Ground Beef Orzo With Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe

Craving a hearty, flavorful, and satisfying meal that you can whip up in under an hour? This Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce recipe will surely hit the spot. Combining tender orzo pasta, rich ground beef, and a luscious tomato cream sauce, this dish is comfort food at its finest. Keep reading for the full recipe, step-by-step instructions, and tips to perfect this delicious meal!

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What is "Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce"?

"Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce" is a delightful one-pan meal featuring orzo, a small rice-shaped pasta, cooked with seasoned ground beef in a velvety tomato cream sauce. The combination of pasta, beef, and a creamy sauce brings both richness and freshness, making it perfect for family dinners or when you're entertaining guests. The best part? It’s easy to prepare, comforting, and adaptable to your taste preferences!

Ingredients List for Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce

Before diving into the cooking process, gather these essential ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef – Choose lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10) for the right balance of flavor and minimal grease.
• 1 cup orzo pasta – Orzo is a small pasta that resembles rice and cooks quickly, making it ideal for this dish.
• 1 small onion, diced – Onions provide a sweet, savory flavor that complements the beef.
• 2-3 garlic cloves, minced – Fresh garlic brings out an aromatic depth in the sauce.
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes – A can of diced tomatoes forms the base of your tomato sauce, adding freshness and texture.
• ¼ cup tomato paste – Tomato paste intensifies the tomato flavor and gives the sauce a deep, rich color.
• 1 cup heavy cream – Cream adds a luxurious texture and balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil – Olive oil is used to sauté the onions and garlic while adding a slight richness to the dish.
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional) – For a bit of heat, add some crushed red pepper.
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano – Oregano complements the tomato sauce with an earthy, herbaceous flavor.
• Salt and black pepper, to taste – Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
• ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese – Parmesan adds a nutty, savory finish.
• Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish – Optional, but it gives a pop of color and freshness.

Substitutions and Variations

• Ground turkey or chicken can be used in place of ground beef for a lighter alternative.
• Vegetarian option: Swap out the ground beef for plant-based meat alternatives or hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant.
• Whole-wheat orzo can be used for a healthier twist on the classic orzo.
• If you're dairy-free, substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a plant-based cream.
• Add more vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or peas for added color and nutrition.
• Want more spice? Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a splash of hot sauce.

These variations help tailor the dish to dietary preferences or make it more nutrient-dense while keeping the base of the recipe intact.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Before you start cooking, have everything ready and prepped. Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and measure out all your ingredients to streamline the cooking process.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet, heat one tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook it until it is browned and fully cooked, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Season with salt and pepper. Once the beef is browned, transfer it to a plate and drain any excess fat if necessary.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil if needed, and sauté the diced onions for about 4-5 minutes until they become soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

Step 4: Build the Tomato Cream Sauce

Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes to caramelize it slightly, enhancing its deep, sweet flavor. Add the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and dried oregano to the pan. Let this mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can lightly blend the mixture using an immersion blender at this stage.

Step 5: Cook the Orzo

While the tomato sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the orzo according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until it’s al dente. Drain the orzo and set it aside.

Step 6: Add the Cream and Combine

Once the sauce has thickened slightly, stir in the heavy cream and allow it to simmer for another 3-5 minutes. Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Now, return the cooked ground beef to the pan and stir to combine.

Step 7: Mix in the Orzo

Add the cooked orzo to the skillet and stir until everything is well combined and heated through. If the sauce is too thick, you can loosen it by adding a splash of pasta water or broth.

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

Here’s a simplified version of the steps:

1. Brown ground beef in a skillet and set it aside.
2. Sauté onions and garlic in olive oil until softened.
3. Add tomato paste, diced tomatoes, and herbs. Let simmer.
4. Stir in heavy cream and return ground beef to the skillet.
5. Cook orzo separately, then add it to the sauce.
6. Combine everything and adjust seasoning before serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the orzo: Orzo cooks quickly, so be sure to follow the package directions and cook it until al dente. Overcooking will lead to a mushy texture.
• Not draining excess fat from the beef: If using beef with a higher fat content, be sure to drain the excess grease to prevent the dish from being overly oily.
• Forgetting to season each layer: Be sure to season the ground beef, the sauce, and the final dish. Each layer of seasoning will build a more flavorful final product.
• Using low-fat cream substitutes: Low-fat creams may curdle or not provide the same richness to the sauce. Stick with heavy cream or a reliable dairy-free alternative.

Serving and Presentation Tips

When it comes to serving Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce, presentation plays an important role in making your dish even more appetizing.

How to Serve Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce

• Serve this dish hot, directly from the skillet to the plate.
• Accompany the dish with a fresh side salad for a balanced meal.
• A loaf of crusty bread or garlic bread pairs perfectly to help soak up the creamy sauce.
• Top the pasta with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped basil or parsley for a fresh burst of flavor.

Presentation Ideas for Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce

• Use a wide, shallow pasta bowl to serve this dish. The wide surface allows the sauce and pasta to spread out, showcasing the orzo and beef.
• Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan over the top and add a sprig of basil for a restaurant-quality presentation.
• For an elegant touch, drizzle a small amount of olive oil over the finished dish.

Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe Tips

• Make it ahead: This dish stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a little water or broth to loosen the sauce.
• Freeze leftovers: You can freeze this dish in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Adjust thickness: If the sauce becomes too thick, thin it out with reserved pasta water or a splash of broth.
• Herb swap: Feel free to swap oregano for thyme or basil if you prefer a different flavor profile.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use another type of pasta?
Yes, while orzo is ideal for this dish, you can substitute it with small pasta shapes like ditalini or elbow macaroni.

Is this dish spicy?
It’s mildly spicy due to the red pepper flakes. You can omit them if you prefer a non-spicy version.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, just substitute the orzo with gluten-free pasta orzo.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.

Conclusion

This Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is a versatile, hearty, and easy-to-make dish that's perfect for any occasion. With tender pasta, rich beef, and a creamy tomato sauce, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you follow the classic recipe or make your own twists, this dish is comforting and delicious. Don't forget to share it with friends and family or enjoy it as leftovers the next day!

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