A creamy, one-pot skillet meal with tender ground beef, orzo pasta, and a savory tomato cream sauce—comforting and ready in under 40 minutes.
1 lb ground beef
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp Italian seasoning
¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
1 (15 oz) can crushed tomatoes
2 cups low-sodium chicken or beef broth
1 cup orzo pasta
½ cup heavy cream
½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish
Heat olive oil in a skillet. Brown ground beef with salt and pepper. Drain if needed.
Add onion, garlic, tomato paste, and seasonings. Cook until fragrant.
Stir in crushed tomatoes, broth, and orzo. Bring to a simmer.
Cover and cook 12–14 minutes, stirring often, until orzo is tender.
Stir in cream and Parmesan. Cook uncovered 2–3 more minutes until creamy.
Garnish and serve hot.
Add spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for variety.
Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Reheat with a splash of broth or cream to refresh the sauce.