Delicious Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce

Oh, let me tell you about my go-to weeknight lifesaver—this delicious ground beef orzo with tomato cream sauce that comes together in under 30 minutes! I stumbled upon this recipe during one of those crazy evenings when the kids were hungry, my energy was low, but I still wanted something hearty and satisfying. The magic happens when juicy ground beef, plump orzo pasta, and that silky tomato cream sauce come together in one pan. It’s the kind of meal that tastes like you spent hours cooking, but trust me—your future self will thank you for how quick and easy this is. Perfect for when you need comfort food fast!

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Why You’ll Love This Delicious Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce

This dish checks all the boxes for a perfect weeknight dinner. Here’s why it’s become my family’s favorite:

• Quick & easy: From pan to table in just 30 minutes – no fancy techniques required!
• Crazy flavorful: The tomato cream sauce is rich and velvety, while the ground beef adds satisfying heartiness
• One-pan wonder: Less dishes means more time to enjoy your meal (and less cleanup!)
• Kid-approved: Even my picky eaters go back for seconds of this comforting pasta dish
• Endlessly adaptable: Swap in different proteins or veggies based on what’s in your fridge

I can’t tell you how many times this recipe has saved me on busy nights. It’s become my secret weapon for delicious meals in a flash!

Ingredients for Delicious Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this cozy, flavorful dish – I promise it’s all simple stuff you probably already have! The magic is in how these basic ingredients come together:

• 1 lb ground beef – I like 85% lean for the best flavor (but use what you prefer)
• 1 cup orzo pasta – That’s about 6 oz if you’re measuring by weight
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes – Don’t drain them – we want all that juicy tomato goodness!
• 1/2 cup heavy cream – This makes the sauce luxuriously rich
• 1 small onion, diced – About 1 cup when chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh is best here!
• 1 tbsp olive oil – For sautéing all those yummy aromatics
• 1 tsp salt – Plus more to taste
• 1/2 tsp black pepper – Freshly cracked if you have it
• 1 tsp dried oregano – Rub it between your fingers to wake up the flavor
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – The good stuff from the refrigerated section
• Fresh basil for garnish – Optional but oh-so-pretty

See? Nothing fancy – just honest ingredients that create something truly special together. Now let’s get cooking!

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How to Make Delicious Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce

Alright, let’s dive into making this cozy, flavor-packed dish! Don’t worry – I’ll walk you through each step so you end up with perfect results every time. Just grab your favorite large skillet (I use my trusty cast iron) and let’s get started!

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

First, heat that olive oil over medium heat until it shimmers – about 1 minute should do it. Toss in your diced onions and give them a good stir. You’ll know they’re ready when they turn translucent and smell sweet – usually 3-4 minutes. Now add the minced garlic (careful, it burns fast!) and stir for just 30 seconds until fragrant. This creates the flavor foundation for our whole dish!

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Next, crumble in your ground beef. I like to break it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks – aim for pea-sized pieces. Cook until there’s no pink left, about 5-6 minutes. Pro tip: Don’t stir too much at first! Letting the beef get a little caramelization adds amazing depth of flavor. Drain any excess fat if needed (though I leave about 1 tbsp for extra richness).

Step 3: Simmer the Sauce

Now the fun part! Pour in those juicy diced tomatoes (with all their liquid), plus the salt, pepper, and oregano. Give it a good stir, then add the orzo and 2 cups water. Bring it to a gentle bubble, then reduce heat to medium-low. Stir occasionally for about 10 minutes as the orzo absorbs the liquid and cooks to al dente perfection. The sauce will thicken beautifully!

Step 4: Add Cream and Cheese

Almost done! Pour in the heavy cream and stir until everything looks luxuriously creamy – about 1 minute. Remove from heat and sprinkle in that Parmesan cheese (it melts better off the heat). Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. I always finish with fresh basil because it makes the dish look fancy with zero extra work!

See? Told you it was easy! Now grab some crusty bread and dig into this comforting bowl of goodness. For another quick and flavorful dish, try our Easy Ground Beef Bulgogi Recipe Quick Dinner that’s perfect for weeknight meals.

Tips for Perfect Delicious Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce

After making this dish dozens of times (my family won’t let me stop!), I’ve picked up some handy tricks:

• Meat matters: Lean ground beef works great, but 85% lean gives the best flavor without being greasy
• Cream swap: Out of heavy cream? Half-and-half works almost as well – just add it at the very end
• Spice it up: A pinch of red pepper flakes adds wonderful warmth without overpowering
• Fresh herbs: Stir in some chopped parsley or basil right before serving for a bright pop
• Pasta pro tip: Don’t overcook the orzo! It should be tender but still have a slight bite

Trust me – these little touches take this already amazing dish to the next level!

Serving Suggestions for Delicious Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce

This dish is practically begging to be served with something crusty to soak up that luscious sauce! My absolute must-have is warm garlic bread – the crisp edges and buttery center are perfect for scooping up every last bite. For a lighter meal, pair it with a simple green salad (I love arugula with lemon vinaigrette) or roasted veggies. The creamy orzo also makes a fantastic base for grilled chicken or shrimp if you want to fancy it up. Honestly though? Sometimes I just eat it straight from the pan with a big spoon – no judgment here!

Storage and Reheating Instructions

You’ll definitely want leftovers of this delicious ground beef orzo! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, I prefer the stovetop – just splash in a little water or broth and warm gently over low heat, stirring often. The microwave works too (cover with a damp paper towel to keep it moist). Pro tip: The sauce thickens as it sits, so don’t panic – that’s totally normal!

Nutritional Information

Now, I’m no nutritionist, but here’s the general scoop on what you’re getting in each serving of this delicious ground beef orzo. Remember – these numbers can change based on the exact ingredients you use (especially things like the fat percentage in your beef or brand of cream). Each hearty portion has about 450 calories, 25g of protein to keep you satisfied, and 35g of carbs from that lovely orzo. The sauce gets its richness from the heavy cream and Parmesan, so you’re looking at about 25g of fat per serving. But hey – comfort food is meant to be enjoyed, right?

Discover more creamy and flavorful ground beef pasta recipes on Pinterest for quick weeknight inspiration.

Frequently Asked Questions About Delicious Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce

I get so many questions about this recipe – here are the ones that pop up most often!