Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe

Discover the delicious world of Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce—a comforting, hearty dish that combines the flavors of savory ground beef, tender orzo pasta, and a rich, creamy tomato sauce. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and special occasions alike, offering a satisfying meal that the whole family will love.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything from ingredient selection to preparation techniques, ensuring that you can recreate this delectable dish with ease.

Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is a delightful fusion of textures and flavors. Orzo, a small, rice-shaped pasta, provides the perfect base for the hearty ground beef and the luscious tomato cream sauce. This dish not only delivers comfort but also a burst of flavor with every bite. The creamy tomato sauce coats each piece of orzo and beef, making it a satisfying one-pot meal.

This recipe is versatile, allowing for a variety of ingredient substitutions to suit your preferences. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal to impress guests, this recipe is a fantastic choice.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful and Satisfying: The combination of ground beef, orzo, and a creamy tomato sauce creates a comforting dish that’s bursting with flavor.
• Quick and Easy: This recipe can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• One-Pot Meal: Minimal cleanup is required since everything is cooked in one pot, allowing you to enjoy your meal without the hassle of multiple dishes.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or spices to make this dish your own.
• Kid-Friendly: With its creamy texture and savory taste, this dish is sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.

Step-by-Step Instructions

4.1 Preparing the Ingredients

1. Chop Vegetables: If you are adding bell peppers or spinach, chop them into small pieces and set aside. Mince the garlic as well.
2. Measure Ingredients: Gather all ingredients and measure them out. This will streamline the cooking process and ensure you have everything on hand.

Cooking the Ground Beef

1. Heat the Pan: In a large skillet or pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
2. Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the pan, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure the beef is cooked through and no longer pink.
3. Drain Excess Fat: If there’s excess fat in the pan, drain it off to avoid a greasy sauce.
4. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant, making sure not to burn it.

Preparing the Tomato Cream Sauce

1. Add Crushed Tomatoes: Pour in the can of crushed tomatoes and add the tomato paste, stirring to combine with the beef and garlic.
2. Season the Sauce: Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), and salt and pepper to taste. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
3. Add Heavy Cream: Slowly stir in the heavy cream, mixing well until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Allow it to simmer on low for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Cooking the Orzo

1. Cook Orzo Separately: In a separate pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until al dente.
2. Drain and Set Aside: Once cooked, drain the orzo and set it aside. You can toss it with a little olive oil to prevent sticking if desired.

Combining All Ingredients

1. Add Orzo to Sauce: Once the sauce has thickened and the flavors are well combined, add the cooked orzo to the skillet with the tomato cream sauce. Stir gently to coat the orzo evenly with the sauce.
2. Incorporate Optional Add-Ins: If using spinach or kale, fold it into the mixture now. The greens will wilt quickly in the warm sauce. If adding cheese, stir it in at this stage as well for an extra creamy finish.

Final Touches and Serving

1. Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Before serving, taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning if needed.
2. Serve Hot: Serve the Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce immediately, garnished with fresh herbs or more grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Tips for the Best Ground Beef Orzo

• Don’t Overcook the Orzo: Make sure to cook the orzo just until al dente to avoid mushy pasta in your final dish.
• Use Quality Ingredients: The flavor of your dish will greatly depend on the quality of your ingredients, especially the tomatoes and cream.
• Let the Sauce Simmer: Allowing the sauce to simmer for a few minutes will enhance the flavors and improve the overall taste of the dish.
• Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to add your favorite spices or herbs to customize the flavor profile to your liking.

Variations and Substitutions

• Protein Options: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a healthier or vegetarian option.
• Different Sauces: Try using a marinara sauce or a pesto sauce instead of a cream sauce for a different flavor.
• Vegetable Additions: Add diced zucchini, mushrooms, or peas for extra vegetables and texture.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free orzo or other gluten-free pasta varieties.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce with:

• Garlic Bread: A side of garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.
• Simple Green Salad: A fresh salad dressed with vinaigrette will balance the richness of the dish.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts complement the meal beautifully.

Storing and Reheating

Storing

• Refrigerator: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: This dish can be frozen for up to 1 month. Store in a freezer-safe container, but note that the texture of the orzo may change slightly upon reheating.

Reheating

• Stovetop: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.
• Microwave: Heat in the microwave in 1-minute increments, stirring in between until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use different pasta instead of orzo?

Absolutely! You can use any small pasta shape, such as ditalini or shells, in place of orzo.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute the ground beef with lentils, mushrooms, or a plant-based ground meat alternative and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a vegetarian version.

How can I make the sauce lighter?

To lighten the sauce, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with low-fat milk or use a lighter cream alternative.

Is this dish kid-friendly?

Definitely! The creamy sauce and flavorful ground beef make this dish appealing to kids and adults alike.

Conclusion

Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is a delicious and versatile meal that offers comfort and flavor in every bite. With its simple preparation and rich ingredients, this dish is perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests. By following this detailed guide, you’ll be able to create a memorable meal that’s sure to please everyone at your table. Enjoy your cooking adventure, and savor the delightful flavors of this creamy, savory pasta dish!

Yield: 4

Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe

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Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is a delightful fusion of textures and flavors. Orzo, a small, rice-shaped pasta, provides the perfect base for the hearty ground beef and the luscious tomato cream sauce. This dish not only delivers comfort but also a burst of flavor with every bite. The creamy tomato sauce coats each piece of orzo and beef, making it a satisfying one-pot meal.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14.5 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook the Orzo:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook according to the package instructions (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.

2. Cook the Ground Beef:

• In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon. Season with salt and pepper. Once fully cooked, remove from the skillet and set aside.

3. Sauté the Onion and Garlic:

• In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the onion for 2-3 minutes until softened, then add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

4. Make the Tomato Cream Sauce:

• Add the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet. Stir and bring to a simmer. Let the sauce cook for about 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
• Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce is creamy and slightly thickened.

5. Combine the Beef, Orzo, and Sauce:

• Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet, then add the drained orzo. Toss everything together, allowing the orzo and beef to soak up the sauce.
• Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

6. Serve:

• Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

• Substitutions: Ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of ground beef for a lighter version.
• Extra Veggies: Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers to make it more nutritious.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.