If you are looking for a comforting, flavorful dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, the Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe is absolutely the way to go. This recipe perfectly marries tender ground beef with al dente orzo, all enveloped in a rich, creamy tomato sauce that’s bursting with herbs and a hint of cheese. It’s simple enough for a weeknight meal yet special enough to share with friends or family, offering layers of taste and texture that keep you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but packed with flavor, each playing a vital role in bringing the dish together—whether it’s the savory depth of ground beef or the silky smoothness that the heavy cream adds to the tomato sauce.
- 1 pound ground beef: The hearty protein base that adds richness and substance to the dish.
- 1 cup orzo pasta: Small, rice-shaped pasta that cooks quickly and soaks up the sauce beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For sautéing the aromatics and ensuring everything cooks evenly without sticking.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Adds a natural sweetness and depth when softened.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Offers a fragrant punch to wake up the flavors.
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) crushed tomatoes: The base of the sauce, providing vibrant color and acidity.
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and adds thickness to the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Brings a subtle earthiness that pairs perfectly with tomatoes.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Enhances the sauce with a sweet, herbal undertone.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the flavors, bringing out the best in every ingredient.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and complexity.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Creates a luscious, creamy texture that mellows the acidity.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: A salty, nutty finish that enriches the sauce and ties everything together.
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional): Adds a fresh burst of color and brightness to the final plate.
How to Make Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Orzo Pasta
Start by cooking the orzo according to the package instructions until it’s perfectly al dente. Drain well and set it aside; this step ensures the orzo won’t be overcooked when combined with the sauce later on.
Step 2: Sauté Onion
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until it turns translucent and tender, about 3 to 4 minutes. This forms the flavorful base of your sauce, softening the onion’s sharpness into subtle sweetness.
Step 3: Add Garlic
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until it becomes fragrant—but be careful not to burn it, as garlic can turn bitter quickly.
Step 4: Brown the Ground Beef
Increase the heat to medium-high, add the ground beef to the skillet, and cook it until nicely browned, stirring and breaking up the meat so it cooks evenly. This step infuses the dish with meaty richness and savory flavor.
Step 5: Simmer Tomato Sauce
Into the beef mixture, stir crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper. Reduce the heat to low and allow everything to simmer gently for about 10 minutes. This helps the flavors marry beautifully and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Step 6: Incorporate Heavy Cream
Pour in the heavy cream and continue to simmer for an additional 5 minutes. The cream transforms the sauce into a velvety dream, balancing the acidity of the tomatoes and creating a luscious coating for the orzo.
Step 7: Combine Orzo and Cheese
Add the cooked orzo and Parmesan cheese to the skillet, stirring until everything is combined and the cheese begins to melt into the sauce, enriching every bite.
Step 8: Rest and Garnish
Remove the pan from the heat, letting the dish rest for a couple of minutes. This short pause allows the flavors to settle and the sauce to thicken just a bit more. Finish by garnishing with fresh basil or parsley if you like, adding a pop of color and freshness.
How to Serve Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs such as basil or parsley are ideal garnishes, giving a bright hint of freshness against the creamy, hearty sauce. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese can also be lovely for those who love a cheesier finish.
Side Dishes
Light, crisp salads like a simple arugula or mixed greens salad with a lemon vinaigrette complement this dish beautifully, cutting through the richness and adding balance. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is another wonderful choice to scoop up every last bit of the tomato cream sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more rustic feel, serve this recipe directly from the skillet to the table, letting guests help themselves. Alternatively, twirl small nests of orzo on each plate and spoon the saucy beef over the top for an elegant presentation. Adding a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a few roasted cherry tomatoes can elevate the look and flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after resting, making it just as enjoyable, if not more, the next day.
Freezing
This dish freezes well, making it a terrific option for meal prep. Portion the cooled leftovers into freezer-safe containers or bags, and they will keep for up to 2 months. Just be aware that the texture of the cream sauce might slightly change once thawed.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce seems too thick. Microwaving is also perfectly fine—just heat in short intervals to avoid overheating the cream, stirring in between for even warming.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta instead of orzo?
Absolutely! While orzo’s small shape makes it ideal for soaking up the sauce, you can substitute with any small pasta like couscous, tiny shells, or even small elbows. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can swap the ground beef for plant-based meat alternatives or simply increase the vegetables and add hearty mushrooms for a similar umami experience without the meat.
What if I don’t have heavy cream on hand?
You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and a tablespoon of flour to help thicken the sauce. Coconut cream works too if you want a dairy-free option but expect a slightly different flavor.
How spicy is this Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe?
This recipe is mild and comforting with no added heat, but you can add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce if you like a spicy kick.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe in advance?
Yes! You can cook the orzo and brown the beef ahead of time. Store them separately and combine with the sauce right before serving. This makes the final assembly quicker and easier.
Final Thoughts
The Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe is one of those dishes that feels lovingly homemade yet impressively delicious. Whether you’re making it for a cozy night in or a casual dinner party, it never fails to deliver warmth, satisfaction, and big, inviting flavors. Give it a try and get ready to make it a regular around your table!
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Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 10m
- Cook Time: 0h 30m
- Total Time: 0h 40m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This comforting Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is a hearty and flavorful dish combining tender ground beef, perfectly cooked orzo pasta, and a rich tomato cream sauce infused with garlic, herbs, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it’s easy to prepare and delivers a satisfying blend of creamy and savory flavors.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the orzo pasta: Cook the orzo according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside for later use.
- Sauté the onion: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent and softened.
- Add garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant but not browned.
- Brown the ground beef: Increase heat to medium-high and add ground beef to the skillet. Cook thoroughly, breaking it apart with a spoon until it is evenly browned and no pink remains.
- Simmer with tomatoes and herbs: Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper. Reduce heat to low and let the mixture simmer gently for 10 minutes to develop the flavors.
- Add heavy cream: Pour in the heavy cream and continue simmering for an additional 5 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly and become creamy.
- Combine with cooked orzo and cheese: Add the cooked orzo pasta and grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet, stirring thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Rest and garnish: Remove the skillet from heat and let the dish rest for a couple of minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired before serving.
Notes
- Be sure not to overcook the orzo; it should be al dente to hold its shape well in the sauce.
- You can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream for a lighter version, though the sauce will be less rich.
- For added flavor, consider deglazing the pan with a splash of red wine after browning the beef.
- Fresh herbs can be used instead of dried for a brighter flavor.
- This dish pairs well with a green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
