Easy Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce

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Say hello to your new weeknight hero: Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce! This comforting and satisfying meal is a true game-changer. Imagine tender orzo pasta, perfectly cooked juicy ground beef, all bathed in a rich, creamy tomato sauce. It’s quick enough for those busy weeknights but so delicious, it’ll impress anyone, even your pickiest eaters!

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Dish

This isn’t just another dinner; it’s a family favorite that brings together incredible flavors and textures with ultimate convenience.

Lightning Fast: Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe slides effortlessly into even the most hectic schedules. Perfect for a speedy supper!
Rich & Rewarding: The combination of savory ground beef and a luscious creamy tomato sauce delivers a deeply satisfying taste that truly warms the soul.
One-Pan Wonder: Say goodbye to stacks of dishes! Everything cooks in a single skillet, making cleanup a breeze. It’s the ultimate easy meal prep solution.
Super Versatile: Ideal for a laid-back weeknight dinner or as a fantastic meal prep option for lunches throughout the week.
Kid-Friendly Meal: Even little ones will adore this creamy pasta dish, making it a guaranteed hit for kids and adults alike.

Tools You’ll Need for Easy Cooking

Having the right kitchen tools makes cooking a joy. For this one-pan dinner, you’ll want:

Large Skillet: This is your MVP – big enough to hold all the ingredients, keeping that cleanup minimal. Look for a non-stick skillet for even easier cooking.
Wooden Spoon: Perfect for stirring without scratching your cookware.
Measuring Cups: For precise ingredient amounts.
Knife & Cutting Board: For prepping your onion and garlic.

How to Make Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce: Step-by-Step

Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps for a delicious and fuss-free dinner:

Sauté Aromatics: In your large skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add your diced small onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until they’re fragrant and softened. This builds a great flavor foundation.
Brown the Beef: Add 1 lb ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking it up with your wooden spoon, until it’s completely browned. Drain any excess fat if needed for a lighter dish.
Toast the Orzo: Stir in 1 cup dry orzo pasta. Toast it in the skillet for about 1 minute until it’s slightly golden. This little step adds a wonderful nutty flavor!
Add Liquids & Seasoning: Pour in 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce, 2 cups beef broth, ½ tsp dried oregano, and salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally.
Simmer Until Tender: Reduce the heat to low. Let the dish simmer uncovered for 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender. Remember to stir occasionally to prevent sticking to the bottom of the pan.
Make It Creamy: Once the orzo is cooked through, stir in ½ cup heavy cream. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, letting everything become wonderfully creamy and well combined.
Serve & Garnish: Garnish with fresh parsley if you like – it adds a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot and enjoy your incredible Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce!

Tips for the Best Orzo Dish

Quality Ingredients Matter: Opt for fresh ingredients! High-quality ground beef and good canned tomato sauce truly make a difference in flavor.
Toast That Orzo: Don’t skip the toasting step. It really boosts the nutty flavor of the orzo.
Adjust Creaminess: Want a thicker or thinner sauce? You can slightly adjust the amount of heavy cream to your preference.
Gentle Simmering: Keep the heat low during simmering. This ensures the orzo cooks evenly without getting mushy.
Season as You Go: Taste the sauce before adding the orzo and again after adding the cream. Adjust salt and pepper to achieve perfectly balanced flavors.
Sneak in Veggies: Boost the nutrition by adding some chopped bell peppers, spinach, or even shredded carrots along with the onion. It’s an easy way to add vegetables!

How to Serve Your Delicious Orzo

This ground beef orzo is fantastic on its own, but here are some ideas to make it a complete dinner meal:

Fresh Side Salad: A light garden salad adds a refreshing crunch and balances the richness.
Cheesy Topping: A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese or mozzarella over the top is always a hit.
Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up every last drop of that amazing tomato cream sauce.
A Little Heat: For spice lovers, a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce adds an exciting kick.
Fresh Herbs: Beyond parsley, fresh basil or chives can add another layer of flavor and vibrant color.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Here’s how to keep them delicious:

Refrigerator Storage: Store any leftover Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Instructions: For longer storage, transfer the cooled dish into freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Be sure to label with the date!
Reheating (Best Methods):
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the orzo in an oven-safe dish, cover it, and heat for about 20 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: For a quick reheat, transfer a serving into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in short intervals (1-2 minutes), stirring between each, until hot.
- Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of beef broth or water to prevent sticking and stir occasionally until heated through (about 5 minutes).

Common Mistakes to Sidestep

Avoid these common pitfalls to ensure your Ground Beef Orzo is always perfect:

Skipping the Sauté: Don’t rush or skip sautéing the onion and garlic. They lay the essential flavor foundation for your dish.
Overcooking the Orzo: Orzo cooks quickly! Keep an eye on it. Overcooked orzo gets mushy. Check for tenderness around the 10-minute mark.
Under-Seasoning: A bland dish is a sad dish! Taste as you cook and adjust salt and pepper generously.
Using Low-Quality Ingredients: Your finished dish is only as good as its components. Invest in good ground beef and quality tomato sauce.
Improper Storage: Always follow proper storage guidelines to keep your delicious leftovers safe and fresh.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use other types of pasta in this recipe?

A: Absolutely! While orzo is fantastic for its small size and texture, you can definitely substitute with other small pasta shapes like ditalini or small shells.

Q: How do I make this dish healthier?

A: To lighten it up, use lean ground beef or ground turkey. You can also load it with extra vegetables like spinach (stirred in at the end) or bell peppers (sautéed with the onion).

Q: Can I prepare this meal ahead of time?

A: Yes! You can prep and chop all your ingredients in advance and store them separately. For the best texture, cook and combine everything just before serving.

Q: What variations can I try?

A: Get creative! Add different herbs like fresh basil or a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. For a dairy-free alternative, you could experiment with a splash of full-fat coconut milk instead of heavy cream for a unique twist.

Q: What side dishes pair well with this dish?

A: This dish is incredibly versatile! A simple green salad, some garlic bread, steamed green beans, or even roasted broccoli are all fantastic choices.

Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe Card

Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe Card

This Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is a truly comforting one-pan meal that expertly blends the heartiness of ground beef with the richness of a creamy tomato sauce, all perfectly enveloped in tender orzo pasta. It’s an ideal choice for busy weeknights when you need something quick yet incredibly satisfying. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a family favorite that’s simple enough for an easy weeknight meal but delicious enough to impress your guests. Serve it with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a simple side salad for a complete, easy dinner.

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PREP TIME	COOK TIME
10 minutes	20 minutes

COURSE	CUISINE	SERVINGS	CALORIES
Main Dish	Italian	4 Servings	468 kcal

Ingredients:

1 lb ground beef
1 cup dry orzo
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp olive oil
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
½ cup heavy cream
2 cups beef broth
½ tsp dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until fragrant, about 2–3 minutes.
Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Stir in the dry orzo and toast for about 1 minute until slightly golden.
Pour in the tomato sauce, beef broth, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally.
Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 10–12 minutes until orzo is tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Stir in heavy cream and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes until creamy and well combined.
Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot.

Nutrition (per serving):

Did you give this amazing Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce a try? We’d love to see your creations!