Hearty Ground Beef Orzo in Silky Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe

When simmering ground beef orzo, culinary magic happens right in your kitchen.

Fragrant herbs dance through a luxurious tomato cream sauce, creating comfort on a plate.

Creamy textures blend with hearty meat and tender pasta shapes.

Simple ingredients come together effortlessly for a meal that feels both sophisticated and familiar.

Mediterranean-inspired flavors promise a delightful dining experience without complicated techniques.

Each forkful carries rich, robust notes that transport you to a cozy trattoria.

This recipe will become your new weeknight dinner champion.

Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Summary

• Savor Creamy Comfort: Indulge in a rich, velvety sauce that wraps tender orzo and juicy ground beef in pure deliciousness. The combination of crushed tomatoes and heavy cream creates a luxurious texture that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: Prepare a restaurant-worthy meal in just one skillet with minimal prep work. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering dish that comes together faster than ordering takeout.
• Family-Pleasing Perfection: Packed with familiar flavors and hearty ingredients, this meal satisfies everyone from picky kids to hungry adults. The Italian seasoning adds a subtle depth that makes each bite more exciting than the last.

Ingredients for Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful meat that forms the main protein of the dish.

• Onion, Garlic: Provide a rich, savory foundation and depth of flavor to the recipe.
• Salt, Black Pepper, Italian Seasoning: Essential spices that enhance the overall taste profile of the dish.

• Orzo: A small, rice-shaped pasta that absorbs the creamy tomato sauce beautifully.
• Crushed Tomatoes: Create a vibrant and tangy base for the sauce.
• Beef Broth: Adds rich, meaty undertones to the overall flavor.
• Heavy Cream: Brings a luxurious, smooth texture to the sauce.

• Fresh Basil: A bright, aromatic herb that adds a fresh garnish to the completed dish.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the aromatics and creating a smooth cooking base.

How to Prepare Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce

Step 1: Warm Up the Skillet

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in diced onion and cook until the onions become soft and translucent.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until it turns a rich brown color. Break up the meat as it cooks using a wooden spoon or spatula.

Sprinkle in salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to enhance the flavor.

Step 3: Awaken the Garlic

Introduce minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about a minute, letting its aromatic essence fill the kitchen.

Step 4: Build the Creamy Tomato Base

• Orzo
• Crushed tomatoes
• Beef broth
• Heavy cream

Stir everything together until well mixed.

Step 5: Simmer to Perfection

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Cover the skillet and let it cook for 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

The orzo should become tender, and the sauce should thicken to a creamy consistency.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh basil leaves over the top of the dish.

Serve the orzo hot, straight from the skillet, for maximum flavor and comfort.

Tips for Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce

• Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and create a cleaner, lighter sauce.
• Rinse orzo briefly before cooking to remove extra starch and prevent clumping in the dish.
• Adjust liquid quantities if using different pasta shapes to ensure perfect consistency and prevent dryness.
• Add grated parmesan cheese at the end for extra depth and richness in flavor.
• Consider using plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian version that maintains the same creamy texture and taste profile.

Flavor Variations for Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce

• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a meat-free version that maintains the dish's hearty texture.
• Mediterranean Remix: Substitute orzo with quinoa and add feta cheese, kalamata olives, and spinach for a Greek-inspired variation.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Use cauliflower rice instead of orzo to create a lighter, keto-friendly option that keeps the creamy tomato sauce's rich flavor.
• Spicy Southwest Style: Swap Italian seasoning for taco seasoning, add diced green chilies, and top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty southwestern spin.

Serving Suggestions for Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce

• Family Dinner Delight: Serve this hearty pasta dish as a comforting main course with a crisp green salad and warm garlic bread on the side.
• Potluck Powerhouse: Transport this creamy orzo in a large covered dish to your next gathering, where it'll become an instant crowd-pleaser that everyone will request the recipe.
• Leftover Magic Transformation: Reheat the next day and top with a sprinkle of fresh parmesan cheese, or fold in some additional vegetables like spinach or zucchini for a quick lunch upgrade that feels like a brand new meal.
• Quick Weeknight Meal Companion: Pair with a simple roasted vegetable side like broccoli or asparagus to create a complete, satisfying dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes.

Storage Tips for Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to maintain food safety.
• Store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, keeping the dish sealed tightly to prevent moisture loss.
• Cover the container with plastic wrap or a lid to prevent odors from absorbing into the food.
• Prevent bacterial growth by cooling the dish completely before storing in the fridge.

FAQs

• Is orzo different from other pasta?

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

• Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a different flavor profile.

• What if I don't have Italian seasoning?

You can create a simple mix of dried oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary to replace Italian seasoning in the recipe.

• How can I make this dish spicier?

Add red pepper flakes, a dash of cayenne, or some chopped jalapeños during cooking to increase the heat level to your preference.

Quick Ground Beef Orzo With Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe

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4.6 from 20 reviews

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

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Description

Hearty ground beef orzo with tomato cream sauce blends Mediterranean comfort with rich, creamy flavors. Home cooks can savor this simple yet elegant pasta dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to dinner tables.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef

Pasta and Starches:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) orzo pasta

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 1 can (14.5 ounces or 411 grams) crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) beef broth
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat, gently sautéing diced onions until they become translucent and soft.
2. Introduce ground beef to the skillet, breaking it into crumbly pieces while browning thoroughly. Enhance with a blend of salt, pepper, and aromatic Italian seasoning.
3. Infuse the mixture with minced garlic, allowing its pungent essence to permeate the meat for approximately one minute.
4. Incorporate orzo, crushed tomatoes, robust beef broth, and luxurious heavy cream, stirring comprehensively to create a harmonious blend.
5. Allow the mixture to reach a gentle simmer, then cover and let it cook for 10-12 minutes at medium-low heat, occasionally stirring to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
6. Once the orzo reaches a tender consistency and the sauce develops a rich, creamy thickness, remove from heat.
7. Sprinkle freshly torn basil leaves across the surface as a vibrant, aromatic finishing touch, then serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a lighter dish for health-conscious eaters.
• Swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk for a lower-calorie or dairy-free alternative that maintains creamy texture.
• Toast orzo in olive oil before adding liquid to enhance its nutty flavor and prevent clumping during cooking.
• Add a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar for deeper, more complex flavor profile that elevates the entire dish.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 480 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg