 4gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Choose good-quality ground beef for the best flavor and allow it to brown properly for depth of flavor.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!