This Easy Ground Beef Orzo is a cozy weeknight dish that combines tender orzo pasta with rich ground beef in a creamy tomato sauce. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl!
Seriously, who can resist a creamy tomato sauce? I love how it comes together quickly—boil, simmer, and enjoy! Perfect for those busy evenings when you want something yummy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the heart of the recipe and provides great flavor. You can swap it with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. For a plant-based twist, try using lentils or a meat substitute like Beyond Meat.
Orzo Pasta: Orzo is a pasta shaped like rice, perfect for this dish. You can replace it with any small pasta like ditalini or even quinoa if you’re looking for a gluten-free option.
Diced Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes add sweetness and acidity. If you prefer fresh tomatoes, about 2-3 medium ones, chopped, will work nicely too. Adjust the simmering time to ensure they soften.
Heavy Cream: This gives the sauce its creamy texture. You can use half-and-half for a lighter version, or coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative. Just know it will slightly change the flavor.
How Do I Make Sure the Orzo is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking the orzo to the right texture is key to this dish. Follow these tips for success:
- Once you’ve added the orzo, ensure it’s well mixed with the liquids. This prevents it from clumping together.
- Keep the heat at a gentle simmer—bubbling but not boiling—so it cooks evenly.
- Stir occasionally! This helps the orzo absorb liquid evenly without sticking to the pan.
- Check the orzo around the 12-minute mark; it should be al dente—firm to the bite. If it needs more time, simmer a few more minutes.
Easy Ground Beef Orzo in Creamy Tomato Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Main Dish:
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 can (14 oz/400g) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 2 cups beef broth (or water)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 10 minutes for prep and 20 minutes to cook, so you can have a cozy meal ready in just about 30 minutes! Perfect for busy weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Onions and Garlic:
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until it becomes softened and slightly translucent. Then, toss in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute—just until it’s fragrant!
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
Next, add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it apart as it cooks. Brown the beef for about 5-7 minutes. As it cooks, season it with salt, pepper, oregano, and basil to boost the flavors!
3. Toast the Orzo:
Once the beef is browned, stir in the orzo pasta and cook it for 1-2 minutes. This little step toasts the pasta, enhancing its flavor before cooking.
4. Combine with Sauces and Broth:
Now it’s time to get saucy! Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir everything together well so that the orzo is nicely coated.
5. Simmer:
Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and cover the skillet. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure the orzo doesn’t stick to the bottom and absorbs most of the liquid—it should be nice and tender in the end!
6. Add the Cream:
After boiling, remove the skillet from heat. Now stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half, giving it that creamy finish. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your delicious ground beef orzo hot! Top each bowl with fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and flavor, and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if you’d like—a little extra richness never hurts!
Enjoy your cozy meal, made quick and easy!
FAQ about Easy Ground Beef Orzo in Creamy Tomato Sauce
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great leaner substitute for ground beef. Just make sure to monitor the cooking time, as turkey may cook a bit faster.
What If I Don’t Have Orzo Pasta?
No worries! You can replace orzo with any small pasta shape, such as ditalini, small shells, or even rice. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different pastas may take longer or shorter to cook.
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Yes! Substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative. It will maintain the creamy texture while making the dish suitable for those avoiding dairy.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. If the orzo absorbs too much liquid, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up while reheating.
