Ground Beef Orzo With Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe
You're about to explore a dish that brings warmth and simplicity to the dinner table—Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce. Imagine a one-skillet meal where savory ground beef meets tender orzo, all enveloped in a luscious tomato cream sauce. It's a recipe that balances flavors with aromatic garlic, onions, and Italian seasoning. As the Parmesan cheese melts over the top, you'll find yourself anticipating how it pairs perfectly with a crisp side salad. Curious about how to bring this comforting meal together effortlessly on a busy weeknight? Let's get started.
Recipe
Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is a delightful dish that brings together savory ground beef, tender orzo pasta, and a creamy tomato sauce. This dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner, offering a balance of flavors and textures that everyone will love. The rich, velvety tomato cream sauce pairs beautifully with the hearty ground beef and the slight chewiness of the orzo, making for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Preparing this dish is straightforward and requires just a few simple steps. Start by sautéing onions and garlic to build a flavorful base, then add ground beef and cook until browned. The addition of canned diced tomatoes and heavy cream creates a luscious sauce that envelops the orzo pasta perfectly. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese adds a deliciously salty finish, making this dish a family favorite.
Ingredients:
- Ground beef
- Orzo pasta
- Canned diced tomatoes
- Heavy cream
- Onion
- Garlic
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Italian seasoning
- Grated Parmesan cheese
To cook Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
Stir in the canned diced tomatoes, heavy cream, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, allowing the mixture to simmer for about 10 minutes. Meanwhile, cook the orzo according to package instructions. Once the sauce has thickened slightly, toss the cooked orzo into the skillet, mixing until the pasta is well-coated with the sauce. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
For best results, drain any excess fat from the ground beef after browning to prevent the sauce from becoming greasy. Adjust the seasoning to your taste, and feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you prefer a bit of heat.
Garnish the dish with freshly chopped basil or parsley for added freshness. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and enjoy within a couple of days.
Cooking Steps
Ready to whip up some delicious Ground Beef Orzo? Start by heating a bit of olive oil in your trusty skillet, then toss in those onions and garlic, letting them sizzle until they're fragrant and translucent.
Once that's done, it's time to brown the ground beef thoroughly, simmer the tomatoes and cream together for a rich sauce, and finally, mix in the cooked orzo until everything is deliciously combined.
Step 1. Heat Oil in Skillet
Start by pouring a tablespoon of olive oil into a large skillet and set the heat to medium. You might think of this as the calm before the storm — a moment to gather your thoughts and prepare for the culinary magic that's about to ensue.
Watch as the oil warms, becoming the perfect shimmering canvas for the flavors you're about to introduce. Medium heat is your best friend here, ensuring that everything cooks evenly without any surprise burns.
While the oil heats up, it's a good idea to get your other ingredients ready. This might be the perfect time to shuffle over to your chopping board, do a little dance, and prep your onion and garlic.
But don't get too carried away; we're still focusing on the oil. Keep an eye on it, and wait for it to shimmer. That's your signal that the oil is ready for action.
A little tip: if you're not sure if the oil is hot enough, toss in a small piece of onion. If it sizzles and dances in the skillet, you're ready to move on to the next step.
Step 2. Sauté Onions and Garlic
Onions and garlic are the aromatic backbone of this dish, setting the stage for a flavorful adventure. Start by chopping a medium-sized onion and mincing a couple of garlic cloves. Don't worry about shedding a tear; it's all part of the cooking charm!
Once your prep work is done, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in your skillet over medium heat. When the oil shimmers, toss in the onions. Listen for that satisfying sizzle—it's like music to a cook's ears.
Stir the onions occasionally, letting them become translucent. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Patience is key here; you want them soft and golden, not burnt and bitter.
Now, it's time for the garlic to join the party. Add it to the skillet and stir for about a minute. You'll know it's ready when your kitchen smells amazing and the garlic is just starting to turn golden.
Be careful not to overcook the garlic, as it can quickly become overpoweringly bitter. Remember, this dynamic duo is meant to enhance the dish, not take over the show. You're now ready for the next step!
Step 3. Brown Ground Beef Thoroughly
Once your onions and garlic have released their aromatic magic, it's time to add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a wooden spoon, letting it mingle with the fragrant base.
