Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce

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Introduction:

Indulge in this savory and satisfying Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce! Tender ground beef and orzo pasta are simmered in a rich, creamy tomato sauce, creating a comforting one-pan meal that’s quick to prepare and full of flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)

Instructions:

  1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent.
  2. Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
  3. Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), heavy cream, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
  4. Add the orzo pasta to the skillet, stirring to combine. Cover and cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the sauce, stirring occasionally.
  5. Once the orzo is cooked, remove from heat and let it sit for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with grated Parmesan cheese on top.

Variation

  1. Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce while cooking the beef to give the dish a bold, spicy flavor. You can also use spicy Italian sausage instead of ground beef for an extra kick.
  2. Cheesy Twist: Stir in a cup of shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese just before serving to create a creamy, cheesy texture that complements the tomato cream sauce.
  3. Vegetable Boost: Incorporate diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini when sautéing the onions for added texture and nutrition. This variation makes the dish more colorful and hearty.

Cooking Notes

  • For added flavor, use fire-roasted diced tomatoes or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
  • Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
  • Serve with a side of garlic bread and a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Serving Suggestions

  1. Garnish Generously: Top each serving with freshly chopped parsley and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese to add a burst of freshness and flavor. The herbs brighten up the rich, creamy sauce.
  2. Side of Garlic Bread: Serve with warm garlic bread or buttery dinner rolls to soak up the creamy tomato sauce. A crusty bread works great for adding texture to the meal.
  3. Fresh Green Salad: Pair this hearty dish with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the sauce. The acidity from the dressing complements the creamy texture and rounds out the meal.

Tips

  1. Cook Orzo to Perfection: Orzo cooks quickly and can become mushy if overcooked. Keep an eye on it and test for doneness a minute or two before the suggested time. You want it to be tender yet firm to the bite (al dente).
  2. Adjust Creaminess: If the sauce becomes too thick after cooking, stir in a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up without compromising the flavor.
  3. Add Depth of Flavor: A splash of balsamic vinegar or a dash of Worcestershire sauce added during the simmering process can enhance the savory depth of the tomato cream sauce.

Prep Time

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 480 kcal
  • Protein: 24 g
  • Sodium: 720 mg

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can I use a different pasta instead of orzo?
    Yes, you can substitute orzo with small pasta shapes like ditalini, macaroni, or even rice if you prefer. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different pastas may take longer to cook.

  2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
    Absolutely! This dish reheats well. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to loosen up the sauce.

  3. How can I make this dish lighter?
    To reduce calories and fat, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, and swap heavy cream for half-and-half or a light cream. You can also use whole-wheat orzo to add more fiber.

  4. Can I freeze this dish?
    Yes, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop with a little extra cream or broth to revive the sauce.

Conclusion

Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is a hearty and flavorful one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With its rich tomato cream sauce, tender orzo, and savory beef, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you add a spicy twist or make it cheesy, this dish is incredibly versatile and satisfying. Try it tonight and enjoy comfort food at its best!

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Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce

  • Author: Avery
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in this savory and satisfying Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce! Tender ground beef and orzo pasta are simmered in a rich, creamy tomato sauce, creating a comforting one-pan meal that’s quick to prepare and full of flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)

Instructions

  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent.
  • Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
  • Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), heavy cream, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
  • Add the orzo pasta to the skillet, stirring to combine. Cover and cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the sauce, stirring occasionally.
  • Once the orzo is cooked, remove from heat and let it sit for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with grated Parmesan cheese on top.

Notes

  • For added flavor, use fire-roasted diced tomatoes or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
  • Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
  • Serve with a side of garlic bread and a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 480 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 720 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 24 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg

Keywords: Ground Beef Orzo, Tomato Cream Sauce, One-Pan Dinner, Comfort Food, Easy Weeknight Meal

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