Dreamy Ground Beef Orzo With Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe

Hearty and comforting, this ground beef orzo with tomato cream sauce delivers a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Weeknight dinners reach new heights with this creamy, one-pan wonder that blends robust ground beef with silky pasta.

The tomato cream sauce wraps each tender orzo kernel in a luxurious embrace, creating a meal that feels both sophisticated and deeply satisfying.

Mediterranean influences shine through in this simple yet elegant dish that comes together in under 30 minutes.

Rich, velvety, and packed with savory notes, the recipe transforms humble ingredients into something extraordinary.

Smooth textures and bold flavors await you in this crowd-pleasing meal that promises to become a family favorite.

Savory Orzo Meets Creamy Tomato and Ground Beef

• Quicken Weeknight Dinners: Prepare a satisfying meal in just one skillet, minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavor with minimal kitchen effort.
• Boost Family Comfort: Ground beef and creamy tomato sauce create a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish that appeals to both kids and adults with its rich, familiar taste.
• Customize Your Meal: Easily adapt the recipe by adjusting spice levels, swapping herbs, or adding extra vegetables to suit personal preferences and dietary needs.
• Elevate Simple Ingredients: Transform basic pantry staples into a restaurant-quality meal that looks and tastes more sophisticated than its straightforward preparation suggests.

Must-Have Ingredients for Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that provides rich flavor and substance to the dish.
• Orzo: A small, rice-shaped pasta that creates a creamy and comforting texture.
• Crushed Tomatoes: Adds a bright, tangy base for the sauce and enhances the overall flavor profile.

• Onion, Garlic: Provide a foundational depth of flavor and aromatic base for the recipe.
• Salt, Pepper, Italian Seasoning, Red Pepper Flakes: Deliver layers of seasoning and a subtle kick of heat.

• Beef Broth: Creates moisture and intensifies the meaty flavor of the dish.
• Heavy Cream: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, velvety sauce.
• Olive Oil: Helps sauté the aromatics and prevents sticking.
• Fresh Basil or Parsley, Grated Parmesan: Offer fresh herbal notes and a salty, cheesy garnish to complete the dish.

Beef Orzo: Directions from Start to Finish

Step 1: Sizzle Aromatic Base

Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat.

Toss in diced onions and minced garlic, stirring and cooking until they become soft and release their enticing fragrance.

Step 2: Brown the Protein

Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it into small crumbles as it cooks.

Sprinkle with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning to enhance the meat’s flavor profile.

Step 3: Develop Rich Tomato Foundation

Once the beef is fully cooked and nicely browned, introduce crushed tomatoes and a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Let the mixture simmer, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify for about 5 minutes.

Step 4: Cook Pasta Directly in Sauce

Pour in beef broth and orzo pasta.

Stir consistently and cook until the orzo becomes tender and most of the liquid gets absorbed, creating a creamy, cohesive texture.

Step 5: Create Luxurious Cream Sauce

Gently stir in heavy cream and continue cooking for 2-3 minutes.

Watch as the sauce transforms, becoming thick and velvety, coating the pasta and meat beautifully.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped basil or parsley over the dish.

Add a generous dusting of grated Parmesan cheese.

Serve hot and enjoy the comforting, flavor-packed meal.

Pro Tips for Creamy, Flavorful Orzo

• Stir orzo frequently while cooking to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking together.
• Toast Italian seasoning with onions and garlic to enhance the herb's aromatic qualities before adding ground beef.
• Adjust liquid amounts gradually, adding more broth if orzo seems too dry during cooking process.
• Replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk for lighter or dairy-free alternatives that maintain creamy texture.
• Reduce or increase red pepper flakes based on personal heat preference, allowing customization for different taste sensitivities.

Different Styles for Beef Orzo Dinners

• Vegetarian Orzo Swap: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms for a meat-free version.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese.
• Spicy Mediterranean Kick: Add kalamata olives and swap red pepper flakes for harissa paste to enhance the Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Substitute orzo with cauliflower rice or gluten-free quinoa for those avoiding wheat-based pasta.

Suggestions for Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce

• Cozy Family Dinner Night: Serve this hearty dish with a warm crusty bread to soak up the delicious tomato cream sauce.
• Mediterranean Feast Platter: Pair with a crisp Greek salad and roasted vegetables for a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal.
• Comfort Food Combo: Add a side of garlic roasted broccoli or steamed green beans to balance the rich, creamy pasta.
• Wine Pairing Delight: Complement the robust flavors with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese for an elevated dining experience.

Best Ways to Store Beef Orzo Dishes

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer to freezer-safe containers, removing excess air. Freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Place in a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of beef broth or water to prevent drying. Cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.
• Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a little broth or cream to restore moisture. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and maintain creamy texture.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative that works perfectly in this recipe with the same cooking method and seasonings.

• Is this dish spicy?

The red pepper flakes add a mild heat, but you can reduce or omit them for a milder flavor, or increase for more spiciness.

• What type of orzo works best?

Regular white orzo is ideal, but whole wheat orzo can also be used for a more nutritious version of the dish.

• How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Substitute the orzo with gluten-free rice or a gluten-free pasta alternative to keep the same delicious flavor profile.

Ground Beef Orzo With Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe

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4.5 from 9 reviews

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

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Description

Savory ground beef orzo dances with rich tomato cream sauce, creating a Mediterranean-inspired comfort meal. Creamy, hearty pasta promises a delightful dinner that leaves you craving each delectable, flavor-packed bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (450 grams) ground beef
• 1 cup beef broth or water

Pasta and Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups (300 grams) orzo pasta
• 1 can (15 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish (Optional):

• Fresh basil or parsley
• Grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat, introducing diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté until translucent and aromatic, approximately 3-4 minutes.
2. Incorporate ground beef into the skillet, methodically crumbling the meat while cooking. Sprinkle Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper throughout the meat, ensuring even distribution and thorough browning.
3. When beef reaches a rich golden-brown color, pour in crushed tomatoes and red pepper flakes. Allow the mixture to gently simmer, developing robust flavors for 5 minutes.
4. Stream beef broth into the skillet, then add orzo pasta. Stir occasionally and cook until pasta becomes tender and liquid reduces significantly, about 8-10 minutes.
5. Introduce heavy cream, stirring continuously to create a luxurious, velvety sauce. Continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce reaches a desirable consistency.
6. Remove from heat and garnish generously with freshly chopped basil or parsley. Finish by sprinkling grated Parmesan cheese over the dish for an extra layer of richness.

Notes

• Customize heat levels by adjusting red pepper flakes for mild or spicy preferences.
• Choose lean ground beef (90/10) to reduce excess fat without compromising flavor.
• Swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half for lighter, healthier alternative.
• Toast orzo briefly in olive oil before adding liquid to enhance nutty undertones and prevent clumping.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 460 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg