Are you ready to indulge in a hearty and delicious dish? Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce combines rich, savory flavors and comforting textures, making it a perfect choice for family meals or entertaining guests. This pasta dish feels sophisticated yet remains incredibly easy to prepare, leading to satisfying flavor profiles that everyone will love.
As the orzo absorbs the creamy tomato sauce, each bite is a delightful blend of ground beef and warm seasonings. With its appealing simplicity, this recipe promises to be a favorite on your dinner table, delivering a balance of nutrition and taste that can’t be beaten. Dive into the experience of creating this mouthwatering masterpiece!
Ingredients for Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce:
To whip up a delightful dish of Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce, gather the following ingredients for a flavorful meal that serves four. You’ll need:
– 1 pound lean ground beef
– 1/2 medium onion, chopped
– 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
– 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
– 1 (14-ounce) can tomato sauce
– 3/4 cup beef broth
– 1 cup heavy whipping cream
– 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
– 2 cups (packed) fresh baby spinach
– Salt and pepper to taste
This hearty one-pot meal is perfect for busy weeknights. While you’re preparing your orzo with ground beef mix, consider pairing it with a luscious side like Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta for a complete dining experience. Each ingredient works in harmony, creating a creamy, savory sauce that binds the orzo and beef together beautifully. Enjoy the rich flavors and comforting texture!
How to Prepare:
Begin by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 pound of lean ground beef, allowing it to brown while breaking it apart. Incorporate 1/2 chopped medium onion and 3-4 minced garlic cloves, sautéing until they soften. For a hint of spice, you can mix in 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes, adjusting to your taste. Season with 1/2 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Next, stir in the uncooked orzo pasta, the can of tomato sauce, and 3/4 cup of beef broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat, covering it to simmer until the orzo is tender, about 10-12 minutes. While stirring occasionally, add 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce. Finally, fold in 2 cups of fresh baby spinach and 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese, allowing the spinach to wilt. This luscious blend brings life to your plate, echoing flavors similar to creamy Tuscan chicken pasta.
Serve hot and enjoy this delightful dish, a perfect comfort meal for any occasion.
Cooking Tips for Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce:
When preparing Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce, one essential tip is to brown the beef properly. This step enhances the flavor by creating a rich base for your dish. Make sure to use a large skillet; it allows for better browning. While cooking the beef, season it with salt and pepper to elevate its taste. After that, consider adding aromatics like garlic and onions for depth.
For a creamy sauce, whisk in your tomatoes gradually. You can find great inspiration for creamy dishes, like Healthy Creamy Tomato Pasta, which highlights the importance of a well-balanced tomato flavor. Additionally, stir in your cheese while the sauce simmers; this creates a velvety texture that binds the ingredients beautifully. For further guidance, check out this excellent recipe at Salt and Lavender’s Ground Beef Orzo. Finally, serve your completed dish with fresh herbs for a vibrant finish. Enjoy your creation!
Flavor Enhancements for Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce:
To elevate the flavors in your Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce, consider adding aromatic herbs and spices. Fresh basil or oregano can provide a fragrant touch. For a bit of heat, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes into the sauce. This addition not only brings warmth but also complements the richness of the cream sauce beautifully.
Additionally, incorporating a splash of balsamic vinegar enhances the dish’s depth. It balances the sweetness from the tomatoes and enriches the overall taste. Another splendid idea is to mix in some sautéed garlic for a savory kick. For more inspiration, try making a side of Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta. This dish pairs well with your main course and can showcase the flavors of garlic and herbs effectively. Finally, a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan before serving adds a delightful nuttiness, elevating your Ground Beef Orzo experience even further.
Storage Tips for Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce:
To ensure your Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce stays fresh, proper storage is key. First, allow the dish to cool down completely before transferring it to an airtight container. This prevents condensation, which can lead to sogginess. You can refrigerate it for 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing the pasta. Divide the orzo into smaller portions and place them in freezer-safe bags, removing as much air as possible. This helps maintain flavor and texture when reheating.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or water to revive its creamy consistency. For an easy and delicious complement, try serving it alongside my Easy Chicken Broccoli Orzo as a tasty side. With these tips, your leftover Ground Beef Orzo will taste almost as good as fresh!
Serving Suggestions:
Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce pairs beautifully with a fresh side salad or garlic bread for a comforting meal. For a delightful twist, consider serving it alongside Creamy Tuscan Ravioli; the rich flavors will complement each other perfectly. Garnish with fresh herbs to enhance the presentation and add freshness, making every bite memorable!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
What are the key ingredients in Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce?
The essential ingredients include ground beef, orzo pasta, canned tomatoes, cream, garlic, and a blend of spices for flavor. These components create a rich, comforting dish that is perfect for weeknight dinners.
How long does it take to prepare Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce?
This dish typically takes around 30-40 minutes to prepare and cook. With a quick sauté of the beef and a simmer of the creamy tomato sauce, it’s a fast yet satisfying recipe.
Can I make Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it in advance! Simply store the cooked dish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave.
What can I serve with Ground Beef Orzo?
Pair it with a fresh side salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal. You might also enjoy it alongside a flavorful soup, like this Creamy Tuscan Chickpea Soup, enhancing your dining experience.
Is Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce kid-friendly?
Absolutely! The creamy sauce and pasta combination usually appeal to children, making this dish a great choice for family meals. You can also sneak in some vegetables for added nutrition.
How can I customize this Ground Beef Orzo recipe?
Feel free to customize by adding vegetables like spinach or bell peppers. You can also use different proteins, such as ground turkey or chicken, to suit your taste preferences.
Print
Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce
- Total Time: 50
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is a hearty and comforting dish, combining rich flavors of seasoned ground beef and creamy tomato sauce with tender orzo pasta.
Ingredients
1 pound lean ground beef
1/2 medium onion chopped
3–4 cloves garlic minced
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
1 (14 ounce) can tomato sauce
3/4 cup beef broth
1 cup heavy/whipping cream
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
2 cups (packed) fresh baby spinach
Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with chopped onion and minced garlic until the beef is browned and the onion is translucent.
- Stir in the crushed red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Add the uncooked orzo to the skillet and mix well.
- Pour in the tomato sauce and beef broth, then bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Cover and cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally until the orzo is al dente.
- Stir in the heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, and parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt and combine.
- Finally, mix in the fresh spinach until wilted, then serve hot.
Notes
For a bit more spice, adjust the amount of red pepper flakes. You can also substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Main Course
- Method: stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1¼ cups
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg
Keywords: ground beef, orzo, tomato cream sauce, pasta recipe, dinner, comfort food