If you’re looking for a dish that’s delicious, comforting, and easy to prepare, look no further than this scrumptious Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce. This one-pot meal offers a perfect blend of flavors and textures that will have your taste buds dancing. The combination of rich ground beef, zesty tomato sauce, and creamy elements creates a symphony that delivers satisfaction in every bite. Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a cozy meal with family and friends, this recipe is designed to cater to your cravings while making your life easier.
What makes this Ground Beef Orzo especially appealing is not only its robust flavor but also its simplicity. With just a few ingredients and minimal fuss, you can create a hearty meal that brings everyone to the table. The orzo pasta absorbs the savory flavors beautifully, making it the perfect comfort food for any occasion. Additionally, the inclusion of baby spinach adds a nutritious touch, making this dish a well-rounded meal that pleases both the palate and the body.
Why You’ll Love This Delicious Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for weeknight meals.
- One-Pot Wonder: Save time on cleanup with everything cooked in one skillet.
- Flavorful & Filling: A comforting blend of beef, creamy sauce, and pasta that will satisfy your hunger.
- Versatile: Customize by adding your favorite vegetables or spices.
- Family-Friendly: A dish everyone in the family will love, making it ideal for busy households.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before diving into this delicious recipe, it’s important to prepare your kitchen and gather all the necessary tools. Start by ensuring that your workspace is clean and organized. A sharp knife will be essential for finely chopping your onion, and a sturdy cutting board is recommended for safety.
A deep skillet or sauté pan is required for this recipe, making it easy to mix all the ingredients while allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Have a wooden spoon or spatula on hand for stirring; this helps in breaking down the ground beef and toasting the orzo. Finally, make sure you have measuring cups and spoons handy for accurate ingredient portions.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup orzo pasta, uncooked
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1.5 cups marinara or tomato sauce
- 2.5 cups beef broth
- 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon paprika
- 0.5 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup baby spinach
- 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Begin by heating your deep skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil and let it warm up before introducing the finely chopped onion. Sauté the onion for about 3–4 minutes until it’s translucent and fragrant. This step lays the groundwork for a delicious flavor base. When the onion becomes soft, add the minced garlic, cooking it for no more than 30 seconds to prevent burning.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Next, add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon as it browns. Cook it until no pink remains, which will take around 5–7 minutes. Depending on how fatty your ground beef is, you might want to drain any excess fat at this point to keep your dish from becoming greasy.
Step 3: Toast the Orzo
Once the beef is browned, toss in the uncooked orzo. Stir it into the mix, allowing it to toast in the meat’s juices for about 1–2 minutes. This is a crucial step that adds depth to the orzo’s flavor and sets the stage for the next ingredients.
Step 4: Combine Tomato Ingredients
Now, mix in the tomato paste, letting it cook for 1 minute to intensify the flavors. Pour in the marinara sauce and beef broth, then season with oregano, salt, pepper, and paprika. This combination brings a rich, savory flavor, so stir well to ensure everything is evenly coated.
Step 5: Simmer to Perfection
Bring your mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and cover the skillet. Let it simmer for about 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the orzo to become tender; keep an eye on it as cooking times may vary slightly based on your stovetop.
Step 6: Create the Creamy Sauce
Once the orzo is cooked through, reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, followed by the baby spinach and grated Parmesan cheese. The cream adds richness, while the spinach wilts quickly, enriching the dish with vitamins and a vibrant color. This step will also make your sauce thick and creamy.
Step 7: Final Touches
Finally, taste your Ground Beef Orzo and adjust the seasoning as necessary. Serve the dish hot, and consider topping it with extra Parmesan cheese or fresh basil for an added burst of flavor.
Variations
- Protein: Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Vegetables: Add bell peppers or mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition.
- Spices: Experiment with Italian seasoning or chili flakes for an extra kick.
Cooking Notes
- Feel free to adjust the cream amount based on your preferred richness level.
- This dish can be made in advance and reheated, but the orzo may soak up more sauce once cooled.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a slice of garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Pair with a fresh green salad for added crunch and freshness.
Tips
- Make sure to stir the orzo frequently while simmering to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the skillet.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the beef with lentils or chickpeas.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 500 per serving
- Protein: 30g
- Sodium: 800mg
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use small pasta shapes similar to orzo, like ditalini or small shells.
Can this recipe be frozen?
Yes, this dish can be frozen, although the texture of the orzo may change a bit upon reheating.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or even coconut milk for a lighter alternative, although flavors will differ slightly.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan.
Conclusion
In summary, this Delicious Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is a hearty, satisfying meal that won’t break the bank or take hours to prepare. It’s a wonderfully versatile dish that caters to varying preferences, making it perfect for family dinners or hosting friends. We invite you to try this recipe, explore the variations explained, and share your own twist on this comforting classic. Don’t forget to let us know what you think in the comments, and happy cooking!
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Delicious Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Delicious Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is a hearty, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup orzo pasta, uncooked
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1.5 cups marinara or tomato sauce
- 2.5 cups beef broth
- 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon paprika
- 0.5 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup baby spinach
- 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Begin by heating your deep skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil and let it warm up before introducing the finely chopped onion. Sauté the onion for about 3–4 minutes until it’s translucent and fragrant.
- Next, add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon as it browns. Cook it until no pink remains, around 5–7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Once the beef is browned, toss in the uncooked orzo. Stir it into the mix, allowing it to toast in the meat’s juices for about 1–2 minutes.
- Now, mix in the tomato paste, cooking for 1 minute. Pour in the marinara sauce and beef broth, then season with oregano, salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Bring your mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and cover the skillet. Let it simmer for about 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Once the orzo is cooked through, reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, followed by the baby spinach and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Finally, taste your Ground Beef Orzo and adjust the seasoning as necessary. Serve hot and optionally top with extra Parmesan or fresh basil.
Notes
Make sure to stir the orzo frequently while simmering to prevent sticking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 500 kcal
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Protein: 30 g