Looking for a delicious and comforting meal to make for your family or friends? This Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is the perfect choice! It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and sure to impress anyone who tries it.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Great flavors: The combination of lean ground beef, tomato sauce, cream, and parmesan cheese creates a rich and creamy sauce that is simply irresistible.
- Quick prep time: With just a few simple steps, you can have this dish ready to serve in under 30 minutes.
- Perfect for meal prep: This recipe is great for meal prepping as it reheats well and can be enjoyed as leftovers throughout the week.
Ingredient Notes:
- Lean ground beef: Adds protein and flavor to the dish. You can substitute with ground turkey or chicken if desired.
- Onion and garlic: Provide a savory base for the sauce.
- Crushed red pepper flakes and Italian seasoning: Add a hint of spice and Italian flavors.
- Orzo pasta: A small rice-shaped pasta that cooks quickly and absorbs the flavors of the sauce.
- Tomato sauce and beef broth: Create a rich and flavorful base for the sauce.
- Heavy/whipping cream: Adds creaminess and richness to the dish.
- Worcestershire sauce: Enhances the savory flavors of the sauce.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty and salty flavor to the dish.
- Fresh baby spinach: Adds a pop of color and nutrition to the dish.
- Salt & pepper: To season the dish to taste.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Add the ground beef to a soup pot/Dutch oven and break it up a little bit with your spoon. Let it cook over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes.
- Add the onion to the pot and stir/break the beef up into small pieces. Cook for another 5 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic, red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, and orzo. Cook for about a minute.
- Add the tomato sauce, beef broth, cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring often.
- Remove from heat, stir in the parmesan and spinach, and cover for 5-10 minutes until thickened. Season with salt & pepper.
Helpful Tips:
- To enhance the flavors, try adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or parsley.
- For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream.
- Make sure to use a large enough pot to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom.
Serving Suggestions:
This dish pairs well with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or a side of roasted vegetables. For drinks, try serving it with a glass of red wine or a refreshing iced tea.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or reheat on the stovetop with a splash of broth to keep it creamy.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use ground chicken instead of beef? Yes, ground chicken or turkey can be used as a leaner alternative.
- Can I freeze this dish? It is not recommended to freeze this dish as the cream may separate upon thawing.
- Can I omit the spinach? Yes, the spinach can be omitted or substituted with another leafy green like kale.
Conclusion:
Now that you have the recipe for this delicious Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce, it’s time to get cooking! Whether you’re making it for a cozy night in or a special occasion, this dish is sure to be a hit. Give it a try and let us know how it turns out!
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Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe is a comforting and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cozy dinner. The creamy tomato sauce pairs perfectly with the beef and orzo, creating a delicious and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
Sauce:
- 1 (14 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 3/4 cup beef broth
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Additional:
- 2 cups (packed) fresh baby spinach
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Beef: Add the ground beef to a pot and cook until browned. Add onion and cook until softened.
- Add Flavors: Stir in garlic, red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, and orzo.
- Make the Sauce: Add tomato sauce, beef broth, cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in parmesan and spinach until wilted. Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef.
- This dish reheats well, making it great for leftovers.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg