Ingredients

• 1 Tbs oil
• 10 oz lean ground beef
• 1 small onion
• 3 cloves garlic, minced, or more to taste
• 1/2 tsp 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 Tbs 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.