Ground Beef Orzo in Creamy Tomato Sauce Recipe

Ground Beef Orzo in Creamy Tomato Sauce is a dish that blends rich, savory flavors with a creamy texture that feels indulgent, yet comforting. This dish is perfect for those who love hearty meals with a satisfying mix of protein, pasta, and sauce. The creamy tomato sauce binds the orzo and ground beef together in a way that coats every bite with a velvety richness. It’s ideal for cozy family dinners, meal prep, or even as a dish to impress guests at a dinner party.

Why Ground Beef and Orzo?

Orzo, a type of rice-shaped pasta, is perfect for creating a dish that feels like a cross between pasta and risotto. Its small size allows it to absorb all the flavors of the sauce, making each bite perfectly balanced. Pairing it with ground beef creates a meal that is hearty and satisfying, while the creamy tomato sauce adds a layer of richness and depth. Together, these ingredients come together to create a comforting, one-pot meal that everyone will love.

The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility. It’s quick to make, easily customizable, and can be adapted to suit various dietary needs. Whether you prefer ground beef, turkey, or a vegetarian option, this dish can be modified to meet your preferences. Additionally, the creamy tomato sauce can be spiced up or toned down based on your taste, making it a perfect base for experimentation.

In this recipe, we’ll take you through every step of preparing the perfect Ground Beef Orzo in Creamy Tomato Sauce, from gathering the ingredients to serving up a delicious final plate. Along the way, you’ll learn how to adjust the recipe to fit your needs and preferences, ensuring that it’s always exactly what you’re craving.

Step-by-Step Preparation

This recipe is relatively easy to prepare, but by following these steps carefully, you’ll achieve a rich and creamy dish with perfectly cooked orzo and well-seasoned beef. Let’s begin!

Step 1: Prepare the Orzo

• Boil the orzo: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium-high heat. Once the water reaches a rolling boil, add the orzo pasta. Cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, or until the orzo is al dente (firm to the bite but not too chewy). Stir occasionally to prevent the orzo from sticking together.

• Drain the orzo: Once the orzo is cooked, drain it in a colander and set it aside. Be sure to shake off any excess water to avoid watering down your sauce later.

Tip: Save a small cup of pasta water in case you need to adjust the sauce consistency later. The starchy water can help thicken or loosen the sauce without compromising texture.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

• Heat olive oil: In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. The oil will add richness to the beef and help it cook evenly.

• Sauté the onions and garlic: Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.

• Brown the ground beef: Add the ground beef to the pan, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon or spatula. Cook the beef until it is fully browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.

• Drain excess fat: Depending on the fat content of your ground beef, you may need to drain some of the excess fat. If there is too much fat in the pan, carefully tilt the pan and spoon off the excess or use a paper towel to blot it.

Step 3: Prepare the Tomato Sauce

• Add crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce: To the browned beef, add the can of crushed tomatoes and the tomato sauce. Stir well to combine. These ingredients will form the base of your creamy tomato sauce.

• Season the sauce: Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. These spices will give your sauce a well-rounded, savory flavor. If you like a slightly tangier sauce, you can add a splash of balsamic vinegar or a teaspoon of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.

• Simmer the sauce: Reduce the heat to low and let the tomato sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld together. Stir occasionally to prevent the sauce from sticking to the pan.

Tip: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can simmer the sauce for a longer period or add a small amount of tomato paste.

Step 4: Make it Creamy

• Add the heavy cream: After the sauce has simmered and thickened slightly, pour in the heavy cream (or your dairy-free alternative). Stir the cream into the sauce, allowing it to blend seamlessly and create a rich, velvety texture.

• Adjust the seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. If it’s too thick, you can add a little bit of pasta water (about 1/4 cup at a time) to reach your desired consistency. If you prefer a more tangy sauce, a small squeeze of lemon juice can brighten the flavors.

Tip: For an extra creamy texture, you can add 1/2 cup of cream cheese or ricotta cheese to the sauce at this point.

Step 5: Combine the Orzo and Sauce

• Add the cooked orzo: Once the sauce is creamy and well-seasoned, it’s time to add the cooked orzo. Stir the orzo into the sauce, ensuring each piece of pasta is coated with the creamy tomato mixture. The orzo will absorb some of the sauce, thickening the dish slightly.

• Heat through: Allow the mixture to cook together for an additional 3-4 minutes to ensure that the orzo is fully coated in the creamy tomato sauce. This will also help the flavors meld even further.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

• Serve: Once everything is combined, remove the pan from the heat. Spoon the Ground Beef Orzo in Creamy Tomato Sauce onto plates or into serving bowls.

• Garnish: Sprinkle freshly chopped basil or parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness. If you have Parmesan cheese on hand, you can grate some over the dish for added flavor and richness.

• Optional toppings: Add an extra drizzle of olive oil for added richness, or even a few extra red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.

Tip: This dish can be served with a side of garlic bread, a simple green salad, or even roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Step 7: Enjoy!

Now that you’ve assembled the dish, it’s time to enjoy! The creamy tomato sauce combined with the savory ground beef and tender orzo creates a dish that’s rich, flavorful, and filling. It’s a great option for a family dinner or a cozy meal for two. Leftovers, if there are any, will taste just as delicious the next day.