Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe

Introduction

Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is a hearty, comforting dish that brings together savory ground beef, tender orzo pasta, and a rich, velvety tomato cream sauce. This delicious one-pan meal is perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or meal prepping for the week ahead. The combination of ground beef and orzo in a creamy, slightly tangy tomato sauce creates a mouthwatering flavor profile that everyone will love.

With simple ingredients and quick cooking times, this recipe offers a convenient way to enjoy a flavorful, filling dinner without much effort. Whether you’re serving it to your family, guests, or simply enjoying a cozy meal at home, this dish is sure to satisfy both the belly and the soul.

Why You’ll Love Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce

• Comforting and Hearty: This dish is the perfect blend of savory ground beef, soft orzo, and a creamy tomato sauce, making it a satisfying meal that’s sure to please any palate.
• Easy to Make: With a simple, straightforward cooking process, you’ll have this meal on the table in no time. It’s ideal for both novice and experienced cooks.
• One-Pot Wonder: The recipe is made in one pan, making cleanup easy and ensuring that all the flavors meld together beautifully.
• Flavorful Sauce: The tomato cream sauce is rich and luscious, with a balance of sweetness from the tomatoes and richness from the cream, creating a flavor profile that’s perfect for pairing with the ground beef and orzo.
• Versatile: You can serve it as a main dish, add vegetables to make it even heartier, or even incorporate other proteins if you like. It’s an easy recipe to customize according to your tastes.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: Approximately 4-6 servings
• Calories per Serving: Around 450-500 calories per serving, depending on portion size and specific ingredients used.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 450-500 kcal
• Fat: 22-25g
• Carbohydrates: 40-45g
• Protein: 25-30g
• Fiber: 2-3g
• Sugar: 6-7g

Ingredients

For the Ground Beef Orzo:

• 1 lb ground beef (preferably lean)
• 1 ½ cups orzo pasta
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup beef broth (or chicken broth)
• 1 ½ cups diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

For the Tomato Cream Sauce:

• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Special Equipment

While making Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce doesn’t require specialized tools, there are a few pieces of equipment that will help streamline the process and ensure the best results:

1. Large Skillet or Dutch Oven: You’ll need a large skillet or Dutch oven to cook the ground beef and orzo, then combine everything with the creamy tomato sauce. A deep skillet or Dutch oven allows enough space to mix everything together and keep the dish flavorful without overcrowding.
2. Wooden Spoon or Spatula: A wooden spoon or spatula is perfect for stirring the ground beef and preventing it from sticking. It also helps to break up the beef as it cooks, ensuring an even texture.
3. Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key to achieving the perfect balance of flavors, so be sure to have measuring cups and spoons handy when adding ingredients.
4. Strainer or Sieve: You may need a strainer to drain the orzo pasta after cooking. This will help remove any excess water before combining it with the beef and sauce.
5. Grater: If you’re grating fresh Parmesan cheese for the sauce, a fine grater or box grater will help you achieve the perfect texture for melting into the sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Orzo

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo pasta and cook it according to the package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander, then set it aside. You can toss the orzo with a little olive oil to prevent it from sticking while you prepare the other components of the dish.

2. Brown the Ground Beef

While the orzo is cooking, heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet or Dutch oven. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes, until it softens and becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Next, add the ground beef to the pan. Break it up with a wooden spoon or spatula as it cooks. Cook the beef for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s browned and fully cooked through. Drain any excess fat if necessary.

Season the beef with dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir to combine.

3. Add Tomatoes and Beef Broth

Once the beef is browned and seasoned, stir in the diced tomatoes and tomato paste. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to soften and release their juices. This will help create a flavorful base for your sauce.

Add the beef broth to the skillet and stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, and cook for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

4. Prepare the Tomato Cream Sauce

While the beef and tomato mixture is simmering, it’s time to make the cream sauce. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, pour in the heavy cream (or half-and-half) and bring to a simmer. Allow it to cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.

Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. If the sauce tastes too acidic, add a teaspoon of sugar to balance the flavors. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Combine the Orzo and Beef Mixture

Once the tomato cream sauce is ready, add the cooked orzo to the skillet with the beef and tomato mixture. Stir everything together gently, making sure the orzo is well-coated with the sauce. Let the mixture simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the pasta to absorb the sauce.

6. Finish and Serve

Once everything is combined, taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or herbs as needed. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for added color and flavor.

Serve your Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce immediately, either as a stand-alone dish or paired with a side of garlic bread or a simple salad.

Tips for Perfect Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce

• Use Lean Ground Beef: Opt for lean or extra-lean ground beef to reduce the fat content of the dish. You can also substitute the beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• Season to Taste: Always taste your sauce and meat mixture as you go. Adding salt, pepper, and dried herbs can elevate the flavor significantly. If you want a little heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes.
• Add More Veggies: To increase the nutritional value of this dish, consider adding chopped spinach, bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to the beef mixture. These vegetables will add more texture and flavor to the dish.
• Use Homemade Broth: If you have homemade beef or chicken broth on hand, use it in place of store-bought. Homemade broth will add a depth of flavor that enhances the dish.
• Make it Lighter: To reduce calories, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or even Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier version of the cream sauce.
• Leftovers: This dish makes great leftovers! Store any unused portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave or warm it up on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream to bring back its creamy texture.

Variations of Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce

• Vegetarian Version: Skip the ground beef and instead use crumbled tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian alternative. You can also add extra vegetables like mushrooms or roasted eggplant for more flavor and texture.
• Cheesy Ground Beef Orzo: Stir in extra cheese, such as mozzarella or a blend of Italian cheeses, when mixing the orzo with the beef mixture for a cheesy, gooey version of this dish.
• Spicy Ground Beef Orzo: Add a chopped fresh chili or red pepper flakes to the ground beef mixture for a spicy kick. This pairs well with the creamy sauce and brings out a nice contrast in flavor.
• Greek-inspired Ground Beef Orzo: Add crumbled feta cheese and Kalamata olives to the dish to give it a Mediterranean twist. You can also substitute the Parmesan for a Greek cheese such as Kasseri or Kefalotyri.

Storage and Shelf Life

Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce stores well, making it great for meal prep or leftovers. After the dish has cooled, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, microwave the dish or warm it up on the stovetop, adding a little bit of broth or cream to restore its creamy texture.

This dish can also be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To freeze, place the leftovers in a freezer-safe container, ensuring the dish is well-covered. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before serving.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce

• Garlic Bread: A crispy slice of garlic bread makes for the perfect side to scoop up any remaining creamy sauce.
• Green Salad: Serve this dish with a refreshing green salad tossed with a simple vinaigrette. The acidity of the dressing complements the richness of the creamy orzo.
• Roasted Vegetables: Pair the dish with roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts for an extra dose of nutrients.
• Steamed Asparagus: Lightly steamed asparagus adds a touch of elegance and freshness to the meal while balancing out the richness of the orzo.

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Conclusion

Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is a wonderfully comforting and flavorful meal that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion. With its savory ground beef, tender orzo, and luscious tomato cream sauce, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you enjoy it with a side of vegetables or as a stand-alone dish, it’s a meal that delivers both satisfaction and comfort. Try it today, and you’ll see why this recipe is destined to be a staple in your dinner rotation!