This Beef Orzo dish features tender beef mixed with little pasta grains in a rich tomato cream sauce. It’s comforting and perfect for a cozy dinner!
You’ll love how creamy and delicious this sauce is! I like to sprinkle some cheese on top, and trust me, it makes it even better. It’s a hug in a bowl! 🥰
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This adds richness to the dish. You can swap it for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. For a vegetarian version, try using lentils or a plant-based meat alternative.
Orzo Pasta: Orzo is rice-shaped pasta and gives a nice texture. If you don’t have orzo, you can use other small pasta like stelline or ditalini. Just adjust cooking time as needed.
Crushed Tomatoes: These create a flavorful base. If you’re out of crushed tomatoes, whole or diced tomatoes can be blended for similar results. Fresh tomatoes work too if they’re in season!
Heavy Cream: This enriches the sauce and makes it creamy. For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or a non-dairy creamy substitute like coconut cream or cashew cream.
Parmesan Cheese: This brings a savory flavor. You can use Pecorino Romano for a different taste or nutritional yeast if you’re looking for a dairy-free option.
How Do I Cook the Orzo Perfectly?
Cooking orzo right is key to this dish’s texture. It should be tender but not mushy! Here’s how to do it:
- After adding the orzo to the skillet, stir well to prevent sticking.
- Cover and cook on low heat. Check around the 10-minute mark. If there’s still liquid, keep cooking; if it’s too dry, add a splash of beef broth or water.
- When done, let it rest off the heat for a couple of minutes. This helps it set up, giving better texture!
For extra flavor, consider adding a bit of lemon zest or a splash of balsamic vinegar before serving. It brightens things up nicely!
How to Make Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
- 2 tbsp olive oil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend roughly 10-15 minutes preparing the ingredients and cooking, followed by a few minutes for resting and serving. It’s a quick and delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Onion:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until the onion looks soft and translucent.
2. Brown the Beef:
Next, add the minced garlic and ground beef to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon, until the beef is nicely browned. Remember to season it with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat!
3. Add Tomatoes and Broth:
Now it’s time to stir in the crushed tomatoes and beef broth. Bring everything to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes. This will make the sauce flavorful!
4. Cook the Orzo:
After simmering, add the orzo pasta and Italian seasoning. Give it a good stir, then cover the skillet. Lower the heat and cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
5. Mix in Cream and Cheese:
Once the orzo is ready, pour in the heavy cream and add the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir everything to combine, and let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens a bit.
6. Final Touches:
After simmering, taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if you need to. Then remove it from the heat and let it rest for a couple of minutes to settle.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Dish out the Beef Orzo into bowls, and don’t forget to sprinkle some extra Parmesan cheese on top along with fresh basil leaves for a lovely finishing touch. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Can I Substitute Ground Beef with Another Meat?
Absolutely! You can swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat substitute. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly, especially with leaner meats like turkey, which may need a bit less time to cook through.
How Can I Make This Dish Gluten-Free?
If you want to make this recipe gluten-free, simply replace the orzo pasta with a gluten-free pasta alternative. Be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed since gluten-free pasta often cooks differently. Also, double-check the beef broth label to ensure it’s gluten-free!
Can I Prepare This Recipe in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time! Cook it as directed, then let it cool before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce if necessary.
How to Store Leftovers
Leftover beef orzo can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for about 3 days. If you want to freeze it, place it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Just remember to thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating!
