Description
A savory one-pan meal combining lean ground beef and uncooked orzo pasta in a rich tomato cream sauce. This Italian-American dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort, using pantry staples for a creamy, mild finish that’s perfect for quick weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Lean Ground Beef (1 lb – 90% lean)
Uncooked Orzo Pasta (1 cup)
Small Onion (1, diced)
Garlic (4 cloves, minced)
Diced Tomatoes (14 oz can or equivalent)
Beef Broth (2 cups)
Heavy Cream (1/2 cup)
Grated Parmesan Cheese (1/2 cup)
Salt (to taste)
Black Pepper (to taste)
Instructions
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Brown the ground beef until cooked, then remove excess fat.
Add diced onion and garlic; sauté until translucent.
Return the beef to the skillet, toss with the uncooked orzo, and toast for 2-3 minutes in the meat fat.
Stir in diced tomatoes, beef broth, salt, and black pepper.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes until orzo is tender.
Add heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, mixing until the sauce thickens and coats the orzo.
Adjust seasoning if needed, then serve with fresh basil and Parmesan toppings.
Notes
Use 90% lean ground beef or substitute with ground turkey.
To prevent mushy orzo, avoid boiling it in excess water—this method relies on absorption. Add water if the mixture appears dry during simmering.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or gently reheated on the stovetop with a splash of broth.
This dish is best served immediately after adding the creamy sauce to maintain pasta texture.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Healthy Quick Meals | Easy Clean Eating Recipes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 100mg