Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe

If you’re looking for a comforting, flavorful dish that combines rich textures and vibrant flavors, the Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe is an absolute winner. This dish brings together tender ground beef, delicate orzo pasta, and a luscious tomato cream sauce that feels both hearty and elegant. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special meal you want to impress with, this recipe offers a perfect balance of savory, creamy, and fresh elements, making every bite utterly irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple yet essential—they each play an important role in creating the perfect blend of flavors, textures, and colors that make this dish shine.

• Ground beef (1 pound): Provides hearty protein and a rich, savory foundation for the sauce.
• Orzo pasta (1 cup): A tiny, rice-shaped pasta that cooks quickly and soaks up the sauce beautifully.
• Onion, diced (1 medium): Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed.
• Garlic, minced (3 cloves): Brings aromatic warmth and flavor complexity.
• Crushed tomatoes (1 can, 15 ounces): The vibrant base of the sauce, balancing acidity with natural sweetness.
• Heavy cream (1 cup): Creates that luscious, velvety texture that turns a tomato sauce into a creamy delight.
• Dried basil (1 teaspoon): Infuses subtle herbal notes that pair beautifully with tomatoes.
• Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): Adds classic Italian seasoning depth without overpowering.
• Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances and brightens all the flavors.
• Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds a mild kick and complexity.
• Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Used for sautéing to add richness and help cook the aromatics gently.
• Grated Parmesan cheese (1 cup): Adds umami and a creamy, cheesy finish.
• Fresh basil leaves (optional): For garnish that brings freshness and beautiful color.

How to Make Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Begin by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. This creates a flavorful base and ensures your aromatics soften without burning.

Step 2: Cook the Onions

Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent. This step builds sweetness and softens the onion, which melds into the sauce seamlessly.

Step 3: Add the Garlic

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant. Garlic is a subtle kicker that makes the sauce instantly more inviting.

Step 4: Brown the Ground Beef

Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with your spoon. Season with salt and black pepper. Cook until browned, roughly 6 to 8 minutes, making sure no pink remains. The beef forms the hearty centerpiece of the dish.

Step 5: Build the Tomato Sauce

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and add dried basil and oregano. Stir to combine and let this simmer for about 10 minutes so the flavors deepen and marry beautifully.

Step 6: Cook the Orzo Pasta

While the sauce simmers, boil salted water in a separate pot. Cook the orzo according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain and keep ready to add into the sauce.

Step 7: Enrich the Sauce with Cream

Slowly stir in the heavy cream, then let the sauce simmer for another 5 minutes to thicken slightly. The cream transforms the tomato sauce into a silky, dreamy coating for the pasta and beef.

Step 8: Combine Orzo and Sauce

Add the cooked orzo to the skillet and stir thoroughly to coat every tiny pasta grain with tomato cream sauce. This step ensures each bite is bursting with flavor.

Step 9: Melt in Parmesan Cheese

Stir in the grated Parmesan until melted and fully incorporated, giving the dish an irresistible, cheesy finish that feels indulgent yet balanced.

Step 10: Final Touches and Serve

Remove the skillet from heat and serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh basil leaves for a bright, fresh contrast.

How to Serve Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

Adding fresh basil leaves on top not only looks stunning but adds a pop of herbal brightness that cuts through the richness of the tomato cream sauce perfectly. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan is also a welcome touch for cheese lovers.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance the creaminess. Garlic bread or warm crusty bread is perfect for mopping up every last bit of that flavorful sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve in individual bowls for a cozy, family-style meal or plate it elegantly on a large platter sprinkled with fresh basil and Parmesan. For a twist, try layering the sauce and orzo with roasted vegetables for added color and nutrition.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen as it rests, making it even more delicious as leftovers.

Freezing

You can freeze the dish in portions using freezer-safe containers or bags. It’s best to freeze before adding fresh basil garnish. Frozen, it will last up to 2 months without losing its amazing flavor and texture.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much. Microwave reheating works well too, but stirring halfway through is key.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta instead of orzo?

Absolutely! While orzo is perfect for soaking up the sauce, small pasta shapes like ditalini or small shells work well. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure pasta is perfectly al dente.

Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?

Yes! Simply replace the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms or plant-based ground meat substitutes. The tomato cream sauce still shines, and mushrooms bring an earthy savoriness that complements it nicely.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To keep it dairy-free, swap the heavy cream for coconut cream or cashew cream, and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast to mimic the cheesy notes.

How spicy is the Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe?

This recipe isn’t spicy by default, but you can easily add red pepper flakes when sautéing the onions or ground beef if you want a gentle warmth with every bite.

What wine pairs well with this dish?

A medium-bodied red wine such as Chianti or Sangiovese pairs beautifully with the tomato cream sauce and beef, enhancing the Italian-inspired flavors without overpowering them.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend the Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe enough for anyone craving a dish that’s comforting, flavorful, and straightforward to prepare. Its perfect harmony of creamy tomato sauce, savory beef, and tender pasta makes it a true crowd-pleaser. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become a go-to favorite in your kitchen just like it has in mine.

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