Growing up, Creamy Tomato Sauce Ground Beef Orzo was a dish that always brought my family together. The rich, velvety sauce, the tender ground beef, and the perfectly cooked orzo pasta – it was a meal that just tasted like home. I can still remember the aroma wafting through the house, making our mouths water in anticipation.
Whenever my mom would make this dish, it was a signal that it was going to be a cozy, comforting evening. We’d all gather around the table, passing the Parmesan cheese and warm, crusty bread, laughing and chatting about our days. It was the kind of meal that just made you feel good, you know? There’s something about the combination of flavors and textures that is simply irresistible.
Why This Creamy Tomato Sauce Ground Beef Orzo Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Creamy Tomato Sauce Ground Beef Orzo
What makes this Creamy Tomato Sauce Ground Beef Orzo recipe so special is the way the flavors meld together to create a truly exceptional dish. The secret lies in the careful balance of the ingredients and the techniques used to bring them all together.
For starters, the ground beef is browned to perfection, locking in all that savory, meaty flavor. The onions and garlic are sautéed until they’re soft and fragrant, adding depth and complexity to the sauce. And the combination of crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, and a blend of dried herbs – well, that’s where the magic happens.
The heavy cream creates a luxuriously creamy texture that coats each bite of orzo, while the tomatoes provide a tangy, bright contrast. The oregano and basil lend their earthy, aromatic notes, tying everything together in a way that’s simply irresistible.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 pound ground beef: The foundation of this dish, the ground beef provides the protein and savory flavor that makes this meal so satisfying.
- 1 onion, diced: Onions add sweetness and depth of flavor to the sauce, helping to balance out the acidity of the tomatoes.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic is a must-have in any good tomato sauce, lending its distinctive aroma and pungent flavor.
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes: These canned tomatoes are the backbone of the sauce, providing the perfect blend of sweetness and acidity.
- 1 cup heavy cream: This rich, creamy ingredient is what makes the sauce so luxuriously smooth and indulgent.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Oregano adds an earthy, slightly peppery note that complements the other flavors beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Fresh basil would also work well, but the dried version lends a more concentrated, aromatic flavor.
- 2 cups uncooked orzo pasta: This small, rice-shaped pasta is the perfect vessel for soaking up all that delicious sauce.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: A sprinkle of nutty, salty Parmesan cheese is the perfect finishing touch, adding a layer of richness and flavor.
Step-by-Step Creamy Tomato Sauce Ground Beef Orzo Instructions
Preparing Your Creamy Tomato Sauce Ground Beef Orzo
Prep time for this Creamy Tomato Sauce Ground Beef Orzo recipe is just 15 minutes, and the cooking time is 30 minutes, for a total time of 45 minutes. You’ll need a large skillet or Dutch oven, a wooden spoon, and a colander for straining the pasta.
1- Start by heating a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until it’s browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
2- Once the beef is cooked, add the diced onion to the skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until the onion is soft and translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly to prevent the garlic from burning.
3- Now, pour in the can of crushed tomatoes and stir to combine. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
4- After the sauce has simmered, stir in the heavy cream, dried oregano, and dried basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce continue to simmer for another 5-7 minutes, until it’s thickened to your desired consistency.
5- While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo pasta and cook according to the package instructions, about 8-10 minutes, until al dente.
6- Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander and add it directly to the creamy tomato sauce. Stir everything together until the orzo is evenly coated. Serve hot, garnished with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
Pro Tips for Success
- Don’t be afraid to let the ground beef really brown – this adds so much flavor to the dish.
- Make sure to sauté the onions and garlic until they’re soft and fragrant before adding the other ingredients.
- Taste the sauce as it simmers and adjust the seasoning as needed – a little extra salt or pepper can make all the difference.
- Cook the orzo pasta al dente, so it doesn’t get mushy when added to the sauce.
- Grate the Parmesan cheese fresh just before serving for maximum flavor and texture.
Serving and Storing Your Creamy Tomato Sauce Ground Beef Orzo
Perfect Pairings for Creamy Tomato Sauce Ground Beef Orzo
This Creamy Tomato Sauce Ground Beef Orzo recipe is a hearty, satisfying dish that serves 6 people. It pairs beautifully with a fresh, crisp salad and a glass of bold red wine. For a complete meal, you could also serve it alongside some warm, crusty garlic bread for sopping up every last drop of that delicious sauce.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftovers of this Creamy Tomato Sauce Ground Beef Orzo can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply place the desired portion in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
If you’d like to make this dish in advance, you can prepare the sauce and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, simply cook the orzo pasta according to the package instructions, then combine it with the reheated sauce.
For longer-term storage, the sauce can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw the sauce in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat and toss with freshly cooked orzo.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Creamy Tomato Sauce Ground Beef Orzo
Creative Creamy Tomato Sauce Ground Beef Orzo Variations
- Swap out the ground beef for ground Italian sausage or a blend of pork and beef for a heartier, more savory version.
- Add in some fresh spinach or kale for an extra boost of nutrients.
- Use whole wheat orzo for a healthier take on the dish.
- Stir in a handful of diced sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers for a pop of color and flavor.
- Top with crispy fried onions or breadcrumbs for a crunchy contrast.
Making Creamy Tomato Sauce Ground Beef Orzo Diet-Friendly
For a gluten-free version, simply swap the orzo pasta for a gluten-free alternative, like quinoa or brown rice pasta.
To make this dish vegan, replace the ground beef with crumbled tofu or a plant-based ground meat substitute. Swap the heavy cream for unsweetened almond or coconut milk, and omit the Parmesan cheese.
If you’re following a low-carb diet, you can serve the creamy tomato sauce over roasted zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash instead of the orzo pasta.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta instead of orzo?
A: Absolutely! While orzo is the perfect shape and size for this dish, you can easily substitute other small, bite-sized pasta shapes, like ditalini, elbow macaroni, or even small shells.
Q: How long does it take to make this Creamy Tomato Sauce Ground Beef Orzo recipe?
A: The total time for this recipe is 45 minutes, with 15 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes of cook time.
Q: Can I make this dish in advance?
A: Yes, you can prepare the sauce up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce and cook the orzo pasta.
Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
A: This Creamy Tomato Sauce Ground Beef Orzo recipe serves 6 people.
Q: What can I do if the sauce is too thick or too thin?
A: If the sauce is too thick, you can thin it out by adding a splash of the pasta cooking water or a bit more heavy cream. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to allow the sauce to reduce and thicken.
Creamy Tomato Sauce Ground Beef Orzo
- Total Time: 45
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Indulge in the cozy, comforting flavors of this Creamy Tomato Sauce Ground Beef Orzo dish. Tender ground beef is simmered in a rich and velvety tomato sauce, then tossed with perfectly cooked orzo pasta for a satisfying and family-friendly meal.
Ingredients
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 cups uncooked orzo pasta
– Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Instructions
1. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned and crumbled, 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the onion is translucent.
3. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and heavy cream. Stir in the dried oregano and basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
5. Meanwhile, cook the orzo pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
6. Add the cooked orzo to the creamy tomato sauce and stir to combine.
7. Serve the Creamy Tomato Sauce Ground Beef Orzo hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
– For a spicier version, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.
– Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Pasta & Noodles
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
This Creamy Tomato Sauce Ground Beef Orzo recipe is a true family favorite that’s sure to become a staple in your household. The rich, velvety sauce, the tender ground beef, and the perfectly cooked orzo pasta come together to create a dish that’s both comforting and indulgent.
Whether you’re serving it for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. So go ahead and give it a try – I can’t wait to hear what you think! Don’t forget to share your photos and reviews in the comments below.
