Description
A creamy, one-pot pasta dish made with ground beef, orzo, tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, and heavy cream. This comforting skillet dinner is perfect for busy nights—ready in under 30 minutes and packed with bold, cheesy flavor!
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 cup orzo pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
2 cups beef broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup shredded mozzarella or parmesan cheese
1 cup fresh spinach or a handful of basil (optional)
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.
2. Add ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until fully browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed.
3. Stir in tomato paste and crushed tomatoes. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 2 minutes.
4. Add orzo and beef broth. Stir well, bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.
5. Lower heat and stir in heavy cream. Fold in spinach or basil if using, and cook just until wilted.
6. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top. Cover for 1–2 minutes to let it melt. Serve hot with extra cheese or herbs if desired.
Notes
To make it spicier, add red pepper flakes or Calabrian chili paste while cooking the garlic.
This recipe freezes well. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
If reheating leftovers, add a splash of broth or cream to bring back the creamy texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1¼ cups
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 95mg