Beef Orzo Bake
A comforting, savory one-pan dinner that combines hearty ground beef with tender orzo pasta in a rich, velvety tomato-cream sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this efficient meal delivers deep, layered flavors while keeping cleanup to a minimum. By simmering the orzo directly in the seasoned beef broth and tomato base, you achieve a restaurant-quality texture that is sure to satisfy any hungry crowd.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 25
- Total Time: 35
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Modern American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef (85/15 lean)
1 small onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp tomato paste
14 oz crushed tomatoes
1 1/2 cups uncooked orzo pasta
2 1/2 cups low-sodium beef broth
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
Add ground beef and onion; cook for 6-8 minutes until beef is browned.
Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add tomato paste, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper; cook for 1-2 minutes.
Pour in crushed tomatoes and beef broth, stirring until well combined; bring to a gentle simmer.
Stir in the uncooked orzo pasta.
Reduce heat to medium-low, cover with a lid, and cook for 10-12 minutes until orzo is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
Remove lid, stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until creamy and heated through.
Notes
Ensure you stir occasionally while simmering to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom of the pan. For extra protein, you can add a handful of spinach at the very end.
Find it online: https://elitesrecipes.com/beef-orzo-bake/