This Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is a cozy, one-pan meal that’s both hearty and tasty. Juicy beef and tender orzo come together in a creamy tomato sauce that’s simply scrumptious!
You’re going to love how easy this dish is to whip up. I like to top it with a sprinkle of cheese for that extra yum factor. It’s perfect for busy nights when comfort food is a must! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using 80/20 ground beef for a nice balance of flavor and juiciness. If you’re looking for a healthier option, ground turkey or chicken work well as substitutes, although they cook a bit quicker and may need seasoning adjustments.
Orzo Pasta: Orzo is a fantastic choice here because it’s small and cooks fast. If it’s not available, you can substitute with any small pasta like couscous or even ditalini. Just watch the cooking time on the package.
Diced Tomatoes: Using canned diced tomatoes adds a lot of flavor and moisture. If you prefer fresh, about 2 cups of chopped fresh tomatoes can work too. Just be sure to add a pinch of salt to enhance their flavor.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter version, try half-and-half or whole milk. Keep in mind, it won’t be as rich, but it still adds creaminess. For dairy-free options, coconut milk is a great choice, giving a hint of sweetness!
How Do I Cook the Orzo So It’s Perfectly Done?
Cooking orzo can be tricky, but it’s all about the timing and ratios. Make sure to stir it well as it cooks to prevent sticking. Here’s my simple method:
- Add the orzo to the skillet after the tomatoes and let it simmer in the liquid for about 10-12 minutes. Keep it at a low simmer!
- If the orzo absorbs all the liquid before it’s tender, add a bit more water (or broth).
- It should be al dente—cooked but with a little bite. This helps it hold up in the sauce.
Trust yourself to taste it along the way; you’ll know when it’s ready! Enjoy making this dish!
How to Make Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
- Grated Parmesan cheese
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 15 minutes to prep and around 20 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll spend about 35 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick and tasty dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large skillet, pour in the olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the onion is soft. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for one more minute until it’s fragrant and lovely.
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook it until it’s browned, breaking it apart with a spoon while it cooks. Don’t forget to season it with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning for that extra flavor!
3. Add Tomatoes and Simmer:
Next, stir in the can of diced tomatoes (with their juices) and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes so the flavors can combine beautifully.
4. Incorporate the Orzo:
Now, add the orzo pasta to the skillet and mix everything together. Pour in about 2 cups of water (or beef broth if you want even more flavor!), then bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to simmer and cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is nice and tender and most of the liquid has absorbed.
5. Make It Creamy:
Once the orzo is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and the chopped spinach. Continue cooking until the spinach wilts and the sauce becomes creamy, this will take about 2-3 minutes. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if you like!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your delicious Ground Beef Orzo hot, and sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top for that extra yum factor! Enjoy every bite of this hearty meal!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta Instead of Orzo?
Absolutely! If you don’t have orzo on hand, you can substitute with small pasta shapes like ditalini, elbow macaroni, or even couscous. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as different pasta shapes may require more or less time to become tender.
Can I Make This Recipe with Ground Turkey or Chicken?
Yes, you can easily substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Just be sure to cook them until they’re fully browned and add a bit more seasoning to enhance the flavor, as lean meats can be milder than beef.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave or warm them on the stove, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much in the fridge.
Can I Freeze This Dish?
Yes, this dish can be frozen! Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating on the stove or in the microwave for best results.
