Ground Beef Orzo With Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe

If you're looking for a delicious and hearty weeknight meal that's both easy to make and packed with flavor, this Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce recipe is exactly what you need! Combining savory ground beef with tender orzo pasta and a rich, creamy tomato sauce, this dish is a one-pan wonder that's sure to satisfy. Perfect for busy evenings or when you're craving comfort food, this recipe is a winner every time. Keep reading for the full recipe, tips, and more!

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What Is Ground Beef Orzo With Tomato Cream Sauce?

Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is a savory, comforting dish that brings together the richness of ground beef, the creamy texture of a tomato-based sauce, and the chewy goodness of orzo pasta. Orzo is a rice-shaped pasta that absorbs flavors beautifully, making it an excellent choice for this dish. The tomato cream sauce is made by blending a tomato-based sauce with heavy cream, creating a silky, flavorful coating for the beef and orzo. It's a quick and simple dish that feels indulgent without requiring hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients List for Ground Beef Orzo With Tomato Cream Sauce

To make this flavorful dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Ground beef: 1 pound (85% lean works well to maintain flavor without too much grease).
• Orzo pasta: 1 cup.
• Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped.
• Garlic: 3 cloves, minced.
• Olive oil: 1 tablespoon, for sautéing.
• Crushed tomatoes: 1 can (15 oz).
• Tomato paste: 1 tablespoon.
• Heavy cream: ½ cup.
• Beef or chicken broth: 1 ½ cups, to cook the orzo.
• Italian seasoning: 1 teaspoon (or a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme).
• Red pepper flakes: ¼ teaspoon (optional, for a bit of heat).
• Parmesan cheese: ½ cup, grated (optional, for garnish).
• Salt and pepper: To taste.
• Fresh parsley or basil: Chopped, for garnish.

Ingredients List for Variations and Toppings

You can also customize your Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce by adding the following optional ingredients:

• Bell peppers: Chopped and sautéed with the onion for extra sweetness and texture.
• Spinach or kale: Stirred in at the end for added nutrition.
• Mushrooms: Sautéed with the beef for an earthy flavor.
• Mozzarella cheese: Melted on top for an extra cheesy touch.
• Pine nuts: Toasted and sprinkled on top for a crunchy finish.

Substitutions and Variations

This recipe is incredibly versatile, and you can easily make adjustments based on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences. Here are some great substitutions and variations to try:

• Meat alternatives: Use ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based meat substitute for a lighter or vegetarian version.
• Dairy-free option: Substitute coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative for the heavy cream.
• Gluten-free option: Swap the orzo for gluten-free pasta or even quinoa.
• Tomato alternatives: If you prefer a lighter tomato flavor, you can use a marinara sauce instead of crushed tomatoes, or substitute fresh tomatoes for a fresher taste.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Ready to whip up this delicious Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce? Follow these simple steps for a mouthwatering meal:

1. Cook the orzo: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the orzo according to the package instructions, typically around 8–10 minutes, until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Sauté the onions and garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, being careful not to burn the garlic.
3. Brown the ground beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
4. Add the tomatoes and tomato paste: Stir in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Stir in the cream: Reduce the heat to low, then slowly stir in the heavy cream. Let the sauce simmer for another 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
6. Combine the orzo: Add the cooked orzo to the skillet and stir to coat the pasta in the tomato cream sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up.
7. Season to taste: Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if desired.
8. Garnish and serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan and chopped parsley or basil, and serve hot.

How to Cook Ground Beef Orzo With Tomato Cream Sauce: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Prepare your ingredients: Have everything chopped, measured, and ready to go. This will make the cooking process much smoother.
2. Cook orzo separately: Orzo tends to absorb a lot of liquid, so cooking it separately prevents it from soaking up all the sauce.
3. Sauté onions and garlic: Take care not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
4. Brown the ground beef: Make sure to break the meat into small pieces to get an even cook.
5. Simmer the sauce: Let the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and cream cook together until the sauce reaches a silky consistency.
6. Combine and serve: Mix the orzo with the creamy tomato beef mixture for a perfectly integrated dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some common mistakes to watch out for when making Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce:

• Overcooking the orzo: Orzo cooks quickly and can become mushy if overcooked. Be sure to keep an eye on it and drain as soon as it's al dente.
• Not draining the beef: If your ground beef is too fatty, it can make the dish greasy. Drain any excess fat after browning the beef.
• Curdling the cream: Avoid adding the cream when the sauce is too hot. Lower the heat before stirring in the cream to prevent it from curdling.
• Forgetting to season: Don’t forget to taste and adjust seasoning as you go, especially at the end. This will ensure that your dish is well-balanced in flavor.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Presentation can elevate a simple dish like Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce into something restaurant-worthy. Here are some ideas:

• Serve in shallow bowls: This will help showcase the creamy orzo and beef mixture.
• Garnish generously: Top each serving with fresh herbs like parsley or basil, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
• Add a side of garlic bread: A warm, crusty slice of garlic bread pairs perfectly with this dish, allowing you to scoop up every last bit of the delicious sauce.

How to Serve Ground Beef Orzo With Tomato Cream Sauce

This dish is best served hot, right after cooking. You can serve it in individual bowls for an elegant presentation or family-style in a large serving dish. Add some fresh greens, like a simple side salad, or a crunchy garlic bread for a complete meal.

Presentation Ideas for Ground Beef Orzo With Tomato Cream Sauce

• Layered presentation: Spoon the orzo first into a shallow bowl and then top it with the beef and tomato cream mixture. Garnish with fresh herbs for a vibrant finish.
• Cheese pull effect: Melt a bit of mozzarella or Parmesan cheese on top and let it get nice and gooey for an enticing cheese pull.
• Rustic platter: Serve the entire dish in a large, rustic serving platter, garnished with fresh herbs, so that it looks inviting and ready for everyone to dig in.

Ground Beef Orzo With Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe Tips

• Don’t overcook the orzo: Since it will continue cooking a bit when mixed with the sauce, undercook it by a minute or two when boiling.
• Add fresh veggies: Feel free to toss in some spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms for added texture and nutrients.
• Make it ahead: You can make the sauce ahead of time and reheat it when ready to serve. Just cook the orzo fresh to avoid it becoming mushy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the tomato cream sauce and ground beef mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat it and cook the orzo fresh when you’re ready to serve.

Q: Can I freeze Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce?
A: While the sauce freezes well, the orzo may become mushy after freezing and thawing. It’s best to freeze the sauce and beef mixture separately and cook the orzo fresh when serving.

Q: What can I use instead of orzo?
A: If you don’t have orzo, you can substitute with other small pasta shapes like ditalini, small shells, or even couscous.

Q: Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
A: While you can substitute milk, the sauce won’t be as rich and creamy. For a similar texture, you could try half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream cheese.

Conclusion

Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is a simple yet luxurious dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. With its rich, creamy sauce, savory ground beef, and tender orzo, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. It’s versatile enough to adapt to your preferences and quick enough to make even on the busiest of nights. Now that you’ve got the full recipe and all the tips you need, it’s time to gather your ingredients and start cooking!

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