Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe
This Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is a quick and comforting meal featuring tender ground beef and orzo pasta tossed in a rich, creamy tomato sauce. Perfect for busy evenings, this dish delivers hearty, tangy flavors balanced with aromatic herbs and a smooth Parmesan cream finish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Ground Beef Orzo:
- 1 lb ground beef (preferably lean)
- 1 ½ cups orzo pasta
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 ½ cups diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
For the Tomato Cream Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Orzo: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside. To prevent sticking, toss the orzo with a little olive oil while preparing the rest of the dish.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon or spatula, and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat if necessary. Season with dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper, stirring well to combine.
- Prepare the Tomato Cream Sauce: To the cooked beef mixture, add diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth. Stir to combine, bring to a simmer, and cook for 8-10 minutes allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly. Lower the heat and stir in butter, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and sugar if using. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce gently simmer for 2-3 minutes until creamy and well blended.
- Combine Orzo and Sauce: Add the cooked orzo pasta to the skillet with the tomato cream sauce and beef, stirring well to coat the orzo evenly. Cook together for another 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to marry. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve: Spoon the ground beef orzo with tomato cream sauce onto plates or bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm for a delicious, hearty meal perfect for any night of the week.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce fat content in the dish.
- For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, adjusting cooking time as needed.
- To add a bit of heat, consider sprinkling crushed red pepper flakes during cooking.
- Fresh herbs such as basil or parsley can be added for additional freshness.
- Leftovers make great lunches and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
