One Pot Creamy Ground Beef and Orzo

4.0
(2)

This one pot creamy ground beef and orzo is a weeknight winner because it uses one pan, requires only a little hands-on work, and is ready in about 40 minutes.

skillet with cheese-topped ground beef and orzo
Prep Time:
10 mins
Cook Time:
30 mins
Total Time:
40 mins
Servings:
5
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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 5 servings

  • 1 tablespoon oil

  • 10 ounces lean ground beef

  • 1 small onion

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced, or more to taste

  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning

  • salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

  • 3/4 cup orzo

  • 3 cups prepared marinara sauce

  • 1/2 cup water

  • 1 cup half-and-half, divided

  • 3 tablespoons mascarpone cheese

  • 3/4 cup shredded fontina cheese

  • 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Directions

  1. Heat oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium heat until hot, about 3 minutes. Add ground beef; cook and stir, breaking up clumps with a spatula, for a few minutes. Stir in onion, garlic, and Italian seasoning. Continue to cook and stir until beef is browned and crumbly, 5 to 8 minutes total.

  2. Sprinkle orzo pasta on top of mixture. Stir in marinara sauce, water, and 1/2 cup half-and-half. Cover; reduce heat to medium-low, and cook at a low simmer for 15 minutes.

  3. Remove lid, stir in remaining 1/2 cup half-and-half and mascarpone. Spread mixture out in the skillet, and top with shredded fontina and Parmesan.

  4. Preheat the oven’s broiler, and place a rack about 6 inches from the heat source.

  5. Broil until cheese is golden and melted, about 3 minutes.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

509 Calories
32g Fat
26g Carbs
29g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 5
Calories 509
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 32g 41%
Saturated Fat 15g 77%
Cholesterol 117mg 39%
Sodium 1118mg 49%
Total Carbohydrate 26g 10%
Dietary Fiber 4g 13%
Total Sugars 11g
Protein 29g 57%
Vitamin C 5mg 5%
Calcium 276mg 21%
Iron 4mg 20%
Potassium 908mg 19%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.