Let me introduce you to a dish that’s pure comfort food bliss: the Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe. This one-pot wonder brings together savory ground beef, al dente orzo, and a dreamy tomato cream sauce, all simmered to perfection in under 30 minutes. With its rich, tangy flavor and creamy texture, this meal is a weeknight hero — quick to cook, easy to clean up, and cherished by both picky eaters and foodies. Trust me, once you’ve tasted this, you’ll want it on regular rotation!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list for this Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe is refreshingly straightforward, but every component pulls its weight. Each adds a unique flavor, creamy texture, or pop of color, ensuring the finished dish is far more exciting than the sum of its parts.
- Ground Beef: The star protein that makes the dish hearty and satisfying—try to choose 85% or 90% lean for the perfect balance of flavor and less grease.
- Olive Oil: Adds a touch of richness and helps brown the beef and onion beautifully.
- Yellow Onion: Classic flavor base; sautéing the onion builds depth and sweetness in the sauce.
- Garlic: Brings a bold aroma and punchy savoriness—freshly minced is best!
- Italian Seasoning: Melds all the flavors with robust, herby notes; use your favorite blend or homemade mix.
- Red Pepper Flakes (optional): Adds a subtle heat that perks up the creamy sauce—completely optional if you’re cooking for kids.
- Tomato Paste: Deepens the tomato flavor and gives the sauce a gorgeous color.
- Crushed Tomatoes: Forms the backbone of the sauce, offering texture and tanginess.
- Beef Broth: Infuses savory depth and keeps the orzo moist as it cooks.
- Heavy Cream: Lends luxurious silkiness and balances the acidity of the tomatoes; swap for half-and-half to lighten things up.
- Orzo: This tiny pasta cooks right in the sauce, soaking up all the flavors and becoming ultra-creamy in texture.
- Parmesan Cheese: Brings salty, nutty character and helps finish the dish with creamy meltiness.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for making all the flavors pop—taste and adjust as you go.
- Fresh Basil or Parsley (optional): For a vibrant, herby finish and a burst of fresh color on top.
How to Make Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks, and let it brown thoroughly. Take your time here; you want to develop those tasty browned bits. If there’s excess grease, drain it off so your finished Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe isn’t oily.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Add the diced onion straight into the pan with the beef and let it cook for 3 to 4 minutes, just until it softens and releases its flavor. Toss in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and (if using) red pepper flakes. After about a minute, your kitchen will smell incredible!
Step 3: Build the Tomato Base
Stir in the tomato paste until it’s fully mixed in and coats the beef and aromatics. Next, pour in the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, and heavy cream—this is where your sauce gets its signature velvety consistency and beautiful rosy color.
Step 4: Add Orzo and Simmer
Once all the liquids are combined, stir in the orzo and bring everything to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer for 10 to 12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking—this is when the orzo soaks up all those luscious flavors, turning into the creamy core of the Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Once the orzo is tender and the sauce is thickened, stir in the Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and garnish with chopped basil or parsley if you have it handy. Serve hot and enjoy every spoonful!
How to Serve Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Top your bowl generously with extra grated Parmesan, a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley, and perhaps a pinch of red pepper flakes for those who like an extra kick. Not only do these garnishes add visual appeal, but they heighten the freshness and flavor of every bite.
Side Dishes
This meal does well with simple accompaniments: think crisp green salads with lemony vinaigrette or a basket of warm garlic bread to soak up the last bits of the creamy tomato sauce. Roasted veggies or steamed broccoli also balance out the richness of the Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, try plating the Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe in shallow bowls with dramatic swirls of cream and a flourish of herbs. Or serve family-style, straight from the skillet at the table, for a comforting, rustic vibe that encourages everyone to dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftovers cool completely before transferring them into an airtight container. This dish will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it a great option for meal prepping lunches or enjoying an effortless dinner another night.
Freezing
To freeze, spoon the Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe into freezer-safe containers, leaving just a bit of room for expansion. It will stay delicious for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions slowly on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of beef broth or cream to loosen up the sauce if needed. Stir gently as it heats to maintain the delightfully creamy, saucy texture.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes, feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken if you want a lighter option. The result will be just as creamy and flavorful, though you may want to add an extra dash of Italian seasoning for a little more depth.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap out the orzo for your favorite gluten-free short pasta or a gluten-free orzo if you can find one. Just monitor the cooking time, as different pastas absorb liquid differently.
What vegetables can I add for extra nutrition?
Toss in fresh spinach, peas, or finely chopped zucchini toward the end of cooking. These veggies cook quickly and blend right into the sauce, adding color and nutrients without overwhelming the dish.
Is this Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe kid-friendly?
Definitely! Kids love the creamy texture and familiar flavors, especially if you skip or reduce the red pepper flakes. Serve with extra cheese on top for picky eaters.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Absolutely, just use a large enough pot and keep an eye on the liquid levels—adding a splash more broth or cream if it thickens too much. It’s a fantastic meal for feeding a hungry group!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for an easy, comforting meal that never fails to please, the Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe is a clear winner. Give it a try soon—you just might find yourself craving it on repeat!
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Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and hearty one-pot meal, this Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is a delicious combination of flavors. Tender orzo pasta cooked in a creamy tomato sauce with ground beef and Parmesan cheese, garnished with fresh herbs.
Ingredients
Ground Beef Orzo:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Tomato Cream Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups uncooked orzo pasta
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet, brown ground beef in olive oil.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Cook until fragrant.
- Make Tomato Cream Sauce: Stir in tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, broth, and cream. Add orzo and simmer until tender.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in Parmesan, season with salt and pepper, garnish with herbs, and serve hot.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Add spinach or peas for extra veggies.
- This dish reheats well for meal prep.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 590
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
