Description
This savory ground beef orzo skillet dinner combines tender orzo pasta cooked in a rich tomato-beef broth, finished with creamy heavy cream and Parmesan cheese for a silky, comforting meal. Perfect for a quick and hearty Italian-inspired main course.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (undrained)
- 1 cup beef broth (low-sodium)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1–2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Brown the beef: Heat 1–2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and break it up with a spatula. Cook until browned and no pink remains, about 5–7 minutes.
- Add tomatoes and broth: Stir in the diced tomatoes with their juices, beef broth, and Italian seasoning. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Cook orzo: Add the orzo to the skillet and stir. Partially cover the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid, about 8–10 minutes. Add a splash more broth or water if the pan dries out before the orzo is fully cooked.
- Finish with cream and cheese: Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese until melted and fully incorporated. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve warm, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- If the orzo absorbs all the liquid before it’s tender, add a little more broth or water to prevent sticking or burning.
- Use low-sodium beef broth to better control the salt level of the dish.
- Fresh parsley adds a nice color and fresh taste but can be omitted if unavailable.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, keeping in mind the dish will be less creamy.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently with a splash of broth to loosen the texture.