As the beef cooks, aim for even browning—this is where the flavor party really kicks off. Don't rush; let the beef take its time, turning from pink to a delicious brown. You'll want to stir occasionally, ensuring it cooks evenly while breaking up any stubborn clumps.
While you're at it, keep an eye out for any excess fat pooling in the skillet. You don't want your sauce swimming in grease, so grab a spoon and carefully drain it off.
If you're feeling adventurous, you can toss in a pinch of salt and pepper, giving the beef an early boost of flavor. But don't worry, more seasoning fun is on the way!
Step 4. Simmer Tomatoes and Cream
With the beef browned to perfection, it's time to enrich the flavors with tomatoes and cream. Start by opening a can of diced tomatoes, and pour them into the skillet with the beef. Don't be shy with the juices—let them mingle and create a flavorful base. Stir gently to combine everything evenly.
As the tomatoes start to bubble, reduce the heat to a simmer. This allows the flavors to develop and the liquid to reduce, thickening the sauce.
Next, grab your heavy cream, and pour it in slowly while stirring. Watch as the sauce transforms into a beautiful, rich pink hue—kind of like magic, but tastier. Keep stirring to guarantee that the cream doesn't curdle. Add a generous pinch of salt, a sprinkle of black pepper, and some Italian seasoning. These spices elevate the sauce, making it irresistible.
Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes. This gives the tomatoes and cream ample time to blend and thicken into a luscious sauce. You might want to taste it—just a little—because who could resist? Adjust the seasoning if needed.
You've just created a tomato cream sauce masterpiece!
Step 5. Combine Orzo With Sauce
As the tomato cream sauce reaches its perfect thickness, it's time to bring the orzo into the mix. Imagine the sauce embracing each piece of orzo like a warm hug.
Drain your cooked orzo, but don't leave it lonely for too long—quickly transfer it into the skillet with the sauce. Use a spatula or a large spoon to gently fold the orzo into the sauce, ensuring that every bit is coated in that delicious, creamy goodness.
Keep stirring, but don't get too carried away dreaming about the meal to come. You want to make sure the orzo doesn't stick to the bottom, and that the flavors meld together beautifully.
If the sauce seems a bit too thick, don't panic! Just add a splash of the orzo cooking water to reach your desired consistency.
Once everything's well-mixed, give it a taste test. This is your moment—add a pinch more salt or a twist of black pepper if necessary.
When you're satisfied, sprinkle a generous handful of grated Parmesan cheese over the top, letting it melt into the dish. Serve it up hot, and watch as everyone digs in with delight!
Final Thoughts
To summarize, Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is a delightful dish that brings both flavor and comfort to your table.
It's one of those meals that makes you feel like a culinary genius without breaking a sweat. With its rich, velvety tomato cream sauce and tender bites of ground beef mixed with orzo, this dish is a surefire hit for any weeknight dinner.
Now, imagine the satisfaction of cooking something so tasty and knowing you've nailed it.
You've got yourself a recipe that's both forgiving and flexible. Want a little extra spice? Toss in some red pepper flakes. Craving more freshness? Top it off with a sprinkle of fresh basil.
The best part? It's all done in a single skillet, leaving you with fewer dishes to tackle later. Because who wants to wash more dishes, right?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Substitute Ground Turkey for Ground Beef in This Recipe?
You can definitely substitute ground turkey for ground beef in this recipe. Just remember to adjust the seasoning, as turkey tends to be leaner and milder. Keep an eye on cooking time to avoid dryness.
Is It Possible to Make This Dish Dairy-Free?
Yes, you can make this dish dairy-free. Substitute the heavy cream with a plant-based alternative like coconut milk or almond cream. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a cheesy flavor. Adjust seasonings to your taste!
How Can I Make This Dish Gluten-Free?
Substitute the orzo pasta with a gluten-free option like quinoa or rice. Confirm all other ingredients, especially seasonings and canned tomatoes, are certified gluten-free. This way, you'll enjoy the dish without worrying about gluten.
What Side Dishes Pair Well With Ground Beef Orzo?
Consider serving a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables to complement your dish. Garlic bread or a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette would add balance and freshness. Don't forget a crisp white wine for pairing!
Can I Use Fresh Tomatoes Instead of Canned Diced Tomatoes?
You can definitely use fresh tomatoes instead of canned ones. Just dice them and cook until they break down. This adds a fresher taste, but you might need to adjust the cooking time and seasoning. Enjoy!
