Creamy Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Sauce – Easy Weeknight Dinner
If you are looking for a simple and delicious dinner idea, this ground beef orzo with tomato cream sauce is a perfect choice. This recipe combines tender pasta, flavorful beef, and a rich sauce that everyone will enjoy.
It is easy to make and uses common ingredients you might already have in your kitchen. This one pot meal is great for busy weeknights and will quickly become a family favorite.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This ground beef orzo dish is both comforting and satisfying. The tomato cream sauce is smooth and flavorful, while the orzo pasta cooks right in the same pan, soaking up all the delicious tastes. Using ground beef makes it hearty and filling.
You can have this meal ready in about 30 minutes, which is ideal for evenings when you need something good without spending a lot of time cooking. It is also very flexible. You can add different herbs or vegetables based on what you like or have available.
Ingredients for Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce
Using fresh and good quality ingredients will make your dish taste even better. Here is what you will need.
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (you can use lean or regular)
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Herbs and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional for a little warmth)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Optional Add ins
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Red pepper flakes for a spicy kick
Equipment Needed
- Large skillet or Dutch oven with a lid
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
Step by Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make your ground beef orzo with tomato cream sauce.
Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it is browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
This should take about 5 to 7 minutes. Once cooked, drain any excess fat from the pan.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the beef. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it becomes fragrant.
Step 3: Add the Orzo and Seasonings
Stir in the uncooked orzo pasta, dried oregano, dried basil, paprika (if using), salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together so the orzo is coated with the flavors. Cook for one minute to lightly toast the orzo.
Step 4: Simmer with Liquids
Pour in the tomato sauce and beef broth. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Then, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let it cook for about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom.
Step 5: Finish with Cream
After 10 minutes, the orzo should be tender and most of the liquid absorbed. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the heavy cream.
If you are using optional add ins like spinach or Parmesan cheese, add them now and stir until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips for the Best Results
- Do not skip toasting the orzo. This quick step adds a nutty flavor and helps the pasta keep its shape.
- Use full fat heavy cream for the richest and creamiest sauce. For a lighter version, you can use half and half, but the sauce might be thinner.
- Let the dish sit for a few minutes after cooking. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly.
- If the orzo is not fully cooked after 10 minutes, add a little more broth or water and continue cooking until tender.
Serving Suggestions
This ground beef orzo is a complete meal on its own, but you can serve it with a simple side dish. Here are a few ideas.
- A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing.
- Garlic bread or crusty bread to soak up the extra sauce.
- Steamed green beans or roasted vegetables.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Place it in a freezer safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm it in a skillet over medium low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave it in a covered dish, stirring occasionally.
Variations and Substitutions
- Ground Meat: You can use ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage instead of beef.
- Pasta: If you do not have orzo, you can use other small pasta like ditalini or even rice. Adjust cooking time as needed.
- Dairy Free: Use coconut cream or a unsweetened plant based cream instead of heavy cream.
- Vegetable Boost: Add diced carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini with the onions for extra nutrition.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe gluten free?
Yes, use gluten free orzo or a similar gluten free pasta. Make sure your beef broth is also gluten free.
Why is my orzo mushy?
This can happen if you cook it too long or with too much liquid. Follow the cooking time closely and measure liquids accurately.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Yes, you can. Use three times the amount of fresh herbs since dried herbs are more concentrated. For example, use 1 tablespoon fresh oregano instead of 1 teaspoon dried.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove, adding a little liquid to refresh the sauce.
What can I use if I don’t have heavy cream?
You can use half and half, whole milk, or a milk and butter combination. The sauce will be less rich but still tasty.
Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce
A cozy one-pot dinner featuring tender orzo, savory ground beef, and a silky tomato cream sauce. Ready in about 30 minutes with simple pantry ingredients; perfect for busy weeknights and easy to customize with veggies, herbs, or a little heat.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef (lean or regular)
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Red pepper flakes, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook 5 to 7 minutes, breaking it up as it browns. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add chopped onion and cook 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in orzo, oregano, basil, paprika (if using), salt, and black pepper. Cook 1 minute to lightly toast the orzo.
- Pour in tomato sauce and beef broth. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until orzo is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
- Remove from heat and stir in heavy cream. If using spinach and/or Parmesan, add now and stir until spinach wilts and cheese melts.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. Garnish with parsley or extra Parmesan and serve hot.
- Let rest 2 to 3 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
Notes
- Toasting the orzo adds a subtle nutty flavor and helps it keep its shape.
- Use full-fat heavy cream for the richest texture. Half-and-half works for a lighter sauce (slightly thinner).
- If the orzo isn’t fully tender after 10 minutes, add a splash of broth or water and continue cooking until done.
- Make-ahead: Prepare up to 1 day in advance and reheat gently with a splash of broth or water.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving:Calories: 769Total Fat: 42gSaturated Fat: 17gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 20gCholesterol: 146mgSodium: 861mgCarbohydrates: 51gFiber: 3gSugar: 5gProtein: 44g
The nutrition information provided is an estimate calculated using an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for professional advice. Exact values may vary depending on ingredient brands, measurements, preparation methods, and portion sizes. For the most accurate results, please consult a registered dietitian or use your own preferred nutrition calculator.
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