Introduction
Looking for a quick, tasty, and filling dinner? Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is a perfect choice! This dish is warm, creamy, and full of flavor. It’s great for busy weeknights when you don’t have much time but still want a homemade meal.
Orzo is a small pasta that looks like rice. When cooked with ground beef and a creamy tomato sauce, it becomes a comforting dish the whole family will enjoy. Even picky eaters will love it! Let’s get started and learn how to make this easy and delicious meal.
Ingredients – Creamy Tomato Ground Beef Orzo
Here’s a simple list of ingredients you’ll need:
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion (chopped)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or cooking cream
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley (for garnish – optional)
Step by Step Process – Creamy Tomato Ground Beef Orzo
Here’s how you can make this dish in just 30–35 minutes:
Step 1: Cook the Orzo
- Fill a pot with water, add a little salt, and bring it to a boil.
- Add the orzo pasta.
- Cook for about 8–10 minutes or until the orzo is soft but not mushy.
- Drain the orzo and set it aside.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes soft (about 3–4 minutes).
- Add the minced garlic and stir for 1 minute.
Step 3: Add the Ground Beef
- Add the ground beef to the pan.
- Break it into small pieces using a spoon or spatula.
- Cook until the beef turns brown and is fully cooked (about 5–7 minutes).
- Season it with salt, pepper, oregano, and paprika.
Step 4: Make the Tomato Cream Sauce
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes.
- Stir and let it simmer (cook slowly) for about 5–6 minutes.
- Now add the heavy cream and mix well.
- Let the sauce cook for another 2–3 minutes, until it becomes creamy.
Step 5: Combine Everything
- Add the cooked orzo to the pan.
- Mix it well with the sauce and beef.
- Sprinkle in the parmesan cheese and stir until melted.
- If the mixture is too thick, you can add a splash of water or milk.
Step 6: Serve
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Spoon the orzo into bowls.
- Add some chopped parsley on top if you like.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~520 kcal |
| Protein | ~27g |
| Carbohydrates | ~42g |
| Fats | ~28g |
| Saturated Fat | ~12g |
| Fiber | ~4g |
| Sugar | ~6g |
| Calcium | ~180mg |
| Iron | ~3mg |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use another type of pasta instead of orzo?
Yes! If you don’t have orzo, you can use small pasta shapes like macaroni, penne, or shells. Just cook them the same way and follow the rest of the recipe.
Q2: Is there a lighter version of this recipe?
You can make it lighter by:
- Using lean ground beef or ground turkey
- Replacing heavy cream with milk or Greek yogurt
- Using less cheese or a low-fat version
Q3: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can cook it ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat it in a pan or microwave and add a splash of water or milk to make it creamy again.
Q4: Can I freeze it?
Absolutely. Let it cool, then store it in a freezer-safe container. It will last for about 2–3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Q5: What goes well with this dish?
This dish is great on its own, but you can serve it with:
- Garlic bread
- A green salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Steamed broccoli or peas
Final Thoughts
Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is a simple, satisfying meal that feels like comfort food in every bite. The creamy tomato sauce blends perfectly with the pasta and beef, creating a rich and cozy flavor.
It’s also budget-friendly, quick to make, and kid-approved! Whether you’re feeding a family or just want leftovers for lunch, this dish checks all the boxes.
Try it once, and it might just become a regular on your weekly menu. Plus, you can always change it up by adding different veggies, using chicken instead of beef, or making it spicy!
