Delicious Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe
As the sun set, my kitchen lit up with a warm glow. It was time to make a comforting meal for my family. Ground beef, tender orzo, and rich tomato cream sauce are a perfect mix. This Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce recipe is ideal for quick, satisfying dinners on busy weeknights.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- This Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is a 30-minute, one-pot meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
- The recipe calls for lean ground beef, making it a budget-friendly and healthier option.
- The creamy tomato sauce adds a delightful richness to the dish, complementing the tender orzo pasta.
- This recipe is easily customizable, allowing you to add your own favorite ingredients or adjust the flavors to suit your family’s tastes.
- Leftover portions can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it a great meal-prep option.
Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce: The Perfect Weeknight Meal
This Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce recipe is a real winner for cozy, Italian-inspired meals. It’s a mix of classic spaghetti and meatballs in a one-pot dish. This makes it great for quick weeknight dinners.
Why This Recipe Works
The secret to this recipe’s charm is its mix of rich beef flavor and creamy tomato sauce. Using lean ground beef makes it tasty yet healthier. Orzo pasta and spices like Italian seasoning and garlic add a delightful touch, making it a hit with everyone.
Time-Saving Benefits
This beef pasta recipe cooks in just 30 minutes. It’s all made in one pot, which means less prep and cleanup. This makes it perfect for those short on time. It’s a great addition to any family’s quick and easy meals.
Family-Friendly Appeal
This recipe is loved by both kids and adults. Its comforting taste and easy customization make it a crowd-pleaser. It’s perfect as a main dish or part of a big family meal, becoming a favorite in no time.
“This recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights. The combination of hearty beef, creamy tomato sauce, and tender orzo pasta is simply irresistible.”
Essential Ingredients for Success
Making a tasty orzo dishes with creamy tomato cream sauce starts with the right ingredients. You’ll need lean ground beef, orzo pasta, and canned tomato sauce. Also, beef broth, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese are key. For extra flavor, add onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, and a bit of Worcestershire sauce.
Want to spice it up? Add red pepper flakes and fresh spinach leaves. These optional ingredients make your orzo dishes even better. They ensure a meal that everyone will love.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ground Beef (85/15 fat ratio) | 1 lb |
| Onion, chopped | 1/2 medium |
| Garlic, minced | 3 cloves |
| Orzo Pasta | 8 oz |
| Canned Tomato Sauce | 1 (14 oz) can |
| Beef Broth | 1 cup |
| Heavy Cream | 1/2 cup |
| Parmesan Cheese, grated | 1/2 cup |
| Italian Seasoning | 1 tsp |
| Worcestershire Sauce | 1 tbsp |
| Red Pepper Flakes (optional) | 1/4 tsp |
| Spinach, chopped (optional) | 1 cup |
With these ingredients, you’re set to make a delicious and budget-friendly tomato cream sauce for your orzo pasta. Prepare to wow your family and friends with this tasty dish!
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
To make the tasty Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce, you’ll need some key kitchen essentials and cooking tools. Let’s look at the must-have items for a smooth cooking experience.
Recommended Cookware
A big pot or Dutch oven is key for simmering the creamy tomato sauce and cooking the orzo pasta. A pot with a heavy bottom helps keep the heat even, stopping scorching or sticking. Also, a strong wooden spoon is great for stirring and getting the sauce off the bottom of the pot.
Essential Utensils
- Garlic press: Mincing garlic is easy with a good garlic press, making sure the flavor spreads evenly in the dish.
- Cheese grater: A Microplane or fine-toothed grater is perfect for finely grating Parmesan cheese. It adds a nice nutty and salty taste to the creamy sauce.
Measuring Tools
Getting the right amounts of each ingredient is key for the perfect flavor balance. Make sure you have a set of measuring cups and measuring spoons ready.
With the right kitchen essentials and cooking tools ready, you’re set to make a delicious Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce.
Preparing Your Ingredients
Having all your ingredients ready before cooking is key. This meal prep method helps you cook smoothly and avoid any hiccups. It makes the whole process more efficient.
Start by finely chopping a white onion and mincing three cloves of garlic. These will add a lot of flavor to your creamy tomato sauce. Next, measure out one cup of dry orzo pasta. Also, get ready 450g (1 lb) of lean ground beef, 13 oz (400g) of chopped tomatoes, 2 cups of beef broth, and 1 cup of heavy whipping cream.
Don’t forget to grate a generous amount of fresh Parmesan cheese. Freshly grated Parmesan is best. It melts well into the sauce, making it rich and creamy.
With all your ingredient preparation done, you’re set to cook your Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce.
“Preparation is the key to a successful and enjoyable cooking experience.”
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Making Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is easy and can be done in one skillet. Follow these steps to make a perfect meal every time.
Browning the Ground Beef
Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the ground beef. Cook the beef, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Then, drain any extra fat from the skillet.
Creating the Creamy Tomato Sauce
After browning the beef, add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until the onions are clear. Then, pour in the canned diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and heavy cream. Season with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring now and then. This will make the sauce creamy.
Cooking the Orzo to Perfection
While the sauce simmers, cook the orzo pasta as the package says. Drain the orzo and add it to the skillet with the sauce. Stir well to coat the pasta evenly. Let the flavors mix for a few minutes.
