Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce

If you’re looking for a quick, creamy, and satisfying meal, you’ve come to the right place! This Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is not just a recipe; it’s a warm hug in a bowl that the whole family will adore. It’s one of those dishes that makes weeknight dinners feel special without requiring hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re busy with kids’ activities or just need something comforting after a long day, this dish fits right in.

I love how easily it comes together in just about 30 minutes. You can whip it up for an easy dinner or even make it ahead for meal prep lunches. The rich tomato cream sauce pairs perfectly with tender orzo and seasoned ground beef, making it an instant favorite. Let’s dive into why this recipe should be your next go-to!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With simple steps and minimal cooking time, you can have dinner on the table in no time.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this creamy pasta dish packed with flavor.
• Comforting Flavors: The combination of ground beef, bell peppers, and cheese makes every bite comforting and delicious.
• One-Pan Wonder: Less cleanup means more time to relax after dinner—yay!
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for meal prepping; simply reheat leftovers for lunch or dinner later in the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe features simple, wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 1 cup diced red bell pepper
• 1 cup diced green bell pepper
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar blend
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups water or beef broth
• Chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)

Variations

One of the best things about this Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is its flexibility! Feel free to customize it based on your preferences:

• Swap the protein: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
• Add veggies: Toss in some spinach or zucchini to sneak in extra nutrition.
• Change the cheese: Try using feta or gouda for a different flavor twist.
• Make it spicy: Add some red pepper flakes if you like a little heat in your dish.

How to Make Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce

Step 1: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté these until they are soft and fragrant, which should take about 2–3 minutes. This step builds a flavorful base for your dish!

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Next, add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until it’s nicely browned and no longer pink. Season it with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning as it cooks. Don’t forget to drain any excess fat afterward; we want all that flavor without being too greasy!

Step 3: Add Bell Peppers

Stir in the diced red and green bell peppers next. Sauté for another 3–4 minutes until they are softened but still vibrant. This adds color and sweetness to our dish while enhancing its texture.

Step 4: Incorporate Tomato Ingredients

Now it’s time to add the tomato sauce, undrained diced tomatoes, and orzo pasta into the mix! Stir everything together well so that all those yummy flavors combine beautifully.

Step 5: Simmer with Broth

Pour in either water or beef broth—whichever you prefer—and bring everything to a simmer. Cook for about 10–12 minutes while stirring occasionally until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. The aroma will be irresistible!

Step 6: Stir in Heavy Cream

Once your orzo is cooked perfectly, reduce the heat slightly and stir in heavy cream until everything is smooth and creamy. This step transforms your dish into something truly comforting.

Step 7: Melt Cheese on Top

Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top of your mixture! Cover the skillet briefly to allow the cheese to melt perfectly into that creamy goodness.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Finally, garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve this delightful Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce hot from the skillet—enjoy every last bite!

Pro Tips for Making Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce

Cooking should be fun and stress-free, so here are some handy tips to make your Ground Beef Orzo even more delicious and effortless!

• Prep your ingredients ahead of time: Chopping your vegetables and measuring out your ingredients before you start cooking can save you time and make the cooking process smoother.

• Use lean ground beef: Choosing lean ground beef will reduce excess grease in your dish, allowing the flavors of the tomato cream sauce and seasonings to shine through.

• Stir frequently while simmering: Stirring the mixture occasionally during simmering helps to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom of the skillet and ensures even cooking.

• Adjust seasoning to taste: Every palate is different! Taste your dish before serving and feel free to adjust the salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning to suit your family’s preferences.

• Let leftovers cool before storing: If you have any leftovers, allow them to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. This will help maintain their texture when reheating.

How to Serve Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce

Presentation can elevate a meal from everyday to extraordinary! Here are some ideas for how to serve this delightful dish that your family will love.

Garnishes

• Chopped parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds color and brightness to the dish.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: A light dusting of Parmesan provides a salty, nutty flavor that complements the creamy sauce beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Garlic bread: Crispy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce, making it a tasty side that everyone loves.
• Steamed broccoli: This healthy green addition brings vibrant color and a crunchy texture that pairs wonderfully with the creamy orzo.
• Caesar salad: A classic Caesar salad adds a crispy, refreshing contrast to the warm, rich flavors of the main dish.
• Roasted vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or carrots can add variety and nutrients to your meal while enhancing its visual appeal.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips in mind, you’re all set for a delightful dining experience with your Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce! Enjoy every comforting bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is perfect for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time and store it, making weeknight dinners a breeze. Plus, it tastes just as good, if not better, the next day!

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Keep the garnish separate to maintain freshness until serving.

Freezing

• Portion out servings into freezer-safe containers.
• Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality.
• Label each container with the date and contents for easy identification.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce.
• Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, until heated through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this recipe that might help you out!

Can I use a different type of pasta instead of orzo in this Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce?

Absolutely! While orzo is great for soaking up the sauce, you can substitute with small pasta shapes like ditalini or even elbow macaroni. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose.

How can I make this Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth and add more veggies like zucchini or mushrooms for added flavor and texture!

Can I add more vegetables to this recipe?

Definitely! Feel free to add any vegetables you have on hand—spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms would all be delicious additions. Just sauté them along with the other veggies.

What can I serve alongside Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce?

This dish pairs well with a simple side salad or garlic bread. You could also serve it with steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce as much as I do! It’s truly a special dish that brings comfort and satisfaction to any table. Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a cozy meal prep option, this recipe is sure to please everyone. Happy cooking!