Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is a rich and creamy one-skillet meal featuring savory ground beef, tender orzo pasta, and a luscious tomato cream sauce. This comforting dish is quick, easy, and perfect for weeknight 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:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Meanwhile, cook the orzo pasta according to package instructions in a separate pot. Drain and set aside.
- Once the beef mixture has simmered, reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Allow it to heat through for about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the cooked orzo to the skillet, stirring to combine everything well. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
Variations
- Substitute Ground Meat: You can swap out ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or pork to suit your preference. This will slightly change the flavor and texture, offering a lighter or richer version of the dish depending on your choice.
- Spice It Up: For a spicier kick, add ½ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes while sautéing the onion and garlic. This adds a delightful heat that balances well with the creaminess of the sauce.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the ground beef with diced mushrooms or a plant-based ground meat alternative. Mushrooms provide a meaty texture and umami flavor, making it a satisfying vegetarian meal.
Cooking Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef for a lighter option.
- For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of white wine before adding the tomatoes.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Serving Suggestions
- With Garlic Bread: Serve this creamy orzo dish with warm garlic bread for a perfect combination of rich, creamy pasta and crispy, buttery bread. The garlic bread also works great for scooping up any leftover sauce.
- With a Fresh Green Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette balances out the richness of the creamy orzo. It adds a refreshing contrast and keeps the meal from feeling too heavy.
- Wine Pairing: A glass of red wine, such as a light-bodied Pinot Noir or a medium-bodied Merlot, pairs wonderfully with this dish. The wine’s acidity cuts through the creaminess, enhancing the overall flavor experience.
Tips
- Use High-Quality Ground Beef: For the best flavor, opt for ground beef with an 80/20 fat ratio. The slight bit of fat enhances the dish’s richness without making it greasy.
- Don’t Overcook the Orzo: Keep an eye on the cooking time for the orzo to ensure it remains al dente. Overcooked orzo can become mushy when mixed with the sauce, affecting the dish’s overall texture.
- Garnish Generously: Fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese aren’t just for looks—they add a burst of fresh flavor and a salty kick that complements the creamy sauce perfectly. Don’t skip this final touch!
Prep Time:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Protein: 26 g
- Sodium: 560 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can make it ahead of time! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce as it tends to thicken when chilled. - Can I freeze this dish?
While it’s possible to freeze this dish, it’s best enjoyed fresh. Cream-based sauces can sometimes separate when thawed and reheated. If you choose to freeze it, make sure to let it cool completely and store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. - What can I use instead of heavy cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter alternative, you can use half-and-half or whole milk. To maintain creaminess, consider adding a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch to thicken the sauce. - How do I prevent the orzo from sticking?
Stir the orzo frequently while cooking, and once drained, toss it with a small drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking before adding it to the beef mixture.
Conclusion
Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is a delightful, hearty meal perfect for any night of the week. Its creamy texture, savory ground beef, and tangy tomato flavor come together beautifully in a single skillet, making it both easy and delicious. Whether you’re serving it with garlic bread or a fresh salad, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Give it a try and enjoy the comforting taste of a homemade classic!
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Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is a rich and creamy one-skillet meal featuring savory ground beef, tender orzo pasta, and a luscious tomato cream sauce. This comforting dish is quick, easy, and perfect for weeknight 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 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Meanwhile, cook the orzo pasta according to package instructions in a separate pot. Drain and set aside.
- Once the beef mixture has simmered, reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Allow it to heat through for about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the cooked orzo to the skillet, stirring to combine everything well. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef for a lighter option.
- For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of white wine before adding the tomatoes.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 560 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg