Ground Beef Orzo With Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe

If you're looking for a savory, hearty, and satisfying meal, this Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is a perfect choice. Combining the richness of ground beef with the creamy texture of a delicious tomato sauce and the tender chew of orzo pasta, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or looking for a comforting weeknight dinner, this recipe hits all the right notes. Read on to discover how to make this easy yet flavorful dish!

What is Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce?

Ground beef orzo with tomato cream sauce is a one-pan pasta dish that combines ground beef, tender orzo pasta, and a velvety tomato-based cream sauce. Orzo is a type of pasta that looks like rice but has the same chewy, al dente texture as any other pasta. When paired with ground beef and a rich tomato sauce, this dish is both comforting and delicious. It's easy to make, requires simple ingredients, and is perfect for those who love Italian-inspired flavors with a touch of creaminess.

Ingredients List for Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce

Before diving into the recipe, let's start with the basic ingredients you'll need to make this dish. All of these items are easy to find at any grocery store, making it a convenient option for a quick dinner.

Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) of ground beef – Provides a rich, meaty base for the dish.
• 1 ½ cups (300g) of orzo pasta – Orzo absorbs all the flavors and has a unique, chewy texture.
• 1 can (15 oz) of crushed tomatoes – Adds a tangy and savory flavor to the sauce.
• ½ cup heavy cream – Gives the sauce its creamy and rich texture.
• 1 small onion, diced – Adds sweetness and depth to the sauce.
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced – Brings a touch of pungent, aromatic flavor.
• 1 cup of beef broth or water – Helps to cook the orzo and adds more flavor.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil – For cooking the beef and vegetables.
• Salt and pepper to taste – Seasonings that enhance the overall flavor.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – A blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme.
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional) – For a little heat.
• Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish) – Adds a fresh, aromatic touch when serving.
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional) – To add an extra savory finish.

Substitutions and Variations

This recipe is incredibly versatile, so you can adjust it to your preferences or based on what you have on hand. Here are some popular substitutions and variations:

1. Protein Variations: Instead of ground beef, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage for a slightly different flavor profile. Vegetarian? Swap the beef for lentils or plant-based meat alternatives.
2. Pasta Substitutions: While orzo is ideal for this recipe, you can substitute it with other small pasta shapes like ditalini, small shells, or even quinoa for a gluten-free option.
3. Tomato Sauce Variations: If you don’t have crushed tomatoes, you can use diced tomatoes or tomato sauce. You could also add a tablespoon of tomato paste for a more concentrated flavor.
4. Cream Alternatives: If you want to lighten up the dish, swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk. For a dairy-free option, use coconut milk or a dairy-free cream substitute.
5. Spices and Herbs: Feel free to customize the seasoning. Add more crushed red pepper for heat or swap out the Italian seasoning for herbs like rosemary or thyme.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you've gathered your ingredients, it's time to start cooking! Follow these simple steps for a quick and easy meal.

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

• Begin by finely dicing the onion and mincing the garlic.
• Measure out all of your ingredients so you have everything on hand before you start cooking.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

• Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or deep pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the ground beef. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks, ensuring it browns evenly. Season the beef with a pinch of salt and pepper.
• Once the beef is browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes, remove it from the pan and set it aside, leaving any fat or oil in the pan.

Step 3: Sauté the Onion and Garlic

• In the same pan, add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning.

Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Seasoning

• Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir to combine. Add the Italian seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 5: Add Orzo and Broth

• Add the orzo pasta to the pan, stirring it into the tomato sauce. Pour in the beef broth (or water) and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover the pan with a lid and cook the orzo for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The orzo should be tender but still have a slight bite to it.

Step 6: Stir in Cream and Ground Beef

• Once the orzo is cooked, lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. The sauce should become creamy and slightly thickened. Return the cooked ground beef to the pan, stirring everything together until well combined. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to ensure the beef is heated through.

Step 7: Season and Garnish

• Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes as desired. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, if desired.

How to Cook Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce: A Step-by-Step Guide

This dish is quite straightforward, but let's review the key steps to ensure you get the best results:

1. Brown the beef properly: Make sure the ground beef is fully browned before removing it from the pan. This helps to develop a deep, savory flavor.
2. Sauté the aromatics: Cooking the onion and garlic in the beef fat adds extra flavor to the dish, so don't skip this step.
3. Cook the orzo in the sauce: Unlike some pasta dishes, the orzo is cooked directly in the tomato sauce, allowing it to absorb all the delicious flavors.
4. Don’t overcook the orzo: Check it frequently after the 10-minute mark to ensure it doesn’t get mushy.
5. Finish with cream: Adding the cream at the end creates a silky sauce without curdling, giving the dish a luxurious texture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Not draining excess fat: If your ground beef is very fatty, you may want to drain some of the grease to avoid an overly greasy dish.
2. Overcooking the orzo: Orzo cooks quickly, so keep an eye on it to avoid a mushy texture.
3. Not tasting the sauce: Always taste the sauce before serving to adjust the seasoning. A little more salt or pepper can make a big difference.
4. Adding cream too early: The cream should be added towards the end of cooking to avoid it breaking or curdling in the sauce.

Serving and Presentation Tips

When it comes to serving, presentation can elevate this simple dish. Here are a few tips to make your Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce look as good as it tastes:

How to Serve Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce

• Serve this dish in deep bowls to capture all the creamy sauce.
• Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a pop of color and freshness.
• A side of garlic bread or a simple green salad pairs perfectly with this hearty meal.

Presentation Ideas for Ground Beef Orzo

• You can serve the orzo in individual portions with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil on top for shine.
• Grate fresh Parmesan cheese over each serving for an extra touch of savory flavor.

Ground Beef Orzo Recipe Tips

• Make it ahead: This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated. The flavors develop even more after sitting for a day.
• Leftover-friendly: If you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze this dish for up to 3 months, though the cream may separate slightly when reheated. To remedy this, just stir in a bit more cream after reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make this dish gluten-free?
A: Yes, you can substitute the orzo with a gluten-free pasta or even quinoa.

Q: What other meats can I use?
A: Ground turkey, chicken, or sausage all work well in this recipe.

Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Yes, swap the heavy cream with a non-dairy alternative like coconut cream or almond milk.

Q: How can I add more vegetables to this dish?
A: You can stir in spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers to add more vegetables.

Conclusion

This Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is a versatile and comforting meal that can be easily customized to suit your preferences. Whether you're making it for a quick family dinner or meal prepping for the week, it’s sure to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen. The creamy tomato sauce, tender orzo, and flavorful ground beef make this dish a standout, while the ease of preparation makes it accessible for even the busiest weeknights. Try it today and enjoy a meal that's both delicious and satisfying!

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients and dive into this delectable dish!

Print