This hearty and flavorful Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce recipe is the perfect comfort food for busy weeknights. With tender orzo, juicy ground beef, and a rich tomato cream sauce, this dish is sure to be a family favorite. The best part? It comes together quickly with simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Read on for the step-by-step guide and helpful tips to perfect this recipe.
What is Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce?
Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is a flavorful pasta dish featuring tender orzo cooked with seasoned ground beef, spinach, and a rich, creamy tomato-based sauce. This one-pot meal is a delightful combination of textures and flavors, offering savory beef, smooth tomato sauce, and a bit of heat from the optional red pepper flakes. It’s an easy, hearty dinner that feels both indulgent and satisfying.
Ingredients List for Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce
To make this delicious dish, you'll need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound lean ground beef: A lean variety is best to avoid excess grease in the sauce.
- ½ medium onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth to the dish.
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced: Provides a robust, aromatic flavor.
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For a little heat, add according to your taste preference.
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning: A classic herb blend that complements the tomato and beef perfectly.
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta: A rice-shaped pasta that cooks quickly and absorbs all the delicious flavors of the dish.
- 1 (14-ounce) can tomato sauce: Forms the base of the tomato cream sauce.
- ¾ cup beef broth: Adds depth of flavor and helps cook the orzo.
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream: Creates a creamy, luxurious texture.
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Enhances the umami flavor of the beef.
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty finish to the sauce.
- 2 cups (packed) fresh baby spinach: A healthy addition that adds color and nutrition.
- Salt & pepper to taste: To season and enhance the overall flavor.
Substitutions and Variations
This Ground Beef Orzo recipe is highly adaptable. Here are some substitution ideas to customize the dish to your preferences or what you have on hand:
- Ground Turkey or Chicken: For a lighter option, swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.
- Vegetarian Version: Omit the beef and substitute with plant-based meat or additional veggies like mushrooms and zucchini for a vegetarian take.
- Gluten-Free Orzo: Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Low-Fat Dairy: If you’re looking to cut down on calories, you can replace heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce will be less rich.
- Add More Vegetables: Toss in additional veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for extra nutrients and texture.
- Spice It Up: For more heat, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Follow these steps to prepare Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce:
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Sauté the Onion
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up into small pieces, until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes until it softens.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Seasonings
Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
Step 3: Add the Tomato Sauce and Broth
Pour in the tomato sauce and beef broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Step 4: Cook the Orzo
Add the uncooked orzo to the skillet, stirring to make sure the orzo is submerged in the liquid. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the skillet. Let the orzo cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Stir in the Cream and Worcestershire Sauce
Once the orzo is almost cooked through, pour in the heavy cream and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well to combine and let it simmer for an additional 3-4 minutes.
Step 6: Add Parmesan and Spinach
Turn off the heat and stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and baby spinach. Stir until the cheese is melted and the spinach is wilted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
How to Cook Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce: A Step-by-Step Guide
Cooking Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is easy when you break it down into manageable steps. Here’s a quick summary of the process:
- Brown the beef in a large skillet until fully cooked.
- Add onions and garlic to build flavor.
- Simmer the tomato sauce and broth, then add orzo.
- Let the orzo cook, absorbing all the flavorful liquid.
- Add cream and seasonings, followed by spinach and Parmesan.
- Adjust seasoning and serve immediately for a comforting meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for when preparing this dish:
- Overcooking the Orzo: Orzo cooks quickly, so keep an eye on it. Overcooking can result in mushy pasta.
- Not Draining Excess Grease: If your ground beef has a high-fat content, be sure to drain the excess grease to avoid a greasy sauce.
- Not Stirring the Orzo Enough: Orzo can easily stick to the pan, so make sure to stir it occasionally during cooking.
- Adding the Spinach Too Early: Fresh spinach wilts quickly, so add it just before serving to retain its vibrant color and texture.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Serving and presenting your Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce can elevate the dining experience. Here are some ideas:
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle some fresh basil or parsley on top for a burst of color and flavor.
- Grate Extra Parmesan: Offer extra grated Parmesan cheese on the side for those who want more cheesy goodness.
- Serve with Crusty Bread: Pair the dish with warm, crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
How to Serve Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce
This dish is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner but can also be dressed up for a more formal meal. Serve it in shallow bowls to showcase the creamy sauce and orzo. Add a side salad for a complete meal or serve with garlic bread to complement the rich flavors.
Presentation Ideas for Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce
For an appealing presentation, plate the orzo in individual bowls, swirling the pasta to create a nice visual. Garnish with freshly cracked black pepper, a sprig of fresh parsley, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a restaurant-style touch. You can also add a drizzle of olive oil or balsamic glaze to elevate the look and taste.
Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe Tips
Here are some additional tips to perfect this recipe:
- Pre-chop Ingredients: Have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go to streamline the cooking process.
- Use Fresh Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts better and offers a more intense flavor than pre-grated varieties.
- Taste as You Go: Don’t forget to taste your sauce throughout the cooking process to adjust the seasoning to your liking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dish ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or broth to help loosen up the sauce.
2. Can I freeze Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce?
While the dish can be frozen, the cream sauce may separate when reheated. If you do freeze it, allow it to thaw in the fridge and reheat gently over low heat, adding extra cream if necessary.
3. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! While orzo is recommended, you can substitute with small pasta shapes like ditalini or even rice for a different texture.
4. How do I make this dish spicier?
To amp up the heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a chopped fresh chili.
5. Can I use milk instead of cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be thinner. You can thicken it with a cornstarch slurry if necessary.
Conclusion
This Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is a delicious, family-friendly meal that’s sure to please. With its creamy, tomato-rich sauce, tender orzo, and hearty ground beef, it’s comfort food at its best. Whether you follow the recipe to the letter or make it your own with substitutions, it’s a guaranteed hit. Give this recipe a try, and don’t forget to experiment with your favorite ingredients to make it truly yours!
PrintGround Beef Orzo With Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe
This creamy Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce recipe is a comforting one-pan dish combining lean beef, orzo pasta, spinach, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner, this recipe features a tomato-based sauce with a touch of cream and seasonings, ready in under 30 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- ½ medium onion, chopped
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 1 (14 ounce) can tomato sauce
- ¾ cup beef broth
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach (packed)
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef and chopped onion in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Stir in crushed red pepper flakes and Italian seasoning.
- Add the uncooked orzo, tomato sauce, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer for about 10 minutes, until the orzo is almost tender.
- Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, cooking for an additional 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Add baby spinach and cook until wilted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot with extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or less crushed red pepper flakes.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 930mg
Leave a Reply