Irresistible Ground Beef Orzo With Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe

Creamy ground beef orzo dances with robust flavors in this Mediterranean-inspired comfort dish.

Weeknight dinners demand something special that satisfies without complicated preparations.

Hearty ingredients come together quickly, promising a meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Rich tomato cream sauce coats tender pasta, creating layers of deliciousness in every bite.

Home cooks appreciate how simple techniques yield restaurant-quality results.

Quick-cooking ingredients make this recipe perfect for busy schedules and hungry families.

You’ll fall in love with this satisfying blend of classic ingredients and modern culinary creativity.

Let’s uncover the magic behind this irresistible pasta experience.

Ground Beef Orzo With Tomato Cream Sauce – Pure Comfort

• Conquer Seasonal Baking: A delightful pumpkin roll that transforms ordinary ingredients into a stunning dessert, perfect for showcasing your baking skills with minimal professional experience.
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• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare this dessert in advance and store in the refrigerator, allowing stress-free entertaining and giving you more time to enjoy special moments with loved ones.

Must-Have Ingredients For Ground Beef Orzo With Sauce

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful meat that forms the base of this one-pan meal.

• Orzo: A small, rice-shaped pasta that absorbs the creamy tomato sauce perfectly.

• Tomato Sauce, Tomato Paste: Create a rich, deep tomato flavor foundation for the dish.
• Beef Broth: Adds depth and moisture to help cook the orzo and enhance overall taste.

• Heavy Cream: Provides a luxurious, velvety texture to the sauce.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings classic Mediterranean flavor.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Offers a subtle heat and spicy kick to the dish.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the other flavors.

• Onion, Garlic: Add a foundational layer of savory and aromatic notes to the recipe.

• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finish to the dish.
• Fresh Parsley, Fresh Basil: Provide a bright, fresh herb accent.

Directions For Creamy Ground Beef Orzo Dinner

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium flame. Crumble ground beef into the pan and cook until completely browned.

Drain away any excess fat to keep the dish light and clean.

Step 2: Awaken the Aromatics

Toss diced onions and minced garlic into the skillet.

Sauté until the vegetables become translucent and release their delightful fragrance, creating a flavor foundation for the dish.

Step 3: Build the Base

• Uncooked orzo
• Tomato sauce
• Tomato paste
• Beef broth

Stir everything together and bring to a gentle simmer.

Cook while occasionally stirring, allowing the orzo to absorb the liquid and become perfectly tender, which takes about 10-12 minutes.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Finale

• Heavy cream
• Italian seasoning
• Red pepper flakes
• Salt
• Black pepper

Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce transforms into a luscious, slightly thickened consistency.

Step 5: Serve With Flair

Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil.

Dish out immediately while steaming hot.

Pro Touches To Ground Beef Orzo With Sauce

• Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier dish.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting red pepper flakes for mild or spicy preferences.
• Quickly stir orzo while cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
• Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or milk for a lighter version of the sauce.
• Fresh herbs like basil or parsley add vibrant flavor and beautiful color to the finished dish.

Ground Beef Orzo – Fun Variations To Sample

• Mediterranean Magic: Replace ground beef with lamb, add kalamata olives, and swap Italian seasoning for dried oregano and mint.
• Spicy Southwest Sensation: Use ground turkey, mix in black beans, corn, and swap tomato sauce for salsa. Top with cilantro and sharp cheddar cheese.
• Veggie Comfort: Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles or finely chopped mushrooms. Include zucchini and spinach for extra nutrition and color.
• Creamy Seafood Fusion: Trade ground beef for cooked shrimp or crab meat, add a splash of white wine, and sprinkle with fresh dill instead of parsley.

What Pairs Best With Ground Beef Orzo Bowls

• Cozy Family Dinner Delight: Serve this hearty orzo dish directly in a large family-style serving bowl, letting everyone scoop their portion with warm, crusty garlic bread on the side.
• Elegant Plated Presentation: Carefully plate individual servings on shallow white plates, creating a slight swirl with the creamy sauce and sprinkling fresh herbs on top for a restaurant-quality look.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Lunch Bowl: Transform leftovers into a next-day lunch by adding crisp cucumber slices, crumbled feta cheese, and a drizzle of olive oil for a Mediterranean twist.
• Quick Weeknight Comfort Meal: Pair the orzo with a simple green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy texture of the main dish, creating a complete and satisfying meal.

Save Ground Beef Orzo With Sauce For Later

• Transfer leftover Ground Beef Orzo to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent odors from spreading.
• Pour cooled dish into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal completely, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label containers with date and contents for easy tracking.
• Thaw frozen orzo overnight in the refrigerator. Warm in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water to restore moisture. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative that works perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly and drain any excess fat.

• Is this dish spicy?

The recipe uses a small amount of red pepper flakes, which adds a mild heat. You can easily adjust the spiciness by adding more or less, or omitting them completely for a mild version.

• What kind of orzo should I use?

Any standard dried orzo pasta works well. Look for regular white or whole wheat orzo in the pasta section of your grocery store. Choose a good quality brand for the best texture.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the dish in advance and reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth or cream when reheating to help restore the sauce’s creamy consistency.

Ground Beef Orzo With Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe

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4.6 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Rich and comforting ground beef orzo with tomato cream sauce delivers a hearty Mediterranean-inspired meal. Simple ingredients and quick preparation make this dish perfect for weeknight dinners you’ll savor with family.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat)
• 1 cup uncooked orzo
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 cup beef broth (or chicken broth)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high temperature and thoroughly brown the ground beef, ensuring complete cooking and eliminating excess grease.
2. Introduce finely chopped onions and minced garlic into the skillet, sautéing until vegetables become translucent and release aromatic flavors.
3. Incorporate uncooked orzo, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and beef broth into the meat mixture, stirring to combine all ingredients evenly.
4. Reduce heat and allow the mixture to simmer gently, occasionally stirring to prevent orzo from sticking, until pasta reaches tender consistency (approximately 10-12 minutes).
5. Pour heavy cream into the skillet, blending with Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper, creating a luxurious and creamy texture.
6. Continue simmering for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and develop rich, complex flavors.
7. Remove from heat and generously sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil over the dish.
8. Transfer to serving plates immediately while maintaining optimal warmth and serve as a comforting, hearty meal.

Notes

• Drain beef thoroughly to prevent a greasy dish and ensure a cleaner, more appetizing texture.
• Use low-sodium beef broth to control salt levels and customize the seasoning to your taste preference.
• Swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half for a lighter, healthier version that still maintains creamy richness.
• Add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or zucchini to boost nutritional value and create a more colorful, balanced meal.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg