Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce
Are you looking for a comforting and delicious meal to enjoy with your family? Let me introduce you to the amazing flavors of Ground Beef Orzo. Picture this: tender orzo pasta infused with flavorful ground beef, creating a hearty and satisfying dish that will leave everyone wanting more. In my experience, this Ground Beef Orzo recipe never fails to impress, and today, I’m excited to share it with you.
Key Takeaways:
- Experience the rich flavors of Ground Beef Orzo
- Quick and easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights
- Enjoy a delightful blend of textures and tastes
- Pro tip: Add extra Parmesan cheese for a cheesy twist
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
Why You’ll Adore This Ground Beef Orzo
Family Favorite: With its comforting flavors and simplicity, this Ground Beef Orzo is sure to become a family favorite.
Versatile Dish: Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or a cozy night in, this dish adapts to any occasion effortlessly.
Flavorful Blend: The blend of ground beef and orzo creates a mouthwatering combination that will keep you coming back for more.
Homemade Comfort: There’s something special about a homemade meal that warms the soul, and this Ground Beef Orzo accomplishes just that.
Essential Ingredients for Ground Beef Orzo
Ground Beef: Lean ground beef adds a savory richness to the dish, infusing the orzo with delicious flavor.
Orzo Pasta: This small pasta shape is perfect for absorbing the flavors of the dish while maintaining a satisfying texture.
Tomato Sauce: The tomato sauce brings a touch of sweetness and acidity to balance the savory elements in the dish.
How to Make Ground Beef Orzo
Cooking the Ground Beef
To start, brown the ground beef in a large skillet until it’s cooked through and slightly caramelized.
Adding the Orzo
Next, add the orzo pasta to the skillet and stir to combine with the beef, allowing the pasta to toast slightly.
Serving Your Dish
Once the orzo is tender and has absorbed the flavors of the beef and sauce, serve hot and enjoy the deliciousness.
Ingredients
Ground Beef Orzo Instructions
Pro Tips for the Best Ground Beef Orzo
Stir Occasionally: While the orzo is cooking, remember to stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Season to Taste: Feel free to adjust the seasonings to suit your preferences and enhance the flavors of the dish.
Top with Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or basil can add a pop of color and freshness to your Ground Beef Orzo.
You Must Know
- Ground Beef Orzo is a versatile dish that can be customized with your favorite ingredients and spices.
- This recipe can easily be doubled to serve a larger group or to have leftovers for the next day.
- Orzo pasta cooks relatively quickly, so keep an eye on it to ensure it reaches the perfect al dente texture.
- Leftover Ground Beef Orzo can be reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to prevent drying out.
How to Store Ground Beef Orzo
To store any leftover Ground Beef Orzo, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
Customizing Your Ground Beef Orzo
For a spicy kick, add a dash of red pepper flakes to your Ground Beef Orzo for some heat that enhances the flavors.
What to Serve with Ground Beef Orzo
Pair your Ground Beef Orzo with a fresh green salad and some garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal that everyone will love.
Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce
Discover this one pot ground beef orzo recipe with a creamy tomato sauce. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner. Comes together in just 30 minutes.
Timing
Recipe Details
Ingredients
- 01 1 pound lean ground beef
- 02 1/2 medium onion (chopped)
- 03 3-4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 04 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 05 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 06 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 07 1 (14 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 08 3/4 cup beef broth
- 09 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
- 10 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 11 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 12 2 cups fresh baby spinach (packed)
- 13 Salt & pepper (to taste)
Instructions
Add the ground beef to a soup pot/Dutch oven and break it up a little bit with your spoon. Let it cook, without stirring, over medium-high heat for 5-6 minutes.
Add the onion to the pot and stir/break the beef up into small pieces. Let it cook for another 5 minutes or so. If there's a lot of excess fat (like if you didn't use lean beef), spoon some of it out. Otherwise, leave it in the pot.
Stir in the garlic, red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, and orzo. Cook for about a minute.
Stir in the tomato sauce, beef broth, cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Once it starts to bubble, continue cooking for 10 minutes, uncovered, stirring fairly often (so the orzo doesn't stick to the bottom of the pot). You will likely need to turn the heat down a bit (to medium or even medium-low). It should gently bubble vs. boil (you don't want the liquid to reduce too much before the pasta has cooked).
Take the pot off the heat, stir in the parmesan and spinach, and cover the pot for about 3-5 minutes or until it has thickened up to your liking. Season with salt & pepper as needed and serve immediately.
FILED UNDER:
NUTRITION FACTS (PER SERVING)
Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. In cases where multiple ingredient alternatives are given, the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included.
Must-Know Tips
Professional Secrets
Frequently Asked Questions About Ground Beef Orzo
Can I make Ground Beef Orzo ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the Ground Beef Orzo ahead of time and reheat it when ready to serve for a convenient meal option.
How long does Ground Beef Orzo last in the fridge?
Ground Beef Orzo can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it a great dish for meal prep and leftovers.
What are some variations to this Ground Beef Orzo recipe?
You can customize your Ground Beef Orzo with additional vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrients and flavors.
Can I freeze Ground Beef Orzo?
Yes, you can freeze leftover Ground Beef Orzo in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
How do I reheat Ground Beef Orzo?
Reheat Ground Beef Orzo in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to keep it moist and prevent sticking.
What makes Ground Beef Orzo a great family meal?
Ground Beef Orzo is a versatile and delicious dish that appeals to all ages, making it a perfect choice for family dinners or gatherings.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Ground Beef Orzo is a delightful dish that combines the richness of ground beef with the comforting texture of orzo pasta. I encourage you to try this recipe and experience the wonderful flavors for yourself. Trust me, once you taste this Ground Beef Orzo, it will become a staple in your recipe collection.
