Delicious Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce – A Cozy Weeknight Favorite

Introduction

If you’re craving a hearty, one-pan comfort meal that comes together quickly and delivers on both flavor and satisfaction, this Delicious Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is for you. It’s rich, creamy, and packed with savory ground beef, tender orzo pasta, and a velvety tomato-based sauce that coats every bite.

Inspired by Mediterranean and Italian-style skillet dinners, this dish is perfect for cozy family dinners or easy weeknight cooking. Orzo cooks directly in the sauce, soaking up the flavors while keeping cleanup minimal. Finished with a splash of cream and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan, this dish offers all the coziness of a baked pasta in a fraction of the time.

Ingredients Overview

Each ingredient in this dish adds a specific layer of flavor or texture, creating a well-balanced, craveable meal.

Ground Beef

• Flavor Base: Adds richness, savory depth, and protein.
• Fat Content: Use 85/15 for a juicy, flavorful result. Leaner beef (90/10) works too—just watch for dryness.
• Alternatives: Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat work well as substitutes.

Orzo Pasta

• A rice-shaped pasta that cooks quickly and absorbs sauce beautifully.
• Toasting orzo briefly in the pan before adding liquids enhances its nutty flavor.

Gluten-Free Option: Look for gluten-free orzo made from rice or corn flour.

Aromatics

• Onion & Garlic: A foundational duo for building a savory base.
• Sautéed until golden, they infuse the dish with comforting depth.

Tomato Sauce

• Canned Crushed Tomatoes: Provide rich body and slight acidity.
• You can also use tomato passata or a good-quality marinara.

Tip: Add a pinch of sugar or honey if your tomato sauce tastes overly acidic.

Cream

• Heavy Cream or Half-and-Half: Adds silkiness and rounds out the acidity of tomatoes.
• Stirred in at the end for a luscious, glossy finish.

Dairy-Free Option: Use unsweetened coconut milk or cashew cream.

Broth

• Beef or Chicken Broth: Used to cook the orzo and infuse the dish with extra savory notes.
• Low-sodium versions allow you to control salt levels better.

Parmesan Cheese

• Stirred in for umami and a slightly salty bite.
• Freshly grated works best for melting smoothly.

Herbs & Spices

• Italian Seasoning or Dried Oregano + Basil: Classic pairings with tomato-based sauces.
• Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For a gentle kick of heat.
• Fresh Parsley or Basil: Brightens the finished dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sauté the Ground Beef

• In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
• Add 1 lb of ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
• Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes (if using).
• Remove and set aside if you want to drain excess fat.

2. Cook the Aromatics

• In the same pan, add diced onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
• Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Toast the Orzo

• Add the dry orzo (1 cup) directly to the skillet and stir for 1–2 minutes to toast slightly. This boosts flavor and prevents sticking.

4. Deglaze and Add Sauce

• Pour in 2 cups of broth and 1 cup of crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce.
• Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan—this adds flavor!

5. Simmer the Orzo

• Return the cooked ground beef to the pan and stir everything together.
• Cover and simmer on medium-low heat for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• The orzo should be tender and most of the liquid absorbed.

6. Finish with Cream and Cheese

• Stir in ½ cup of heavy cream and ¼–½ cup grated Parmesan.
• Simmer for 2 more minutes until everything is thick and creamy.

7. Garnish and Serve

• Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley or basil.
• Serve immediately while hot and bubbly.

Tips, Variations & Substitutions

Tips for Success

• Stir occasionally while orzo cooks to prevent sticking.
• If it gets too thick before the orzo is done, add a splash of broth.
• Use a deep skillet with a lid to keep moisture even.

Flavor Variations

• Greek-Inspired: Add crumbled feta and a handful of chopped spinach.
• Spicy: Add harissa or more red pepper flakes to the tomato sauce.
• Cheesy Twist: Stir in shredded mozzarella or provolone for extra gooeyness.

Substitutions

• Pasta: Use small pasta shapes like ditalini or macaroni if orzo isn’t available.
• Protein: Try Italian sausage, ground lamb, or plant-based meat.
• Cream-Free Option: Leave out the cream and add a drizzle of olive oil and extra Parmesan.

Make It a Casserole

• Transfer the cooked mixture to a baking dish, top with cheese, and broil until bubbly and golden.

Serving Ideas & Occasions

This Ground Beef Orzo is a full meal on its own, but here are some delicious pairings and uses:

• Serve With: Garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette.
• Occasions:
  • Cozy family dinners
  • Meal prep for busy weeks
  • Casual entertaining with friends

It’s warm, creamy, and comforting—everything you want in a one-pan pasta dinner.

Nutritional & Health Notes

This dish delivers a balance of protein, carbs, and fats:

• Protein: Ground beef makes this dish filling and satiating.
• Carbohydrates: Orzo gives energy while creating a creamy texture.
• Fats: A combination of cream, cheese, and beef offers richness—feel free to lighten with substitutions if needed.

To reduce calories or fat:

• Use lean ground meat and half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
• Limit cheese or use nutritional yeast for a dairy-free cheesy flavor.

Add a serving of greens or a side salad to balance the richness and add fiber.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use rice instead of orzo?

A1: Yes, but it will change the texture and cooking time. Use a quick-cooking rice like jasmine, and monitor the liquid levels closely—rice absorbs more broth than orzo.

Q2: How can I make this dish ahead of time?

A2: You can fully cook the dish and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce before serving.

Q3: Does this freeze well?

A3: It freezes decently, though the texture of orzo may soften. Freeze in portions and reheat gently with added broth or water to restore creaminess.

Q4: Can I add vegetables?

A4: Absolutely! Stir in baby spinach, chopped kale, or frozen peas in the last 5 minutes of cooking. Roasted red peppers or mushrooms also work well.

Q5: Is this recipe kid-friendly?

A5: Yes! The creamy tomato sauce and cheesy texture are usually a hit with kids. You can skip the red pepper flakes if they’re sensitive to spice.

Q6: How do I keep the orzo from sticking to the pan?

A6: Stir frequently and make sure there’s enough liquid while it simmers. A nonstick or enameled pan works best for easy cleanup.

Q7: What’s the best broth to use?

A7: Beef broth deepens the flavor, but chicken broth is lighter and works just as well. For a vegetarian twist, use veggie broth and plant-based ground meat.

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