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Creamy One-Pot Beef Orzo

  • Author: Miya
  • Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

Scale

To make this flavorful and creamy Creamy One-Pot Beef Orzo, gather the following ingredients:

  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef (you can also use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (or any other cooking oil of your choice)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 cups beef broth (you can substitute with chicken or vegetable broth for a lighter version)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (for a creamy texture; for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or a non-dairy cream substitute)
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, but adds richness)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
  • Red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

Ingredient Highlights

 

  • Ground Beef: This provides a rich, savory flavor and adds protein, making the dish hearty and satisfying. It’s also very quick to cook, which is ideal for this one-pot meal.
  • Orzo Pasta: Orzo is a small, rice-shaped pasta that cooks quickly and absorbs the flavors of the dish beautifully. It adds texture and makes the dish feel more substantial.
  • Beef Broth: The broth adds a savory depth of flavor to the dish, infusing the orzo and beef with richness.
  • Heavy Cream: The cream adds that signature silky texture, making the sauce luscious and indulgent.
  • Herbs and Spices: Dried thyme and oregano are used to enhance the flavor of the beef and the creamy sauce, giving the dish an aromatic, savory profile.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a sharp, nutty flavor to the dish, deepening the richness of the sauce and adding a finishing touch of creaminess.

Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Beef

  1. Heat the Oil: In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
  2. Cook the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the beef is fully browned and cooked through. Make sure to stir occasionally to ensure it cooks evenly.
  3. Drain Excess Fat: If there is excess fat in the skillet, drain it off (you can leave a small amount for flavor).
  4. Season the Beef: Season the beef with salt, pepper, and a teaspoon of dried thyme and oregano. Stir well to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

  1. Add the Onion and Garlic: Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the beef. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion softens and becomes translucent.
  2. Add the Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, until fragrant.

Step 3: Add the Orzo and Broth

  1. Stir in the Orzo: Add the uncooked orzo pasta to the skillet with the beef and onion mixture. Stir everything together so the orzo is evenly coated in the beef and seasonings.
  2. Pour in the Beef Broth: Add the beef broth to the skillet and bring it to a simmer. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan as this adds great flavor.
  3. Simmer the Orzo: Once the broth is simmering, reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Let the orzo cook in the broth for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally. The orzo will absorb most of the liquid and become tender.

Step 4: Make it Creamy

  1. Add the Heavy Cream: Once the orzo is tender and most of the broth has been absorbed, stir in the heavy cream. Bring the mixture back to a gentle simmer, allowing the sauce to thicken and become creamy.
  2. Add the Parmesan: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese (if using) to enhance the creaminess and flavor. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

 

  1. Garnish and Serve: Once the dish has reached the desired creamy consistency, remove it from the heat. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
  2. Serve: Serve the Creamy One-Pot Beef Orzo hot, either as a main dish or alongside a side of vegetables or a simple salad.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4-6
  • Calories: 450-500
  • Fat: 20g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Protein: 30g

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Find it online: https://snackescape.com/creamy-one-pot-beef-orzo/