If you’re on the hunt for a comforting yet quick weeknight dinner that brings a perfect balance of hearty and creamy, look no further than this Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe. The tender orzo cooked right in a luscious tomato cream sauce mingles beautifully with seasoned ground beef, creating a dish that feels both familiar and delightfully elevated. With each bite, you’ll savor rich tomato flavors softened by cream, subtle herbs, and a cheesy finish that turns simple ingredients into pure magic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these ingredients is as satisfying as the dish itself. Each component plays a starring role, from the robust ground beef that adds depth, to the orzo pasta that soaks up every bit of the creamy tomato sauce. Fresh herbs and parmesan cheese provide brightness and richness, making this recipe a reliable favorite in any kitchen.
- Olive oil: Ideal for browning the beef and sautéing onions to build a flavorful base.
- Ground beef: Brings heartiness and a meaty richness that anchors the dish.
- Yellow onion: Adds a sweet, mellow flavor that complements the beef perfectly.
- Garlic cloves: Infuse the sauce with aromatic warmth and depth.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that layers in classic Mediterranean notes.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For a subtle kick that awakens the palate.
- Tomato paste: Concentrates tomato flavor to give the sauce richness and color.
- Crushed tomatoes: Provide the juicy, tangy base that the cream will soften.
- Beef broth: Adds savory depth and helps the orzo cook perfectly in the sauce.
- Orzo pasta: Tiny, rice-shaped pasta that becomes tender and flavorful soaking in the sauce.
- Heavy cream: Transforms the tomato sauce into a silky, luscious coating for the orzo and beef.
- Grated parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
- Fresh basil or parsley: Provides a bright, herbaceous finish to the dish.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors perfectly.
How to Make Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Sauté Onions
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef along with diced yellow onion, breaking up the meat as you cook. Cooking until the beef is nicely browned and onions soften, about 5 minutes, lays down a flavorful foundation that’s key to the success of the Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe.
Step 2: Add Aromatics and Seasonings
Stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and if you like, crushed red pepper flakes. Let them cook together for about a minute, just until they become fragrant. This step infuses your dish with those classic Italian herb notes and a subtle warmth that makes the sauce so inviting.
Step 3: Incorporate Tomato Paste
Mix in the tomato paste and cook for another minute, stirring constantly. This step intensifies the tomato flavor, giving the sauce a rich, deep red hue and a concentrated tang that’s essential for an amazing tomato cream sauce.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Pour in crushed tomatoes and beef broth next, scraping up any browned bits from the pan—that’s where much of the flavor hides! Stir everything together to combine and prepare for the orzo to join in.
Step 5: Cook the Orzo
Add the uncooked orzo pasta directly into the skillet. Stir once to prevent sticking and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover the pan, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. This method lets the pasta soak up all that tomato and beef goodness.
Step 6: Finish with Cream and Cheese
Now for the creamy magic: stir in the heavy cream and grated parmesan cheese. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and become silky smooth. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed — this finishing touch turns the dish from comforting to sublime.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from heat, then sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley on top alongside a little extra parmesan cheese. This not only adds vibrant color but also a fresh burst of flavor that complements the creamy tomato sauce perfectly.
How to Serve Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
For serving, a sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or parsley adds that lovely pop of green and fresh herbal aroma. A generous dusting of parmesan cheese enhances the richness. You might also try a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little extra flair.
Side Dishes
This dish stands beautifully on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, consider something crisp and refreshing like a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or roasted garlic green beans. A crusty baguette is also perfect for sopping up every last bit of that delicious tomato cream sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe in individual ramekins for a cozy presentation or nestle a poached egg on top for brunch twists. For a family-style meal, garnish with extra fresh herbs right at the table to engage everyone in enjoying a colorful, cozy comfort dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate. This Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe keeps well for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy hearty homemade comfort food on busy days without extra work.
Freezing
Although the cream sauce can change texture slightly after freezing, you can freeze this dish for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for an easy make-ahead meal when time is tight.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much. Alternatively, the microwave works well—just cover loosely and heat in short intervals to keep the creamy sauce smooth and prevent drying out.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for ground beef. The flavor will be a little lighter, so you might want to add a bit more seasoning or a splash of balsamic vinegar to enhance the sauce.
Is orzo essential, or can I use another pasta?
Orzo’s small shape uniquely soaks up the sauce nicely, but you could use other small pasta like ditalini or small shells. Just adjust cooking time to match your pasta choice to avoid overcooking.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
You can! Simply omit the ground beef and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. Adding sautéed mushrooms can give you a lovely, earthy boost to mimic some of the meaty depth.
What’s the best way to make this recipe spicier?
Increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper while cooking garlic and seasonings. Fresh chopped jalapeño also works well for a brighter heat.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time for guests?
Yes! The Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe actually tastes even better the next day as flavors meld. Just reheat gently before serving and add fresh herbs at the last minute.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly heartwarming about a dish like Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe. It’s fast enough for a busy weeknight yet special enough to make everyone at the table feel cared for. With its creamy texture, rich flavors, and beautiful presentation, this recipe is definitely one you’ll want to bookmark and make again and again. Don’t wait to give it a try—you might just find your new favorite comfort meal.
Print
Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is a comforting and hearty skillet meal that combines savory ground beef, tender orzo pasta, and a rich tomato cream sauce infused with garlic, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner packed with flavor and creamy texture.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Seasonings and Sauces
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
Pasta and Dairy
- 1 cup orzo pasta (uncooked)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
Finishing Touches
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or parsley
- 3/4 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Brown the beef and soften onion: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook, breaking up the beef, until it’s browned and the onion is softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add aromatics and seasonings: Stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Incorporate tomato paste: Add the tomato paste to the skillet and cook for another minute, stirring well to combine with the beef mixture.
- Add tomatoes and broth: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Mix everything together thoroughly.
- Cook the orzo: Add the uncooked orzo pasta to the skillet. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Finish with cream and cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until the sauce is creamy and slightly thickened. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped fresh basil or parsley and extra Parmesan cheese before serving.
Notes
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the crushed red pepper flakes to taste.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
- Use vegetable broth for a lighter flavor or to make it suitable for different dietary needs.
- Orzo can sometimes clump; stirring occasionally helps prevent sticking.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
