Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe

Introduction

This Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is a comforting and flavorful one-pan meal that combines tender ground beef, creamy tomato sauce, and tender orzo pasta. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty and delicious.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 preferred)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
• 3 cups chicken broth
• Fresh basil or parsley (a handful, chopped, optional)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Sautéed mushrooms or spinach (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat and prep all ingredients by finely chopping the onion and mincing the garlic.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a large deep skillet. Add ground beef and brown without stirring for 2–3 minutes, then stir and cook until fully browned, about 5 more minutes. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Transfer beef to a bowl and set aside.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add chopped onion and cook over medium heat for about 3 minutes until softened but not browned. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
4. Step 4: Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Stir well and bring sauce to a gentle simmer.
5. Step 5: Return beef to skillet, mix into sauce, and simmer on low heat for 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Step 6: Stir in orzo pasta and pour in chicken broth. Bring mixture to a gentle boil.
7. Step 7: Reduce heat to medium-low, cover skillet, and simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until orzo is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
8. Step 8: Remove skillet from heat and stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese if using. Adjust seasoning as needed.
9. Step 9: Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• For extra vegetables, stir in sautéed mushrooms or spinach just before adding the cream.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
• Use ground turkey or chicken as a lighter alternative to beef.
• Reserve a little pasta cooking broth to thin the sauce if it becomes too thick.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

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

Yes, small pasta shapes like acini di pepe or small shells work well, but cooking times may vary slightly.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely. Simply omit the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese or substitute with coconut cream and a dairy-free cheese alternative.

Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 86 reviews

• Author: Lila
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

This Beef Orzo Recipe with Tomato Cream Sauce is a comforting and hearty one-pan meal featuring tender ground beef simmered in a rich tomato sauce, combined with orzo pasta and finished with a creamy touch of heavy cream and Parmesan. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it delivers layers of flavor with simple ingredients and minimal fuss.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat & Dairy

• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 preferred)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Produce

• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• Fresh basil or parsley (a handful, chopped, optional)
• Sautéed mushrooms or spinach (optional)

Pantry

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
• 3 cups chicken broth

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Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep: Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic cloves, preparing all your ingredients before starting to cook.
2. Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a large deep skillet. Add ground beef and let it brown undisturbed for 2-3 minutes, then stir and continue cooking until fully browned, about 5 more minutes. Lightly season with salt and black pepper. Transfer the beef to a bowl and set aside.
3. Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook over medium heat for about 3 minutes until softened but not browned. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
4. Build the Sauce: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to develop flavor. Then add the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir well and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
5. Combine Beef and Simmer: Return the browned beef to the skillet and mix it into the tomato sauce. Let everything simmer on low heat for 5 minutes to meld the flavors. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Add Orzo and Broth: Stir in the orzo pasta, then pour in the chicken broth. Increase heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
7. Simmer Orzo: Reduce heat to medium-low and cover the skillet. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
8. Add Cream and Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese if using. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
9. Garnish and Serve: Garnish the dish with chopped fresh basil or parsley and serve immediately. Optionally, top with sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.

Notes

• For a spicier dish, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper.
• You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
• Vegetarian option: omit beef and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently on the stovetop.
• Adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach can enhance flavor and nutrition.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: beef orzo, tomato cream sauce, ground beef recipe, one-pan meal, easy dinner, creamy tomato sauce, quick stovetop recipe