Lastly, sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top and adjust the seasoning. Serve the Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce hot. You can garnish with fresh basil or parsley if you like. This is a great one-pot cooking method for a quick weeknight meal!
Tips for the Perfect Creamy Consistency
Getting the right creamy texture for your pasta techniques can make a big difference. It turns a simple dish into a luxurious meal. Here are some expert tips to help you get that velvety texture in your Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce.
- Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer. Don’t let it boil too fast, as it can reduce too quickly before the orzo is done.
- Stir the sauce constantly as the orzo cooks. This mixes the pasta starches into the sauce, making it creamy like risotto.
- If the sauce gets too thick before the orzo is tender, add a bit of broth or extra cream. This keeps it creamy.
- After the orzo is cooked, let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes with the heat off. This lets the sauce thicken to perfection.
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Gentle Simmer | Maintain a gentle simmer to prevent rapid liquid reduction before the pasta is cooked. |
| Constant Stirring | Stir constantly to incorporate the pasta starches into the sauce for a risotto-like consistency. |
| Adjusting Liquid Levels | If needed, add more broth or cream to adjust the sauce’s thickness as the orzo cooks. |
| Resting the Dish | Let the dish rest covered after cooking to achieve the desired creamy consistency. |
By using these cooking tips and pasta techniques, you’ll get a creamy sauce that goes great with the orzo. It makes the dish truly indulgent.
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is a tasty dish that can be changed to fit your needs. You can make it healthier or use what you have on hand. It’s a great meal for families.
Dairy Alternatives
Want a lighter sauce? Try using half-and-half or evaporated milk instead of heavy cream. Or, go for unsweetened almond milk or cashew cream for a vegan option. This makes the dish good for those who can’t have dairy.
Protein Options
Ground beef is common, but you can try turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles. This makes it good for vegetarians or vegans. Just make sure the protein is cooked right.
Vegetable Add-ins
Adding fresh veggies makes the dish healthier. Spinach, bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms are great choices. Just cook them until they’re soft.
Feel free to adjust the spice level too. If you like it milder, skip the red pepper flakes. For more heat, add more flakes.
“Experimenting with recipe variations is a great way to make a dish your own and cater to your family’s unique tastes and dietary needs.”
By trying different ingredients, you can make Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce your own. It becomes a healthy, tasty meal that everyone will love.
Storage and Reheating Guidelines
Enjoying the delicious Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce doesn’t have to end with the last bite. Leftovers can be stored and reheated to savor the flavors again. Here’s how to properly store and reheat your dish:
To store any leftovers, simply transfer the Ground Beef Orzo to an airtight container. Refrigerate it for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or broth to restore the creamy consistency. Gently reheat the leftovers over low heat in a saucepan, or use short intervals in the microwave, stirring frequently.
Freezing this dish is not recommended, as the pasta’s texture may be affected. The food storage guidelines aim to preserve the delightful flavors and creamy texture you experienced when first preparing the Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce.
By following these simple storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy the convenience of leftovers. This way, you maintain the exceptional quality of this hearty and satisfying meal.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This creamy Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is a delightful dish. It pairs well with many sides and accompaniments. Serve it hot, topped with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil for extra flavor and beauty.
Pair it with a simple green salad or steamed veggies for a balanced meal. The creamy sauce and tender orzo pasta are a great base for a light contrast. Also, a crusty slice of bread is perfect for soaking up the sauce.
For a heartier meal, try it with roasted potatoes or garlic-infused mushrooms. The options are endless for creating tasty meal pairings with this versatile dish.
No matter how you serve it, this Ground Beef Orzo will please your taste buds and satisfy your family. Enjoy the savory ground beef, creamy tomato sauce, and al dente orzo in every bite.
Nutritional Information and Benefits
This Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce recipe is not just tasty. It’s also a nutritious meal. A single serving has about 518 calories, packed with nutritional facts and healthy eating benefits.
The dish has 44g of carbs, 20g of protein, and 29g of fat. It also has 16g of saturated fat. This mix of macronutrients makes for a filling meal. Plus, it’s a good source of vitamins A, C, Calcium, and Iron.
| Nutrition Fact | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 518 |
| Carbohydrates | 44g |
| Protein | 20g |
| Fat | 29g |
| Saturated Fat | 16g |
| Cholesterol | 65mg |
| Sodium | 673mg |
| Potassium | 345mg |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 6g |
| Vitamin A | 827IU |
| Vitamin C | 4mg |
| Calcium | 407mg |
| Iron | 1mg |
This creamy orzo dish is not just delicious. It’s also packed with nutrients. The lean ground beef, tomatoes, and creamy ingredients make for a satisfying meal. It’s perfect for a healthy eating lifestyle.
You can adjust the recipe to fit your dietary needs. Whether you need a comforting dinner or a nutritious meal, this recipe is a great choice.
Conclusion
The Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. It’s a delicious and comforting meal that everyone will love. The mix of savory ground beef, creamy tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked orzo makes it a satisfying dinner.
This recipe is also very versatile. You can add different vegetables or proteins to make it your own. Plus, you can prepare it ahead of time and freeze it for later. This makes it a great choice for meal planning and prep.
If you’re looking for a comfort food recipe or a quick and easy weeknight dinner, this is it. It’s a staple that will become a favorite in your home. Enjoy the rich flavors, the convenience, and the satisfaction of a homemade meal that’s good for you.
