Dreamy Ground Beef Orzo With Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe

Nestled in your kitchen, a ground beef orzo promises an irresistible culinary adventure that sparks comfort and excitement.

Savory aromas will soon dance through your home as tender meat mingles with delicate pasta.

Creamy tomato sauce weaves magic into every single bite, creating layers of rich, complex flavor.

Mediterranean influences shine through this simple yet sophisticated dish that feels both familiar and fresh.

Home cooks discover an effortless method to craft a meal that satisfies deeply and quickly.

Each forkful brings warmth and connection, transforming an ordinary evening into something memorable.

You’ll want to gather around the table and savor every delicious moment.

Why Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Stands Out

• Savor Speedy Comfort: This ground beef orzo dish delivers a hearty, satisfying meal that comes together quickly with minimal kitchen effort.
• Crowd-Pleasing Family Favorite: Packed with familiar flavors and textures, this recipe appeals to both kids and adults, making it perfect for family dinners.
• Customize with Ease: The versatile recipe allows simple ingredient swaps or additions like mushrooms, bell peppers, or different herbs to match your taste preferences.
• One-Skillet Wonder: Minimizes cleanup with a single pan cooking method, reducing dishes and saving precious time after meal preparation.

Ingredients for Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that adds rich flavor and substance to the dish.
• Orzo: A small pasta shape that provides a delightful texture and absorbs the creamy sauce perfectly.
• Tomato Sauce: The base that creates a classic, tangy foundation for the entire recipe.

• Onions, Garlic: These classic flavor boosters provide a deep, savory base for the dish.
• Salt, Pepper, Oregano, Basil: These seasonings enhance the overall taste profile with traditional Italian-inspired herbs and spices.

• Heavy Cream: Adds luxurious richness and creates a smooth, velvety sauce that coats the pasta and beef.
• Parmesan Cheese: A sharp, salty cheese that brings a delightful finishing touch to the dish.

• Olive Oil: Helps to sauté the aromatics and prevent sticking in the skillet.
• Fresh Parsley: Optional garnish that adds a pop of color and fresh herb flavor.

How to Prepare Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce

Step 1: Sizzle the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in diced onions and cook until they turn soft and see-through.

Add minced garlic and let it dance around for a minute, releasing its irresistible aroma.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Crumble ground beef into the skillet, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks.

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Dried oregano
• Dried basil

Cook until the beef is perfectly browned and no longer pink.

Step 3: Simmer the Sauce

Pour in tomato sauce and let it bubble gently for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to mingle and develop depth.

Step 4: Cook the Orzo

In a separate pot, boil salted water and cook orzo according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

Step 5: Create the Creamy Magic

Splash heavy cream into the beef mixture, stirring to create a luxurious sauce. Let it simmer and thicken for 3-4 minutes.

Step 6: Bring It All Together

Add the cooked orzo to the skillet, tossing everything until the pasta is completely coated with the creamy tomato sauce.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Optional: Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley.

Serve piping hot and enjoy your delicious creation!

Tips for Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter, healthier alternative that keeps the dish protein-packed.
• Control sauce thickness by adjusting cream quantity; less cream creates a thinner sauce, while more cream develops a richer, more luxurious texture.
• Use fresh herbs like basil or oregano instead of dried for a brighter, more vibrant flavor profile that elevates the entire dish.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, reheating gently with a splash of extra cream to restore sauce consistency and prevent drying out.
• Select a high-quality Parmesan cheese and grate it fresh for maximum flavor and better melting properties that enhance the overall taste of the meal.

Variations to Try with Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Sauce

• Vegetarian Orzo Delight: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms for a meat-free version.
• Mediterranean Lamb Variation: Swap ground beef with ground lamb, adding mint and cumin for a Middle Eastern flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free orzo or substitute with quinoa for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese.

Serving Suggestions for Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Sauce

• Cozy Family Dinner Delight: Serve this hearty ground beef orzo in large, deep bowls with a side of warm garlic bread for soaking up the creamy tomato sauce.
• Picnic Perfect Pasta Pack: Chill the dish and pack in portable containers for a delicious cold lunch option that's great for outdoor gatherings or work lunches.
• Mediterranean-Style Plate: Pair the orzo with a crisp Greek salad and a dollop of tzatziki on the side to enhance the Mediterranean flavors and add freshness to the meal.
• Quick Weeknight Comfort Meal: Top with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for added heat and depth, making it an instant family favorite that comes together in under 30 minutes.

How to Store Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Sauce

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer the orzo dish to a sealed glass or plastic container, ensuring it cools completely before refrigerating to prevent moisture buildup.
• Separate the dish into individual portions for easier reheating and to minimize repeated warming.
• When ready to reheat, choose between microwave or stovetop methods for best results.

FAQs

• Can I substitute ground beef with another protein?

Yes, you can easily replace ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based ground meat for a different protein option.

• Is this dish spicy?

The recipe as written is not spicy, but you can add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper if you want to increase the heat level.

• What makes orzo different from other pasta?

Orzo is a small, rice-shaped pasta that cooks quickly and has a unique texture that absorbs sauce well, making it perfect for one-pot dishes like this.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

Use lean ground beef, replace heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, and add extra vegetables like spinach or zucchini to boost nutritional value.

Easy Ground Beef Orzo With Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe

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4.7 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty ground beef orzo with tomato cream sauce delivers a comforting Mediterranean-inspired meal that brings rich flavors to your dinner table. Creamy textures and robust ingredients promise a satisfying culinary experience you’ll savor with each delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef

Pasta and Sauce Base:

• 1.5 cups (360 milliliters) orzo
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) tomato sauce
• 0.5 cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
• 0.5 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

Optional Garnishes:

• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat, creating a sizzling foundation for the dish.
2. Introduce diced onions and sauté until they become translucent and softened, approximately 3-4 minutes. Incorporate minced garlic and allow it to release its aromatic essence for 1 minute.
3. Introduce ground beef to the skillet, breaking it into crumbly pieces as it browns. Enhance the meat with a blend of salt, pepper, oregano, and basil, infusing deep, robust flavors.
4. Pour tomato sauce into the skillet, allowing the mixture to gently simmer and meld together for 5 minutes, developing a rich, savory base.
5. Simultaneously, prepare orzo in a pot of generously salted boiling water, following package timing guidelines. Once tender, drain and reserve.
6. Stream heavy cream into the skillet, stirring to create a luxurious, velvety sauce. Allow the mixture to reduce and thicken for 3-4 minutes, intensifying its creamy texture.
7. Fold the cooked orzo into the skillet, ensuring each pasta piece is lavishly coated with the tomato-cream sauce.
8. For an elegant finish, sprinkle grated Parmesan and fresh parsley, transforming the dish into a visually appealing and flavorful meal. Serve piping hot.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter, healthier alternative that keeps the dish protein-packed and delicious.
• Toast the orzo in olive oil before adding liquid to enhance its nutty flavor and give it a beautiful golden color that adds depth to the dish.
• Control sauce consistency by adjusting cream quantity – less cream creates a thicker sauce, while more makes it silkier and more luxurious for those who love extra creaminess.
• Fresh herbs like basil or thyme can elevate the flavor profile, offering a bright, aromatic finish that cuts through the richness of the cream sauce.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 545 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 21 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg