Ground Beef Orzo With Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe

If you're searching for a quick, delicious, and hearty meal that’s sure to please the whole family, look no further than this Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce recipe. With a perfect balance of flavors from seasoned ground beef, tender orzo, and a creamy, rich tomato sauce, this dish will become a regular in your meal rotation. Not only is this recipe easy to follow, but it also provides plenty of room for variations to suit your taste preferences. Read on to learn how to make this savory, comforting dish and discover tips to elevate it to the next level!

What is Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce?

Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is a one-pan dish combining seasoned ground beef, tender orzo pasta, and a creamy tomato sauce infused with aromatic herbs and spices. Orzo, which is a type of short-cut pasta shaped like large grains of rice, cooks directly in the tomato cream sauce, allowing it to absorb all the flavors. The ground beef adds protein and richness to the dish, while the tomato cream sauce creates a silky, slightly tangy coating that pulls everything together.

Ingredients List for Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce

To make this comforting dish, you'll need the following ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef (preferably lean)
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
• ½ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 cups chicken or beef broth
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped, for garnish

Ingredient List for Flavor Variations

While the basic recipe is incredibly flavorful, you can add or swap ingredients to suit your preferences. Here are some ideas:

• Ground turkey or chicken in place of ground beef for a leaner protein option.
• Pancetta or bacon can be added for a smoky depth of flavor.
• Vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers to increase the nutritional value.
• Crème fraîche or sour cream instead of heavy cream for a slightly tangier sauce.
• Fresh tomatoes (blended or chopped) can replace canned tomatoes for a fresher taste.
• Whole wheat orzo for a healthier, fiber-packed version.

Substitutions and Variations

This recipe is quite flexible, making it easy to adapt based on what you have in your kitchen or dietary restrictions.

• Vegetarian Option: Replace ground beef with lentils, tofu crumbles, or plant-based ground meat. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken or beef broth.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the orzo with a gluten-free pasta, quinoa, or even rice.
• Lighter Sauce: For a lighter cream sauce, substitute the heavy cream with a mix of Greek yogurt and milk. You’ll still get the creamy texture without as many calories.
• Spicy Twist: Add more crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to ramp up the heat.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s break down the cooking process for Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce into simple steps:

1. Cook the Ground Beef:
   Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks (about 6-8 minutes). Remove the cooked beef from the pan and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
   In the same pan, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the chopped onions for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
3. Add Tomato Ingredients:
   Stir in the tomato paste, allowing it to cook for 2 minutes to deepen its flavor. Then, add the crushed tomatoes and bring the mixture to a simmer.
4. Incorporate Cream and Spices:
   Pour in the heavy cream, and add the oregano, basil, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine, allowing the sauce to cook for a few minutes to thicken slightly.
5. Add Orzo and Broth:
   Add the uncooked orzo to the skillet, along with the broth. Stir everything together, ensuring the orzo is fully submerged in the liquid. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then cover the pan and cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. Return the Beef:
   Once the orzo is cooked and the sauce has thickened, return the browned ground beef to the skillet. Stir everything together and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
7. Final Touches:
   Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or herbs if needed. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of broth or cream to reach your desired consistency.

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

To make sure the recipe turns out perfect every time, here are a few key steps to follow closely:

• Searing the Beef: Make sure to properly brown the ground beef for a deeper flavor. Don’t overcrowd the pan, or it will steam instead of searing.
• Toasting the Tomato Paste: Cook the tomato paste for a couple of minutes before adding any liquid. This helps develop a richer flavor.
• Cooking Orzo in the Sauce: The orzo should cook directly in the tomato cream sauce, which allows it to soak up all the delicious flavors. Keep an eye on it and stir occasionally to avoid sticking.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overcooking the Orzo: Orzo can become mushy if overcooked. Keep a close eye on it, and test it for doneness a minute or two before the cooking time is up.
2. Skipping the Browning Step: Failing to brown the ground beef well will result in a lack of depth in the overall flavor.
3. Letting the Sauce Thicken Too Much: Since orzo absorbs a lot of liquid, the sauce can thicken too much if left unattended. If this happens, add more broth or cream to thin it out.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is a dish that combines comfort with elegance. To make the meal even more enjoyable, follow these presentation tips:

• Garnish Generously: A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley or basil will brighten up the dish visually and add a final touch of flavor.
• Serve in Bowls: This meal has a creamy consistency, so serving it in deep bowls allows for easy enjoyment and retains warmth better.
• Accompaniments: Serve with crusty garlic bread to mop up the delicious sauce, or pair it with a simple green salad to add some freshness to the meal.

How to Serve Ground Beef Orzo

• Family-Style Serving: Serve the entire dish in a large, shallow pan or a beautiful serving bowl and let everyone help themselves. This makes for a casual and cozy dining experience.
• Portion Plates: For a more formal presentation, portion out servings onto individual plates, using a ring mold for a neat and compact presentation.

Presentation Ideas for Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce

• Elegant Plating: Use a ring mold to shape the orzo on each plate, then top with a drizzle of extra cream and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
• Layered Presentation: Create layers with the orzo mixture and top with a spoonful of extra sauce for an appetizing look.

Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe Tips

• Make-Ahead: This dish can be made ahead of time. Simply store it in the refrigerator and reheat it with a little extra cream or broth to bring the sauce back to life.
• Freezing Option: Ground Beef Orzo freezes well. Store it in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Adding Vegetables: If adding vegetables like spinach or zucchini, stir them in during the last few minutes of cooking to prevent overcooking.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use a different type of pasta instead of orzo?
A: Yes, you can substitute orzo with other small pasta like ditalini or acini di pepe. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Q: How do I prevent the orzo from sticking to the pan?
A: Stir the orzo frequently as it cooks to prevent sticking. Using enough liquid and cooking at a gentle simmer also helps.

Q: Can I make this dish without cream?
A: Yes, if you prefer to skip the cream, you can make a tomato-based sauce by adding more crushed tomatoes or broth for a lighter version.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if necessary.

Conclusion

This Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce recipe is a comforting, flavorful, and simple-to-make dish that’s perfect for any weeknight dinner. The combination of ground beef, tender orzo, and a creamy, rich tomato sauce makes it a family favorite that can be tailored to your preferences with various substitutions and variations. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe offers both versatility and convenience. Try it today, and savor the deliciousness!

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