Description
Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce and Fresh Basil is a cozy, one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. Juicy ground beef, creamy orzo pasta, and a rich tomato cream sauce are finished with fresh basil and Parmesan for a satisfying dish that’s quick, flavorful, and easy to clean up.
Ingredients
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450 g ground beef (1 lb)
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1 small onion, finely diced
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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15 g tomato paste (1 tbsp)
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0.5 g red pepper flakes, optional (½ tsp)
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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400 g crushed tomatoes (1 can, 14 oz)
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600 ml beef broth (2½ cups)
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285 g orzo pasta (1½ cups)
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240 ml heavy cream (1 cup)
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50 g freshly grated Parmesan cheese (½ cup)
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Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
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Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and diced onion. Cook 6–8 minutes, breaking up beef, until browned and onion is translucent.
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Stir in minced garlic. Cook 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
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Mix in tomato paste and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper. Cook 1–2 minutes to deepen flavor.
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Add crushed tomatoes and beef broth. Stir, scraping the skillet bottom. Bring to a gentle simmer.
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Add orzo pasta. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally until orzo is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
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Stir in heavy cream. Simmer 2–3 minutes until creamy.
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Remove from heat. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and garnish with fresh basil. Serve immediately.
Notes
Browning the beef and onions well creates a richer flavor.
Stir orzo occasionally to prevent sticking or uneven cooking.
Add extra cream for a richer sauce, or half-and-half for a lighter version.
Garnish basil just before serving to keep it bright and fresh.
If sauce tastes acidic, add a pinch of sugar.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-pan/Stovetop
- Cuisine: American/Italian Fusion