Why Make This Recipe
Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is a delightful dish that combines the richness of beef with the creamy texture of a tomato-based sauce. It’s a simple yet satisfying meal, perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in. This recipe is not only easy to make, but it also captures the comfort of a warm home-cooked meal.
How to Make Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Directions:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Make sure to drain the excess fat.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until it becomes fragrant.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, beef broth, and Italian seasoning. Bring this mixture to a simmer.
- Add the orzo pasta and cook according to the package instructions, which should take about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Once the orzo is cooked, stir in the heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil.
How to Serve Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce
Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce can be served as a main course. It’s best enjoyed warm and can be paired with a side salad or some crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. This dish is also great for leftovers!
How to Store Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce
To store any leftovers, place the Beef Orzo in an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.
Tips to Make Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce
- Make sure to drain the excess fat from the beef to keep the dish from being overly greasy.
- Feel free to adjust the seasoning according to your taste. Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes can give it an extra kick.
- For extra creaminess, you can add more heavy cream or some cream cheese.
Variation
You can easily customize this recipe by adding vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for added nutrition. Alternatively, using ground turkey or chicken can lighten up the dish while still offering great flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I use another type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute orzo with other small pasta shapes like ditalini or even broken spaghetti.
2. Is there a way to make this dish healthier?
You can use lean ground beef or substitute it with ground turkey or chicken. Additionally, consider adding more vegetables.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the beef and sauce ahead of time. Just cook the orzo separately and combine everything before serving.
Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: None
Description
A delightful dish that combines the richness of beef with a creamy tomato-based sauce, perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Drain the excess fat.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, beef broth, and Italian seasoning. Bring this mixture to a simmer.
- Add the orzo pasta and cook according to the package instructions (about 8-10 minutes), stirring occasionally.
- Once the orzo is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil.
Notes
Make sure to drain the excess fat from the beef to keep the dish from being overly greasy. Add vegetables for added nutrition.