Description
This creamy ground beef orzo is a hearty one-pan dinner featuring tender pasta, savory beef, rich cheddar cheese, and a velvety tomato cream sauce. It’s comforting, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 1/2 cups tomato passata (or tomato sauce)
- 4 1/2 cups beef broth, plus more as needed
- 1 (16-ounce) package orzo
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Chopped chives, for serving
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and mostly cooked through.
- Stir in the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring often, until the onion softens and the garlic is fragrant.
- Season with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Add the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until slightly darkened.
- Pour in the tomato passata and beef broth. Stir in the orzo and mix well to distribute evenly.
- Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cook uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring often, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. Add extra broth if needed.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with chopped chives and serve warm.
Notes
- Add additional beef broth if the orzo absorbs liquid too quickly during cooking.
- Freshly grated cheddar cheese melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently with a splash of broth or milk to restore creaminess.
- Chopped parsley or green onions can be used instead of chives.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 720 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 890 mg
- Fat: 33 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 58 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 42 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg
